Is It Normal To Lose A Lot Of Hair In The Shower

You must have left clumps of hair in the shower in addition to soap and debris. This leaves most of us worried about those hairs clinging to the drain. It happens to almost everyone.

However, this is not normal if you feel that it is not slowing down or increasing with every shower. Hence, it is better to keep an eye on hair shedding during a shower.

But how much hair loss in the shower is normal? This question has worried individuals for decades. Since early problem detection leads to better solutions.

Here we will explain in detail about normal hair loss in the shower, while also discussing main causes and prevention tips. So, helping you keep the unnecessary shedding to a minimum.

Hair shedding is normal while hair loss isn’t.

Numerous studies have investigated normal hair loss in the shower. However, an authentic report by the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that the average person loses between 50 and 100 strands per day.

Moreover, this is actually hair shedding rather than hair loss – and it is normal. Since our hair grows in phases, they regrow after completing their life cycle.

Contrarily, hair loss refers to the inability to grow hair back. This is a cause of concern and needs medical attention.

Hair growth is a continuous cycle. This means, our hair grows and sheds at the same time. Hence, our hair strands are always in one the three stages of hair growth.

Normal hair loss in the shower for men is not a cause for concern. The shedding of hair could be due to the growth cycle of your hair.

• • • Anagen Stage: Our cells rapidly divide to form new hair during this stage. This is the largest stage as the majority of hair remains in this phase. Hence, the longer this phase, the longer your hair keeps growing.
    • Catagen Stage: This is the stage where growth of hair slows down and eventually stops. Around 3% of hair remains in this stage as hair follicles start shrinking. This is commonly known as ‘club hair’.
    • Telogen Stage: When our club hair enters a resting phase of approximately 100 days, it starts shedding during this phase.

While it is normal to lose up to 100 strands per day, some conditions may increase shedding. Therefore, it is better to keep in mind the following factors, as these may increase the average hair loss in the shower.

Showering

We all love a cozy long bath. Nevertheless, we see the most hair fall in the shower. Thankfully, this is normal, as our hair follicles naturally shed.

Hot water showers weaken our follicles and cause an increase in hair shedding. Likewise, thicker strands also tend to shed more than thinner strands.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes (increase in estrogen & progesterone levels) during pregnancy and (sudden decrease in estrogen & progesterone levels) after childbirth increases hair shedding. Generally, you observe faster and thicker hair growth during pregnancy, while hair shedding occurs after the baby birth.

Aging

Similarly, as our hair loses color and becomes less dense with age, we may experience more hair shedding compared to the typical amount in the shower.

Hair Care & Styling

Frequent use of heat styling tools damages hair quality. Likewise, tight hair styling such as braids and ponytails also increases hair shedding. Further, use of harsh hair care products increases dryness leading to hair falling out.

Stress

Chronic stress stops hair growth. This leads to a condition known as telogen effluvium, which causes excessive hair shedding.

Genetics

Genetics is one of the main reasons for hair fall in the shower. If your family has a history of excessive hair loss, there are high chances that you will experience the same.

How To Know If Your Hair Loss Is Excessive?

A normal amount of hair to lose in the shower is a fine line away from excessive loss. Since it is not possible to count the 100 strands that are considered normal shedding.

Hence, the best way to check hair loss vs hair breakage in the shower is to keep an eye on the look and feel of your hair.

Here are few points of concern:

• • • A patchy appearance on the head
    • Hair thinning across the scalp (especially in women)
    • Hair receding across the temples (especially in men)
    • Hair loss at the crown
    • A widening parting

So, here is what to do if you’re losing hair in the shower:

• • Light Brushing: Start brushing your hair lightly before a hair wash. It will dislodge some of the ready-to-shed strands from the head.
  • Use A Wide-Tooth Comb: Once done with the shower, use a wide-tooth comb on your wet hair. This minimizes damage to strands from tangling.
  • Detangling Solution: One of the best ways to detangle hair is to use kid’s detanglers. These are gentle on hair and avoid heavy pull.
  • Reduce Blow-Drying: Blow-drying makes hair brittle. This leads to hair thinning and giving a bald impression. Therefore, reduce excessive blow-drying to achieve normal hair loss in the shower.
  • Avoid Tight Styles: Tight ponytails, buns and braids massively pull hair follicles. This increases hair fall due to traction alopecia. Hence, avoid rubber bands and hair extensions.
  • Combat Stress: Engage in stress reducing activities like exercising, yoga or meditating. You can also increase your sleep.
  • Dietary Adjustments: Start taking a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins (A & D), iron, zinc and other nutrients.

How To Prevent Excessive Hair Loss In The Shower?

If you are unable to contain your hair fall in the shower, it is better to consult a dermatologist. As this may need medical intervention. An expert can evaluate and advise the right hair loss treatment. This may include either of the following:

• • Minoxidil: It is an excellent treatment for different types of alopecia. This topical solution can stimulate hair growth.
  • Derma Rolling: It triggers the body’s natural healing process to stimulate hair growth. You can use it in combination with other solutions.
  • Hair Loss Shampoos: Certain shampoos are good preventers of hair loss. However, you should only select one after consulting your doctor.
  • Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): You need an expert to perform this therapy. As it can stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp.
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP): This therapy involves injecting platelet-rich plasma into the scalp to increase hair growth.