Hair Loss In Shower: How Much Is Normal?
Hair loss among men is common, with around half of men around the world experiencing hair loss by the age of 50. A quarter of men even notice the first signs of hair loss before the age of 21. For many men, hair loss is closely linked to mental health, and losing hair can affect a man's self-esteem, confidence, and outgoingness.
One of the most common places that men notice hair loss is in the shower, which will be the focus of this blog post. Here, we will take a look at why hair loss in the shower occurs, how much hair loss is normal, and what you can do to reduce or prevent hair loss. Let's get started.
How Much Hair Loss Is Normal in the Shower?
Research shows that the average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs a day. This may increase to 150 to 200 hairs on days when a person washes their hair. People who wash their hair infrequently, such as once or twice or week, may notice an increase in shedding as a result of buildup.
While this may sound like a lot in isolation, it should be noted that the average person has 250,000 hairs on their head at any one time. So, this is the normal amount of hair loss in the shower that people experience.
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The majority of hair shedding does occur in the shower, though it's also common to lose hair afterward, especially if combing the hair. If you notice that you are continuing to shed even long after your shower, this may be a sign that there is an issue.
The bottom line here is that some hair loss is normal. This is true for everyone, both men and women. The reason people lose hair in the shower is that hair that is already loose will be removed (particularly during shampooing), so it is normal to see hair congregate near the drain.
Causes of Hair Loss in the Shower
While we have noted that while some hair loss is normal, excess hair loss may point to underlying causes. There are a number of these, which we will look at below.
It is often assumed that hot water causes hair loss. While this is largely a myth, it is a reality that hot water showers can strip away the natural oil and damage the keratin protein in the hair. This may result in the hair becoming dry and weak, which leads to hair breakage.
For this reason, it is recommended that you avoid using water that is excessively hot while showering. Instead, opt for warm water, and when rinsing your hair, even cooler water can be beneficial in preventing breakages.
Stress is another factor that may be contributing to your hair loss in the shower. Research shows that hair loss in the shower may be caused by telogen effluvium and that the most common trigger for this condition is stress. If you notice increased hair loss in the shower, it is possible that your stress levels over the past 3 or so months have been higher than usual.
What To Do if You're Experiencing Hair Loss in the Shower
If you don't believe that stress is an underlying cause of your hair loss in the shower, it's recommended that you contact a doctor for more information and advice.
They will be able to provide a proper diagnosis and make recommendations in terms of products that you can use and other steps you can take to counter hair loss.
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Products That Can Help Reduce or Prevent Hair Loss in the Shower
There are a number of shampoos available that are designed to combat hair loss. For example, switching to a gentle shampoo and allowing your hair to air-dry can help the number of hairs that fall out after the shower.
You should aim to avoid shampoos that contain ingredients such as sulphur, caffeine and other herbs, as well as so-called thickening shampoos that may clog pores and restrict oxygen.
There are also a number of topical and oral medications available. Your doctor will be able to prescribe the most suitable product depending on the extent and underlying cause of your hair loss.
Read more:7 Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair
FAQs
Let's ask and answer some FAQs on hair loss in the shower.
Harsh brushing habits can result in an increase in the rate of hair loss. This is due to breakage. Other causes of breakage include using strong chemicals and heat styling.
As noted above, certain shampoo ingredients can contribute to hair loss. Always consult with a doctor before using a particular shampoo, especially if you are concerned about hair loss.
Simply put, if you are starting to notice lots of hair loss in the shower, you should make the decision to speak to a doctor, especially if you notice greater than average hair loss in the shower. The sooner you act on the causes of hair loss, the better.
Generally speaking, hair loss in the shower should not be a cause for concern for men. However, if you notice that your hair is falling out at an increased rate or you notice patches of hair coming out, it is time to speak with a doctor.
References
UPGUYS has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.- The Impact of Shampoo Wash Frequency on Scalp and Hair Conditions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34055906/ - Association Between Use of a Scalp Cooling Device and Alopecia After Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28196257/
This article is written for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided in the articles cannot and should not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Talk to your healthcare provider about any physical or mental health concerns or the risks and benefits of any treatment or medication.
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