If You Wash Your Hair Too Much, Will It Fall Out?

It is likely that at some point in our lives we have heard someone say, “If you wash your hair too much, it will fall out.” Sometimes we even experience that we come out of the shower with our hand full of loose hair, as if we were in danger of sudden unexplained hair loss.

Dermatologists are aware of the problem and have sufficient scientific backing to respond to the situation. They receive many inquiries about this presumed symptom and have investigated the matter to provide a solution.

If you wash your hair too much, it traps: True or False?

The truth is, it’s a myth that if you wash your hair too much, it traps. It would even be counterproductive to avoid showers for fear of being bald. Hair washing is essential for its vitality.

On average, people lose 80 to 100 hairs every day. This trimming is expected and logical as part of the natural hair growth. Due to the moisture during bathing, this hair loss is more evident, especially if the person has long hair.

The accumulation of them, all in the same place, is often frightening. However, this is not an exacerbation of the phenomenon. We only record what is happening and it seems exaggerated when it is actually a natural process and not a problem!

The same amount continues to fall out as usual. In fact, it’s probably the same amount as the day before, even though we did not take a bath!

Hair growth phases

Hair goes through a number of phases in its life cycle. These phases culminate in the hair falling out to make room for a new one. The journey begins with growth, continues with stability or transition and finally enters the period called telogen.

If you wash your hair a lot, it does not just fall out; you shed many hairs during the telogen period at the same time. These hairs would fall out anyway. But let’s take a closer look at the phases:

• Anagen: The first phase is the growth phase. The hair follicle is active and causes the hair to grow in size, about 0.3 millimeters per day. It is a long phase that can last for years. It is also a time when the hair is more susceptible to damage due to the transformation.
• Catagen: The transition or stability period is short, about two weeks. The hair stops growing to stop the cell’s reproduction. The hair follicle shrinks and undergoes a number of changes that make it unviable for that hair. There will be no more growth.
• Telogen: The last growth period for the hair lasts about three months. This hair no longer grows and is in a state of falling out. It no longer has vitality. From this group come the 100 hairs a day that we lose.

Washing your hair too much: How often should you wash your hair?

We already know that if you wash your hair a lot, it will not shed any more. But how often should you wash it, is it okay to wash it every day, is it necessary to take a break every other day so as not to stress it out?

Dermatologists generally say that hair should be washed when it needs to be washed due to dirt or sebum buildup. This is not a general rule, but it would be appropriate to wash it when there is a perception of dirt.

The myth that many people do not wash their hair often is false. On the contrary, by not doing so, they encourage the production of oil on the scalp, which can actually affect the hair follicle. On long hair and on hair that produces excess sebum, there is no room for hygiene. If daily washing is necessary, it should be done.

The health problems caused by poor hygiene of the scalp are serious. The production of oil in the hairy area is hormonally regulated and in women there are noticeable changes during the menstrual cycle.

Extreme sebum secretion leads to the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms that alter the balance of the hair. In special cases, in the absence of hair washing, we can favor infections with symptoms such as alopecia, which causes hair loss.

How to wash your hair properly

Since we know that it is a myth that if you wash your hair too much, shed it, we suggest that you concentrate on how to wash your hair properly as you in addition to doing so when required by the scalp condition, should follow certain guidelines that improve the efficiency of washing.

• The water must be warm. The use of shampoo is useful as long as it is dermatologically tested and used in a recommended amount without overdoing it. Small amounts are enough to distribute over the scalp.
• Rinsing is also essential. No product residue should be left on the hair when you get out of the shower. Before going out, a cold rinse may be recommended, which would cause vasoconstriction of the small arteries near the hair follicle.

If you wash your hair a lot, it does not shed

In conclusion, it is a myth that if you wash your hair too much, it will shed. Hair loss occurs during the telogen period of the hair and this phase is not increased by daily hygiene.

Dermatologists recommend washing your hair as often as necessary without allowing oil or sebum to accumulate. You should do it with lukewarm water, a reduced amount of shampoo and take one last rinse with cold water for the benefit of the hair follicle.