Hair loss can be a tricky thing. Knowing when it’s something to be concerned about is a bit of a gray area. Especially when it comes to the shower. As someone who worried about this for years. I know how uneasy it can feel, so I am going to explain everything you need to know to ease your mind.
Is it normal for hair to fall out in the shower? The kicker to this answer is how much. If significant enough, this could be a sign of underlying health problems, but losing small amounts of hair in the shower is normal. The big question is what do you define as small amounts?
This is when it’s time to go to professionals for some guidance. According to health professionals as well as hair experts, it’s normal to lose between 50 to 100 strands a day. I know that sounds like a big number. After all, it’s. Luckily, our body expects this amount of hair loss and grows it back just as quick. So all that shedding around the house and in the shower might not be as bad as you think.
Caution Cues
If you still feel uneasy about the amount of shedding, there are a few cues to know it’s time to go to the doctor and seek professional care:
1. You are Losing More Hair Than Normal
While those are the normal number for daily shedding, sudden increase of hair loss can be a sign that something is wrong. If you start pulling more hair out than your normal amount or the clump of hair in your drain gets larger and larger after each shower, this may be something to look into.
2. You Exceed the 100 Mark
Like I said, even if it’s been happening for a while now, anything over 100 strands of hair a day is considered excessive. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry, so take the extra hour or so and go to the doctor to make sure everything is in order. Hair loss can be an early sign of loads of health problems that can be prevented or easily treatable when found early, so it’s always best to check in with your doctor.
3. Noticeable Thinning
If you start to notice your elastic having a much easier time making that third loop when forming a ponytail or start seeing your scalp in areas that you didn’t before, this is a large sign that something may be wrong.
Tips and Tricks
So you’ve established that something is definitely wrong, but why do I lose so much hair in the shower? Like I mentioned, this can be a health issue, but it can also be a lack of proper maintenance and care. Lucky for you, I’ve got you covered. Here are a few tricks to lower the amount of hair loss in the shower:
1. Brush with Wide Tooth Comb
Your hair is the most vulnerable when it’s wet. That is why it’s so important to be as gentle as possible with it while you are in the shower. If you have to detangle your hair, try using a wide tooth comb while you’re conditioning to prevent rips or tears.
2. Steer Clear of Tight Hairstyles
While it’s very on trend, tight hairstyles such as high ponytails, buns or tight braids are extremely damaging on your hair and can cause significant hair loss if you aren’t careful. Instead, opt for a loose low ponytail, wearing your hair down, or looser braids as a substitute. If you do insist on tighter hairstyles, keep it to special occasions only and be sure to keep the look as loose as possible.
3. Heat Protection
One of the most important things you can do for your hair is to protect it from heat damage. This comes in many forms. I’m not just talking about using a heat protectant when you use a heat tool, although that is crucial. I’m also talking about steering clear of heat tools altogether and protecting your hair from the sun. This means wearing hats if you’re going to be outside and using a heat protectant for daily use as well. While this tip is harder to see the immediate results, it makes the largest difference in the end.
