You’ve noticed hair floating around your shower drain frequently and are wondering if you’re losing hair. Don’t worry; it's normal to lose hair in the shower. Hair shedding is a natural process, but excessive loss can be distressing. It's essential to differentiate between normal shedding and excessive hair loss. On average, individuals lose around 50 to 100 strands of hair daily, including the hair that falls out during showers.
As hairs complete their growth phase, they enter a resting phase (telogen) before falling out and being replaced by new hair. The process is continuous and ensures the renewal of your hair. Normal hair shedding can be influenced by factors like age, genetics, hormonal changes, and overall health. In this blog, we'll explore the reasons behind hair fall in the shower and help you determine if it's normal or needs addressing.
How Much Hair is Normal to Lose in the Shower?
Losing hair in the shower is a common occurrence, and it’s natural to wonder how much hair loss is considered normal. On average, individuals lose around 50 to 100 strands of hair daily, including hair that falls out during showers. Normal hair loss in the shower can vary depending on the length and thickness of the hair; people with shorter or thinner hair tend to shed less, whereas those with long or thick hair could shed between 150 and 200 hairs per day. However, it varies from person to person and is influenced by various factors, not just hair length or thickness.
During a shower, warm water and shampooing can dislodge loose hairs that are ready to fall out. The wet hair in the shower may make i t seem like a significant amount of hair is being lost, but this doesn’t necessarily indicate excessive hair loss. Additionally, individuals who wash their hair once or twice a week may notice more shedding due to accumulated buildup.
Learn More: Thin vs Thick Hair Differences
Why Am I Losing So Much Hair in the Shower?
If you notice clumps of hair in the shower are larger than usual or coming out in large amounts on your hairbrush, then you have to consider any of these potential underlying causes:
1. Stress
Stress is a major reason your hair falls out more in the shower. When you're stressed, your body goes into an "alert mode" that can mess with your hair's normal growth cycle. Stress can cause more hairs to enter a resting phase and then fall out all at once, which you might notice while washing your hair. Stress can also lead to changes in your eating habits or hormone levels, affecting hair health. While some hair loss is normal, excessive stress might make you lose more hair than usual.
According to the New York Times Article, a woman in a knitting group started to experience a sudden hair fall in the shower. The hair loss was triggered by temporary stress. If you're noticing a lot of hair falling out, try to find ways to relax and manage your stress, and consider talking to a doctor if you're worried.
Find out more on how high stress can cause hair loss.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies can cause hair to fall out in the shower because your hair needs specific vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. If you aren’t taking the proper amount of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins D and E, it can weaken hair and contribute to increased shedding during showering.
3. Hydration
Hydration can affect the amount of hair that falls in the shower because your hair needs enough water to stay healthy and strong. If you're not drinking enough water, your hair can become dry, brittle, and more likely to fall out. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily can help keep your hair strong and reduce hair loss during shower.
Learn more: How Dehydration Can Affect Hair Health?
4. Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly during pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, or as a result of certain medical conditions like thyroid issues, can cause increased hair shedding.
5. Heat Styling
If you frequently use hot styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, or straighteners, that heat damage can make your hair more prone to falling out when you wash it in the shower. The high heat from these styling tools can dry out and weaken your hair strands over time, making them more likely to break and shed, especially when you're actively brushing or shampooing your hair.
How to Reduce Hair Fall in the Shower?
Hair fall in the shower can be concerning, but thank god there are ways to reduce it and keep your hair healthy. Here are some effective tips to help reduce hair shedding in the shower:
Cut down washing and conditioning your hair
Strange it might sound, but you should cut down on washing and conditioning if you can to reduce hair shedding in the shower. One to three days a week can be the best option. Also, use a tooth comb to help tame your locks. Using a bristle brush or toothed comb can cause breakage and pull out more hair.
Avoid putting stress on your hair
Avoid putting stress on your hair to reduce shedding in the shower. Tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, and buns can pull on your hair and cause it to break or fall out. Instead, choose looser styles and gently brush or wash your hair. Being gentle with your hair will help keep your hair strong and reduce hair fall while showering.
Avoid heat styling
Heat is really bad for hair when it comes to styling. Blow drying, curling and using flat iron should be used in limit as much as possible. Overexposure to the sun can also damage hair, so you should opt for a hat or avoid prolonged exposure when it’s sunny and you are outdoors.
Eat nutritional diet
Ensure that your diet is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins essential for healthy hair. Also, drink plenty of water daily to maintain hair hydration and overall health. Proper hydration supports hair elasticity and reduces the risk of excessive shedding.
Maintain stress levels
High stress can disrupt your hair's growth cycle and lead to more hair falling out. Try to find ways to relax in your daily life with activities like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or regular exercise. Getting enough sleep is also crucial for managing stress-related hair loss. Make time for hobbies you enjoy and with people who make you feel good. Keeping your stress levels in check can help your body maintain a healthy hair growth cycle and reduce excessive shedding during the shower.
Use Theradome for Hair Growth
You can also incorporate the Theradome Laser Hair Helmet into your routine to promote hair growth and reduce shedding. The helmet utilizes low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate hair follicles, enhance blood flow to the scalp, and encourage thicker, healthier hair. Regular use, combined with a healthy lifestyle and appropriate hair care, can lead to stronger, thicker, and healthier hair.
Ready to reveal your full potential with Theradome's laser helmet? The future of your hair starts here. Act decisively and embrace a tomorrow with flourishing confident locks!
Conclusion
Hair loss in the shower is a common concern that often doesn't require worry. While it's normal to lose 50-100 hairs daily, excessive shedding can be caused by stress, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, and heat styling. To reduce shedding, be gentle on your hair, manage stress, eat a healthy diet, and avoid heat styling. For those seeking additional support, treatments like low-level laser therapy with devices such as the Theradome Laser Hair Helmet may help promote hair growth and reduce shedding.
