While you’re drying off, if you notice a hair clump in the shower, don’t freak out. Even though no one wants to lose hair, it happens frequently for a small amount to fall out while you’re taking a shower.

In the shower, we typically lose between 150 and 200 hairs. Your hair can become separated from its follicles by brushing, washing, and tying it back.

However, before you do, continue reading to find out how much hair loss while showering is normal as well as hair care advice for shedding and hair loss.

How Much Hair Loss is Normal?

Our heads typically have about 250,000 hairs. Some hair follicles may even separate into multiple strands.

The average person loses 50 to 100 hairs a day, but it really depends on length and thickness of the hair. Less hair seems to shed on people with shorter or thinner hair.

People with long or thick hair may lose 150–200 hairs per day when they wash it. (If you don’t wash it again, they won’t shed as much the following day.) Due to the buildup, people who only wash their hair once or twice a week may experience increased shedding when they do.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the average person naturally loses between 50 to 100 hairs a day, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. It’s important to remember that this type of hair loss is more accurately described as hair shedding than actual hair loss. Hair loss is more specifically the inability to regrow hair due to a variety of conditions or factors; this is known as alopecia. Hair shedding is the normal process of hairs falling out every day.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the normal parts of the hair growth cycle include phases such as the anagen or growth phase, the catagen phase where the hair growth slows, and the telogen phase in which growth stops and the hair is dormant until it sheds.

Those with long or thick hair can anticipate losing between 150 and 200 hair strands per day during normal hair shedding. That quantity can rise quickly if you typically wash your hair more frequently than once per week. While most shedding typically happens in the shower, the Cleveland Clinic also reveals that it’s common to experience additional hair loss when you comb your hair post-shower.

What Can Cause Excessive Hair Loss?

You should be aware that hair shedding is a typical stage of your hair’s life cycle, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Having said that, there are a few factors to consider if you notice that the amount of hair that is falling out in the shower has increased. Stress, hormonal changes, diet or weight loss, medication, and the Cleveland Clinic’s list of potential causes for chronic hair loss.

Visit your doctor to find out the precise cause of your hair loss since numerous illnesses, such as thyroid disease and others, can also be a contributing factor. You can manage it with the aid of your doctor as well.

How to Reduce Hair Shedding

If possible, reduce how often you wash and condition your hair. Choose one to three days per week as an alternative. Dr. Bergfeld also recommends using a wide tooth comb to help tame your locks. A bristle brush or comb with small teeth can pull out more hair and cause breakage.

Injuries such as pulling and yanking at a brush or wearing a tight ponytail all the time can also result in hair loss. Avoid touching your hair excessively, avoid using rubber hair ties, and try to wear your hair down as much as you can.

In addition, heat is not good for styling. Avoid overusing the flat iron, blowdryer, and curling iron. If you must have these styling tools, coat the hair fibers with a thermal spray to help safeguard them. When it’s sunny and you plan to be outside, consider wearing a hat because the sun can also damage hair.

Excessive Hair Shedding Vs. Hair Loss: What’s the Difference?

Despite the fact that hair loss and excessive hair shedding are frequently confused, there are important distinctions. The American Academy of Dermatology states that excessive hair shedding typically happens when you lose more hair per day than the normal 50 to 100. It can last between six to nine months, and then your hair should regain its normal fullness. After a stressful event, like giving birth or recovering from a disease, this might happen.

On the other hand, hair loss is when something stops your hair from growing. Numerous factors contribute to hair loss, including hereditary factors, the use of harsh hair products, medications, and high-tension hairstyles. If you’re not sure if you’re experiencing hair loss or excessive hair shedding, a dermatologist can help differentiate between the two and determine what you may be experiencing.

When Should You Worry About Hair Loss in the Shower?

Hair shedding in the shower is a common occurrence, as we already mentioned. The Cleveland Clinic warns that if your shedding persists after your usual wash routine, you may have a more serious issue. Another indication that a problem might be present is finding shed hair all over your clothing.

Other Causes of Hair Loss

In addition to genetics and hair care, additional elements can also interfere with the hair growth cycle and affect your follicles’ capacity to produce new hair. There are actually 27 potential causes for hair loss. This includes:

• Stress
• Diet
• Depression
• Other medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases

Your mental and physical health should be a priority if you want to experience healthy, long-lasting hair growth because all of these factors can make your hair fall out in the shower.

Takeaway

Usually, hair shedding in the shower is nothing to worry about; it’s simply the area where you’re most likely to notice your hair shedding. Men and women alike can agree with this.

It’s normal to experience hair shedding while taking a shower. Each day, you will naturally lose 100 strands, many of which will fall as you wash your hair and separate them from your scalp.

Speak with your doctor if you experience any other symptoms, such as sudden hair loss, bald patches, or irritation, so they can look for other possible causes, such as low iron levels, pregnancy, or weight loss.

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