What is the ‘normal’ amount of hair loss to experience from showering?

Hair loss is a common concern for many people, and it's normal to experience a certain amount of shedding. However, determining what constitutes a "normal" amount of hair loss can be confusing. In this article, we share insights about hair loss during showering, and help you understand what is considered typical. For this, it’s important to understand the hair growth cycle and the factors that contribute to hair shedding.

What does one’s hair growth cycle consist of?

The hair growth cycle consists of three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. During the anagen phase the hair grows actively, while the catagen phase is a transitional phase and the telogen phase is a resting phase. It's important to note that not all hair is in the same phase at the same time. Approximately 85 per cent to 90 per cent of scalp hair is in the anagen phase, while the remaining 10 per cent to 15 per cent are in the telogen phase, which means they are ready to shed.

What’s normal and how much hair do we lose when we shower?

Our scalp has around 250,000 hair strands at any given point in time. It goes through a hair shedding phase (it's not the same as hair loss) and is a completely normal phenomenon. Shedding refers to the natural process of hair strands reaching the end of their growth cycle and falling out to make way for new hair. On an average, it is considered normal to lose about 50 to 100 hair per day, but it really depends on the length and thickness of the hair. People with shorter or thinner hair appear to shed less.

On days when people with long or thick hair wash it, they could shed between 150 and 200 hair (but they won’t shed very much the next day if they don’t wash it again). People who only wash their hair once or twice a week may also see an increase in shedding when they wash it because of the scalp build-up. Most hair shedding should happen in the shower, although it’s still common to lose some when combing through afterwards. But if you continue to shed long after you’ve shampooed or suddenly find it all over your clothes—it could signal a problem.

What happens to your hair when you wash it? 

When you wash your hair, the combination of water, shampooing, and massaging the scalp can dislodge the strands that are already in the shedding phase. As a result, it may appear that you are losing more hair during showering. However, it's important to understand that they were already in the telogen phase and would have fallen out soon regardless of the showering process.

Factors affecting hair loss

The amount of hair loss can vary among individuals. Factors such as hair density, hair thickness, and individual hair growth cycles can influence the perceived amount of hair loss. Additionally, certain lifestyle factors such as stress levels, genetics, and health conditions can contribute to increased hair shedding. Hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies (such as iron or vitamin D deficiency), stress, certain medications (e.g. chemotherapy drugs), medical conditions (e.g. thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions), and scalp conditions (e.g. dandruff, psoriasis) can all impact hair health and lead to increased shedding. Additionally, certain hairstyles, hair treatments, and medications can also have an impact on hair shedding.

When to seek professional advice

While a certain amount of hair loss during showering is normal, excessive shedding or sudden changes in hair density should be discussed with a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your condition, rule out any underlying issues, and provide appropriate guidance and treatment options.

Remember, maintaining overall hair health through a balanced diet, proper hair care, and stress management can contribute to maintaining a healthy hair growth cycle.

Inputs by Dr. Sushma Yadav, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon, and Founder of Skinology Centre in Bangalore, Dr. Sravya C Tipirneni, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetologist & Trichologist at Manipal Hospitals in Bangalore, Dr. Nishita Ranka Internationally acclaimed dermatologist, Medical Director & Founder of Dr. Nishita'a Clinic for Skin, Hair & Aesthetics and Dr. Batul Patel, Leading Celebrity Dermatologist, Founder & Medical Director - The Bombay Skin Clinic

Lead image courtesy: Priyanka Chopra/Anomaly