Is it true that if you wash your hair a lot, it falls out?
We have all heard it said that if you wash a lot your hair falls out. The specific question would be if this is true or is it a myth. Science has an explanation for the case and we will tell you in this article.
At some point, we have probably heard someone say, “If you wash your hair a lot, it falls out . ” We even discovered that we came out of the shower with handfuls of hair in our hands , as if we were at risk of a sudden fall without explanation.
Dermatologists are aware of the issue and, in addition, have sufficient scientific endorsement to respond to the situation. They receive multiple queries for this supposed symptom and have investigated it to give a solution.
The truth is that the idea that if you wash your hair a lot falls out is a myth. It would even be counterproductive to avoid showers for fear of getting peeled. Hair washing is essential for its vitality.
On average, the human being loses 80 to 100 hairs every day. This fall is expected and logical as part of the natural hair process. However, due to humidity during the bath, that hair loss is more evident, especially if the person has long hair.
The accumulation of them, all together in the same place, is scary. However, we are not facing an exacerbation of the phenomenon. We just record what happens and it seems exaggerated without being. The same amount continues to fall as always; possibly the same as the previous day if we had not bathed.
The phases of the hair
Hair goes through a series of phases in its life cycle. These phases will culminate with the fall of the same to give rise to a new one . The journey begins with growth, continues with a stability or transition, and finally enters the period known as telogen.
If you wash your hair a lot, it does not fall out for its own sake, but at the same time you shed many hairs in the telogen period. Those hair would fall anyway. But let’s look more closely at the phases:
Anagen hair: the first phase is growth. The hair follicle is active and causes 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 where hair is more susceptible to damage due to its metabolism in action.
Catagen phase: the period of transition or stability is short, approximately two weeks. The hair leaves its growth to stop cell reproduction. The hair follicle shrinks and undergoes a series of changes that make it unfeasible for that hair. There will be no more growth.
Telogen: the final period of hair lasts about three months. It is a hair that will no longer grow and that is in a state to fall. It no longer has vitality. This group leaves the 100 daily hairs we lose.
How often do you have to wash your hair?
We already know that if you wash your hair a lot, it won’t fall out. Now, how often do you have to wash it? Is it okay to do it every day? Is it necessary to have a day break in order not to stress it?
Dermatologists, in general, believe that hair should be washed when necessary due to dirt or sebum accumulation . This is not a general rule, but a wash would correspond to the perception of accumulation of dirt .
The myth by which many do not wash their hair frequently is false. On the contrary, not doing so favors the production of fat in the scalp, which can really affect the hair follicle. In long hair, and in those that produce excess sebum, there is no place to let hygiene pass. If daily washing is necessary, it should be practiced.
The pathologies that result from poor hygiene in the scalp are not negligible. The production of fat in the area with hair is hormonally regulated, and in women there are marked changes regarding the menstrual cycle .
Extreme seborrhea results in the establishment of pathogenic microorganisms that alter the balance of the hair. It is specific cases we can favor infections with symptoms such as alopecia, generating hair loss by not washing.
How to wash your hair correctly?
Knowing that it is a myth that if you wash your hair a lot, you should concentrate on how to do a proper wash, since, in addition to doing it when the state of the scalp requires it, you must practice certain rules that improve effectiveness of washing.
The water should be warm, in the first instance. The use of shampoo is useful, as long as it is dermatological tested and is used in a recommended amount, without exceeding it. It is enough with small amounts to distribute throughout the scalp.
Rinsing is also essential. There should be no product residue on the hair when leaving the shower. Before leaving, you can favor a jet of cold water, which would cause vasoconstriction of the small arteries near the hair follicle.
If you wash a lot, the hair will not fall out
In conclusion, it is a myth that if you wash your hair a lot, it will fall out. The hair loss responds to their telogen period and this phase is not increased due to daily hygiene.
Dermatologists recommend washing your hair as many times as necessary, without letting grease or sebum build up. You should do it with warm water, a reduced amount of shampoo and applying a final blow of cold water to benefit the hair follicle.
