Hair washing in a hairdresser
April 11th 2025

Does washing your hair a lot accelerate hair loss?

Hair loss can be caused by different factors. It is important to know what is the cause that triggers hair loss to know how to act in each case. Among the reasons that lead to hair loss, there are those who comment that washing your hair a lot accelerates hair loss. Is this true? To what extent does washing your hair cause hair loss?

At the blog de Hospital Capilar, hair clinic in Madrid, Murcia and Pontevedra, we tell you what is true about washing your hair a lot accelerates hair loss, why hair falls out when washing it and, in any case, how to wash it correctly.

Is it true that washing your hair a lot causes it to fall out?

There are many factors that can interfere with the normal functioning of the Hair follicles causing them to weaken and, consequently, the hair to fall out. Finding the origin of hair loss is key to reversing it, however, the hair fake news abound on this subject and what is thought to be what triggers the fall, in reality it is not. This is why it is essential to consult with an expert in hair medicine in cases of noticing unusual hair loss in order to treat it correctly and on time.

Among the hair myths, it stands out precisely that washing your hair too much accelerates hair loss. According to our Medical , this is completely false, since in no case does washing the hair cause the hair to fall out. It is true that when we shower we can notice that the hair comes off, but as happens when we brush, this does not mean that it is caused by the washing activity itself, but rather that it is due to the hair life cycle. That is to say, the hair that falls out when we wash it is because it entered the fall phase on its own. The usual thing is that we lose about 100 hairs a day, and within this margin, we should not worry.  

hair life cycle

As we have commented, It is not true that washing your hair a lot accelerates hair loss, but it is due to the life cycle of the hair itself. Hair goes through different phases from birth to shedding.

Anagen phase

The anagen phase of the hair is the one in which the hair is born and is in full growth from the roots. It is the longest stage since it lasts between 2 and 4 years, although it depends on each person.

Catagen phase

On the other hand, the catagen phase is considered the transition stage of the hair. It is understood as the intermediate phase between the growth and separation of the hair follicle. It usually lasts about 3 weeks and the hair stops growing and begins to fall out of the follicle.

Telogen phase

The telogen phase is the one in which the hair is shed. When we think that washing your hair a lot accelerates hair loss, it is not that it causes it, but rather that the hair had already entered the telogen phase and when it is handled it falls. The hair falls out, but the hair follicle remains intact, so the hair will grow again, entering the anagen phase, thus resuming the cycle.

In cases of androgenic alopecia, the most common, in this phase not only the hair falls, but also the follicle. It is for this reason that the hair no longer grows back and, at this point, the only way to recover the hair is with the hair graft.

Tips to wash your hair correctly

Although it is not true that washing your hair accelerates hair loss, it is important to wash properly to maintain hair hygiene. Otherwise, the hair loses quality and will begin to deteriorate, even fall out.

Don't put off washing

Precisely because you think that washing your hair a lot accelerates hair loss, there is a growing tendency not to wash your hair for weeks. This is not recommended, since the accumulation of sweat, dust and dirt clogs the pores. There is no universal washing frequency, the ideal is to do it when necessary. Oilier hair will wash it more often than dry hair, for example.

Use specific hair products

One of the keys to show off healthy and quality hair is to use hair products according to our hair type. In cases where we are going through a stage where we lose hair more intensely, resort to hair loss products can help us.

Rinse hair with lukewarm water

The temperature of the water to rinse the hair is important to take care of the hair fiber. It is not recommended to rinse with very hot water, it is preferable to do it with warm water since it promotes blood circulation in the hair follicles and does not damage the cuticle.

Hair mesotherapy in Spain

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Do you notice unusual hair loss? In Hospital Capilar We have an expert medical team that will respond to your needs. Request your medical diagnosis at no cost and put yourself in the best hands! 

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