Losing clumps of hair while washing is alarming for anyone. There are a few possible causes behind this issue, ranging from normal hair shedding to more concerning conditions like alopecia or telogen effluvium. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the common reasons for losing hair in clumps when shampooing and provide tips for reducing hair fall and promoting healthy hair growth.
What Causes Hair to Fall Out in Clumps When Washing?
Here are some of the most common reasons for losing chunks of hair while shampooing:
- Excessive hair shedding – Most people normally shed 50-100 hairs per day. During shampooing, these loose hairs come out together, making it seem like clumps are coming out.
- Infrequent washing – When you don’t wash your hair often, loose hairs accumulate on the scalp. Washing after a long gap causes these accumulated old hairs to shed all at once.
- Rough hair washing – Vigorously scrubbing hair, using very hot water, and towel drying aggressively can cause breakage of hair.
- Harsh shampoos – Shampoos with sulfates and parabens can sometimes irritate the scalp and damage hair, causing excessive shedding.
- Underlying conditions – Medical conditions like alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, hormonal changes, thyroid problems etc. can also cause clumps of hair to fall out.
When to See a Doctor
Losing a few strands while shampooing is normal. But if you notice increased hair fall in clumps repeatedly, it might indicate an underlying issue. See your doctor if you experience:
- Sudden increased shedding that lasts over 6 weeks
- Bald patches on the scalp
- Hair falling out without any root bulb attached
- Hair loss after major events like surgery, childbirth or high fever
- Hair loss along with other symptoms like itching, pain, dandruff etc.
Your doctor will examine your scalp and hair and may recommend blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances and other conditions that can cause hair loss.
Tips to Reduce Hair Fall When Washing
Here are some tips to minimize hair shedding and damage during hair washing:
- Use a wide-tooth comb – Gently detangle hair before washing with a wide-tooth comb to avoid tugging and pulling hair strands.
- Avoid hot water – Wash hair with lukewarm water as hot water can dry out and damage hair.
- Gently massage – While applying shampoo, gently massage your scalp in circular motions instead of rubbing vigorously.
- Rinse thoroughly – Ensure all shampoo residue is rinsed off completely as shampoo buildup can clog follicles and cause shedding.
- Gently squeeze out water – After washing, avoid rubbing hair with towel. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water.
- Use repairing hair products – Use a nourishing conditioner and hair masks containing keratin, argan oil, or olive oil to reduce breakage.
- Brush hair gently – Use a wide-tooth comb or soft bristle brush to gently detangle wet hair. Avoid excessive combing or brushing.
- Limit heat styling – Cut back on hot tools like blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons as heat weakens hair strands.
Home Remedies to Reduce Hair Fall
Along with the above tips, try these home remedies to strengthen hair roots and minimize shedding:
- Aloe vera gel – The proteolytic enzymes in aloe vera help remove dead cells and boost hair growth. Gently massage aloe vera gel into your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.
- Green tea – Green tea is rich in antioxidants that strengthen hair follicles and boost hair growth. Brew strong green tea and use it as a final rinse after shampooing.
- Onion juice – Onion juice contains sulfur and quercetin that can reverse hair loss. Extract juice from onions and apply it onto your scalp, leaving it on for 30 minutes before washing off.
- Fenugreek seeds – Soak fenugreek seeds overnight to create a paste. Apply this onto your scalp and leave for 30-45 minutes before rinsing. The proteins and nicotinic acid in fenugreek seeds stimulate hair growth.
- Vitamin E oil – Vitamin E improves blood circulation in the scalp. Mix vitamin E oil with coconut or almond oil and massage it into your scalp 2-3 times a week.
Medical Treatments for Excessive Hair Loss
If home remedies don’t work and you continue losing hair in clumps, visit a dermatologist to explore medical treatment options like:
- Minoxidil – This topical medication helps stimulate hair follicles and reduce shedding.
- Corticosteroid injections – Injections can help treat patchy alopecia areata hair loss.
- Immunotherapy – This new treatment stimulates the immune system to prevent hair follicles from shutting down.
- Low level laser therapy – The low-level lasers help energize cells in the hair follicles and promote growth.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy – PRP injections of concentrated growth factors in your blood can rejuvenate hair follicles.
- Hair transplant – Transplanting hair follicles from the back of the scalp can permanently restore hair in bald patches.
Your dermatologist will examine your condition and medical history to determine the most suitable treatment approach for your type of hair loss.
The Takeaway
Losing a few strands of hair when washing and combing is normal. But shedding hair in noticeable clumps repeatedly can signal an underlying issue. While some natural shedding is expected, increased hair fall when washing may be caused by harsh hair care, scalp conditions or hormonal changes.
Use gentler hair products, limit heat styling, and incorporate scalp massages to reduce hair breakage. See a doctor if excessive shedding persists despite home remedies. With the right diagnosis and early treatment, it may be possible to tackle the root causes of hair fall and regrow a healthy mane.
Don’t panic if you notice a few hairs falling out while shampooing. But do monitor your hair loss closely and take proactive measures to minimize shedding, stimulate growth, and keep your locks healthy and lush.