Is It Normal to Shed Hair After Shower? What You Need to Know

The Mystery of Hair Shedding: Is It Normal?

You’ve just stepped out of the shower, run your fingers through your hair, and—whoa—there’s a handful of strands in your hand. Is it normal to shed hair after a shower? Well, you're definitely not alone if this has ever happened to you. The truth is, it’s quite common, but that doesn't mean it’s not a bit concerning when it happens. Hair shedding is a natural process, but how much is too much?

I was talking to my friend Sam the other day, and he mentioned how freaked out he was after noticing his hair shedding a little more than usual in the shower. He asked, "Is my hair falling out or is this just normal shedding?" I get it—this kind of thing can make anyone a bit anxious about their hair health. So, let’s dive into the causes of hair shedding after a shower and whether you should be worried.

Hair Shedding 101: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

The Average Hair Shedding Process

First, let’s get a sense of what’s typical. On average, losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is considered normal. These hairs are part of the natural hair growth cycle. Your hair goes through phases: growth (anagen), rest (telogen), and shedding (catagen). So, a little shedding during or after a shower isn’t necessarily a sign of anything alarming.

That being said, if you're noticing clumps of hair coming out or if your scalp looks noticeably thinner, then it might be time to start paying attention. I remember when my sister Jenna started freaking out because she thought she was losing a ton of hair in the shower every day. After some research (and a chat with her dermatologist), she found out that the shedding was within the normal range—still, she decided to give her scalp a little more TLC.

Why Does Hair Shed After a Shower?

A lot of people notice more hair shedding after a shower. Why? Well, the answer’s a bit simple—wet hair is more fragile. When your hair is wet, it’s more elastic and prone to breakage. Shampooing, brushing, or even just running your fingers through your damp hair can loosen hairs that were already in the shedding phase.

But that’s not all! The massaging action of washing your hair also stimulates the scalp, which might encourage hairs in the resting (telogen) phase to fall out. It might sound like your hair is falling out faster than it grows, but keep in mind this process is natural.

When Should You Worry About Excessive Hair Shedding?

Excessive Shedding or Thinning?

So, at what point should you start worrying? Well, a good rule of thumb is if the shedding becomes excessive or if you notice bald patches or thinning areas on your scalp, it’s worth getting checked out. Hormonal changes, stress, poor diet, or certain medical conditions can all contribute to hair loss beyond the typical shedding.

Just last month, Laura, a colleague of mine, was getting worried because she noticed her hair thinning around the crown. She confessed that after months of stress at work, her hair had started falling out more than usual. After some tests, she discovered that her iron levels were low, and once she corrected that with supplements, her hair started to look fuller.

Medical Conditions to Keep in Mind

Some medical conditions, like alopecia areata, thyroid issues, or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), can cause more drastic hair loss. If you feel like your hair is falling out more than it should, or if you experience bald spots, don’t hesitate to talk to a dermatologist. Hair thinning can be linked to a variety of issues, and catching them early is key.

How to Take Care of Your Hair to Reduce Shedding

Use Gentle Hair Care Products

Using harsh shampoos or rubbing your scalp too roughly can contribute to hair breakage and shedding. Instead, opt for gentle shampoos and conditioners that don’t strip the hair of essential oils. Try to avoid over-washing your hair, as it can dry it out and make it more prone to breakage.

I learned this the hard way when I overdid it with a “deep cleansing” shampoo and noticed my hair getting drier and more brittle. Switching to a gentler formula made a big difference in how my hair felt and how much it shed afterward.

Avoid Over-styling

Heat styling tools like straighteners and curling irons can weaken the hair shaft, leading to more breakage. If you're going to style your hair, be sure to use a heat protectant spray to shield it from damage. The last thing you want is to add to the shedding problem with excessive heat!

Also, I’ve heard from a friend, Mark, that tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails can also contribute to hair loss if worn too often. The tension on the scalp can cause hair to fall out prematurely, so it's good to give your hair a break from tight styles once in a while.

Conclusion: Should You Worry About Hair Shedding After a Shower?

In conclusion, a little hair shedding after a shower is perfectly normal. It’s part of your hair’s natural growth cycle. However, if you notice a dramatic increase in shedding or if you're experiencing patchy hair loss or thinning, it's a good idea to seek professional advice. Factors like stress, diet, or even a medical condition could be at play.

So, don’t panic if you find a few strands in the drain. It's probably just your body doing what it naturally does. But if it’s more than that, don’t hesitate to get to the root of the problem. After all, your hair deserves the best care, and staying informed is the first step in keeping it healthy!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.