Why Am I Losing So Much Hair After Washing It?

First Things First: Is It Actually Hair Loss?

Okay, so you’re staring at a wad of hair on the shower drain wondering if you’re going bald. Deep breath. Losing hair after washing it can be totally normal. On average, people shed between 50 to 100 hairs per day, and washing tends to loosen those hairs that were already ready to fall out. So yep — some of that “loss” is just delayed shedding.

But... if it’s way more than usual, or you’re seeing visible thinning? Then yeah, something might be up.

Common Causes of Excess Hair Loss After Washing

Stress – The Silent Follicle Killer

Yep, stress. That sneaky saboteur of sleep, skin, digestion... and yes, your hair. Stress-induced hair loss, also called telogen effluvium, can happen 2–3 months after a stressful event. Breakup, surgery, job loss, or even long-term overthinking (we’ve all been there).

You might not even connect the dots until your hair starts saying bye-bye.

Hormonal Changes

Just had a baby? Switched birth control? Hitting your 40s? Hormones have a way of going “plot twist!” and causing hair to thin or fall out more than usual.

Thyroid issues, for instance, are a common culprit. So are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and perimenopause.

If your cycle's off, your mood’s weird, and your hair's falling — it’s not in your head (well, okay, kind of — but you get me).

Washing Technique and Products

Not gonna lie — some shampoos are harsh AF. Especially ones with sulfates, alcohols, or strong fragrances. These strip the natural oils from your scalp, which might irritate your skin and weaken your roots over time.

Also: Are you scrubbing like you're sanding wood? Please stop. Gentle massage only, not warfare.

Oh! And detangling wet hair aggressively? Yeah, that’s a major no-no. Wet hair is fragile hair.

Medical Conditions to Rule Out

Nutrient Deficiencies

Lack of iron, zinc, biotin, or protein? Your hair notices — and drops out in protest. Iron-deficiency anemia is one of the top causes of hair thinning, especially in women.

Even crash dieting or skipping meals can trigger shedding. (Been there. Regret it.)

Scalp Issues

Got itchiness, flakes, redness, or bumps? That could be seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or even fungal infections — all of which can lead to shedding or breakage.

Honestly, if your scalp feels “off,” it’s probably worth checking with a dermatologist.

What Can You Actually Do About It?

Be Gentle, Seriously

Use a wide-tooth comb, wash hair 2–3 times a week (not daily unless needed), and opt for mild, sulfate-free shampoos. You’re cleaning your scalp — not punishing it.

Try Scalp Massages and Oils

Scalp massages help increase blood circulation — plus they feel ridiculously good. Oils like rosemary, castor, or even simple coconut oil can give roots a boost (although yeah, a little messy).

Nutrition Check-In

Make sure you're eating enough — not just calories, but real nutrients. Leafy greens, nuts, eggs, lean meats, and legumes are your hair’s BFFs. Oh, and drink water, buddy. Dehydration is sneaky.

Consider a Pro Opinion

If hair loss is sudden, severe, or emotionally overwhelming (which is valid), see a trichologist or dermatologist. They can help pinpoint whether it’s temporary shedding or something deeper like alopecia or a thyroid imbalance.

Personal Moment: Been There, Cried in the Shower

A couple of years ago, I went through a nasty breakup. Didn’t eat properly, barely slept. One morning I pulled out a fistful of hair in the shower — no joke. Thought I was going bald.

Turns out? Classic telogen effluvium. Took six months to bounce back, but it did. Slowly. With love, food, and better shampoo.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic, Just Get Curious

Hair loss after washing can feel scary. But your hair tells a story — of your health, habits, even your emotions. Don’t ignore it. But don’t obsess either.

Start with small changes, stay kind to your body (and scalp), and remember: hair grows back. Often stronger than before.

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.