Many take their showering routine very seriously. Some may think that keeping their hair clean is the way to cope with hair loss and some may think that shampooing one's hair too often can lead to hair loss. So let's address this debatable topic.

Everybody likes to look presentable. Although, we also have busy lifestyles and faulty eating habits that drastically affect our overall health. This deleterious effect often leads to change in density and strength of hair. When we encounter the problem of hair loss at first, we tend to link it with our habits and lifestyle trying to pinpoint what could have gone wrong. Before opting for medicinal treatment we look for answers in our daily routine which also includes our shower care.

It is essential to keep our hair clean in order to get rid of all the excess dust and sebum (oil) it accumulates. Because we must remember that the excess of anything is not favourable. Many of you may choose to wash your hair on a daily basis but have you realized that following this will also wash out the moisture that your scalp needs?

No doubt, shampoos remove the oil, grease and dust from our scalp but they also tend to reduce its moisture.This makes the hair follicle very dry, leading to scalp irritation and redness. Consequently, we begin to scratch our scalp and hence this cycle of scratching and scalp irritation damages hair follicles resulting in hair loss.

Few of you might be accustomed to rubbing shampoo on your head but keep in mind that the physical friction on hair follicles can weaken them them, causing hair to fall at a quicker pace.

So here are some tips to keep in mind before and whilst you wash your hair:

  1. Do not wash your hair daily, try to regularize your washing routine to two to three times a week.
  2. Try to choose a mild shampoo with lower levels of sulphate and paraben.
  3. Do not apply conditioner on your scalp. They are meant to smoothen and detangle your hair shafts, not your scalp!
  4. Try not to wash your hair with hot water. Doing so will add to the dryness of the scalp, leading to irritation, itching and redness.
  5. Washing your hair daily is not a solution for getting rid of dandruff. You need proper treatment.
  6. Softly massage your scalp with shampoo. It is relaxing and soothing.
  7. Do not comb wet hair. It may weaken hair follicles!

Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP

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