Is Frequent Shampooing Associated with Hair Loss, Dry Scalp and Dandruff?




There are many misconceptions surrounding the issue of proper hair care. One of them is that frequent hair shampooing can trigger the development of baldness, dry scalp and dandruff. Although hair loss is not directly associated with daily washing of hair, scalp irritation, dry hair and other scalp and hair problems CAN arise from an excessive use of harsh shampoos, heavily chlorinated water, blow drying, and chemical additives found in many commercial hair-care products. Let us explore the issue in more detail!


Hair loss, which is mainly the body’s reaction to diseases, stress, traumas, hormonal fluctuations, hereditary factors, certain medications or therapies, and a lack of essential vitamins, proteins and minerals in the diet, is unlikely to be triggered by frequent washing of hair. Although we often can notice “a lot of” hairs in the bathtub or on the brush just after shampooing, these lost locks are part of a normal hair-changing process. It is estimated that the average person with healthy, thick hair can shed about 50 to 100 scalp hairs daily. Since the lifecycle of every hair follicle consists of three consecutive phases (rapid growth, rest and telogen, or shedding), about five percent of all scalp hairs are in telogen and have to fall out and be replaced.

However, if you notice that you hair becomes visibly thinner, or if you have suddenly developed bald patches, it is important that you visit a dermatologist in order to get diagnosed and treated. Your “hair doctor” should also advise you about a proper hair-washing routine suitable for your particular hair type and condition. For example, people with dry, weak hair should not shampoo their locks too frequently, nor should they use harsh shampoos, blow dryers, or hair care products with petroleum ingredients or other chemical additives. The same strategy can be useful for those who suffer from scalp psoriases or dry dandruff. However, folks with oily scalp can correct their condition by washing their hair daily, given that only mild, natural shampoos are applied.

Dry scalp, psoriases, sebhorrheic dermatitis of the scalp, and dandruff is not caused by frequent shampooing, either, but an excessive exposure to hard water, strong soaps and chemicals can aggravate already pre-existing condition by washing out valuable scalp and hair oils that also lubricate the hair follicles. Therefore, scalp irritation, flaking and redness associated with dry skin diseases can benefit from gentler care, when shampooing, blow drying and other hair procedure are restricted to about two times a week. It is also advisable to use only mild, natural and preferably herbal soaps to wash your locks. A perfect remedy for dry scalp and hair is a regular massage with coconut oil or ghee (clarified butter), after which hair should be rinsed with lukewarm water without additional shampooing.

Another hint to ensure healthy scalp and hair is to use cool water instead of hot. Sensitive scalp can negatively react to hot water (and hot air!), producing irritation, redness and flakes. Also, do not scrub your leather too vigorously while shampooing, since this can negatively affect hair follicles and disturb their lifecycle phases. Besides, try to limit your exposure to such hair-damaging procedures as colouring or straightening, since they can weaken and break the structure of your hair.

Christiana Roberts

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Posted on June 27, 2008 
Filed Under Hair Care

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