Losing hair or not?

September 14, 2013 1:12 AM

A little while ago I switched to washing my hair in plain water, and I only use shampoo irregularly. The effect on my hair condition has been good. However, I notice many more lost hairs in my comb and brush. I am female. My guess is that normal loose hairs which used to be washed out with shampoo are not being dislodged during my new washing routine, so I see them when I comb. However I am sometimes concerned that I am experiencing real hair loss, for some medical reason such as anaemia, and the new hair wash regime is just a coincidence. In other words - might I be ignoring a significant symptom, because it has happened this year I have gone shampoo-free? Have other water-only washers noticed this side-effect?
posted by communicator to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

Best answer: I haven't washed my hair with anything like shampoo or soap in over 3 years. Besides better overall condition of my hair, the only other thing I have noticed is many more hairs left on my comb and on the back of my shirt. I too, think it is just that they are no longer washed out with shampooing so I just notice it more. I definitely am not going bald or thinning!
posted by MT at 4:55 AM on September 14, 2013

I also didn't wash for quite a while and noticed that when I did brush there were more hairs. Additionally, I perceived that the oils in my hair made it look and feel more thick, so when I eventually did wash my hair (after a few years, I was developing an oil slick :/) my hair felt a lot thinner on the whole.

If you're worried you're anemic, it may be a good idea to see a doctor to ease your mind. :)
posted by sibboleth at 5:26 AM on September 14, 2013

Started with a similar hair routine earlier this year and I can report a noted uptick in random hair coming off when I run my hands through my hair.

Matter of fact just this past Thursday I ran my fingers through my hair and a gray hair fell out onto my desk. Sad day.
posted by FlamingBore at 6:26 AM on September 14, 2013

I still shampoo my hair regularly, but about a year ago I went from shampooing daily to every other day. By not shampooing daily, on the days that I did wash my hair it seemed like I was losing a huge amount (like, a small handful each time - I have thick hair.) I was also really alarmed at first, but over the last year I haven't experienced any real cumulative hair loss.

Also, if it's autumn where you live, a bit of shedding this time of year is something many people experience (learned this when I was having my own hair concerns this time last year.) Given the recent change in your hair care routine I wouldn't worry about it.
posted by horizons at 7:18 AM on September 14, 2013

Response by poster: Warm thanks to all this has set my mind at rest.
posted by communicator at 9:13 AM on September 14, 2013