How Come My Hair Comes Out When I Wash It?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day, and seeing this type of hair loss is no cause for alarm. Hair loss is most noticeable while washing or combing the hair, but these activities are not the cause of the hair loss.

Temporary Hair Loss

• Our bodies are continually undergoing change. Fluctuations in levels of stress or hormones can cause hair loss, which should subside within two or three months. An illness or surgery sometimes causes hair loss, as can certain medications.

Vitamin Deficiencies

• A severe deficiency in iron or zinc can cause hair loss. These deficiencies are easily reversed with supplements or injections, but always consult a health care professional before beginning a supplement. Iron supplements, in particular, can be dangerous if taken when not needed. Integrative medical doctor Andrew Weil recommends omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to slow hair loss and encourage regrowth.

Chemical Causes

• The American Academy of Dermatology reports that chemical treatments such as perms, straightening treatments and dyes should not cause more than normal hair loss unless done excessively. When done too often they can make hair brittle, causing it to break and thin. It is best to give your hair a rest from these treatments if you are experiencing hair loss.

Hereditary or Medical Causes of Hair Loss

• Hereditary hair loss is the most common reason for hair loss, and it can happen to both men or women. There is no cure for this, though some treatments are reported to slow the process. Alopecia areata is a disease that causes hair loss on the scalp and body, and its cause is unknown, though it appears to be an autoimmune disease.