Why Does Hair Fall Out When Wet?

Why Does Hair Fall Out When Wet? 

When you step out of the shower, you may notice a fair amount of hair are lying on the tiles or sitting on the drain. Why does this happen? Do you need to be worried? To rest your mind at ease, we answer the question - why does hair fall out when wet? - and explain why it’s a perfectly natural occurrence for most people. 

Why does hair fall out when wet?

It’s perfectly natural for your hair to fall out in the shower. A 2018 review of research found that the average person sheds approximately 120-150 hairs in a single day. This occurs during the ‘telogen’ phase of hair growth when most of your hair is resting and these hairs are usually replaced by new hairs to start the growth cycle againThe primary reason that you notice hair loss after showering is a direct result of the pressure you apply to your scalp, which dislodges hairs that are ready to fall out. . 

Are there any other reasons why wet hair falls out? 

If you notice significant hair loss after a shower over a few weeks, then there’s likely an underlying cause. A study from 2017 found that shedding large clumps of hair in the shower may be a result of Telogen Effluvium, which is a condition most commonly triggered by stress. Stress that leads to hair loss is undoubtedly disconcerting, and you should speak to a doctor if you’re concerned that your stress levels may be causing your hair to fall out. 

For the majority of men, the reason why hair loss occurs is due to the early signs of male pattern hair loss. In fact, approximately 85% of men will experience thinning or a loss of hair by the age of fifty. This is often caused by the impact of the hormone DHT, an overproduction of which causes hair follicles to become malnourished and eventually die. Note that male pattern hair loss doesn’t just occur when your hair is wet, you just might notice your hair loss for the first time after stepping out of the shower. 

What to do if you notice that your hair is falling out

As mentioned, it’s perfectly normal for some of your hair to fall out after taking a shower. However, if you’re concerned about the amount of hair you leave behind in the bath, it’s important to take action. Your first port of call should be to get in touch with a doctor if you’re worried that your hair loss is caused by an existing medical condition or stress.

If you think that you might be experiencing the early signs of male pattern hair loss, you can turn to clinically-proven medications Finasteride and Minoxidil to help stop hair loss and stimulate the regrowth of your hair. Before settling on one of our popular hair loss treatments, we invite you to complete an online consultation to ensure your chosen plan is suitable for your condition. 

All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.