Replying to @KatieLady :
You lose 150 + hair follicles when you shampoo. Different shampoos can cause more noticeable shedding because of how they interact with your scalp, hair shaft, and follicles.
A few reasons:
1. Detangling vs. tangling – Some shampoos have more conditioning or smoothing agents (like silicones) that reduce friction, so fewer hairs get pulled out during washing. Others can leave the hair rougher, leading to more mechanical shedding.
2. Cleansing strength – Stronger detergents (sulfates, clarifying agents) can cause shedding post buildup. Likely shedding that would have happened anyway.
3. MOST likely cause: Timing of your hair cycle – If you’re already in a natural telogen (shedding) phase, switching shampoos might just reveal more hairs coming out at once, and people often blame the new product.
So don’t always blame the shampoo it could just be the time or a natural process.
Hair shedding is a natural occurrence that happens as part of the hair growth cycle, specifically during the telogen phase when old hairs fall out to make way for new growth. While it can be alarming to notice more hair in the shower, understanding the interaction between shampoo formulas and your hair can help clarify why some products seem to cause increased shedding. Many shampoos contain various ingredients that influence hair texture and scalp health. For instance, shampoos with silicones or conditioning agents smooth the hair shaft, reducing friction and breakage during washing. This can lead to less visible shedding because fewer hairs get pulled out mechanically. Conversely, shampoos lacking these agents or those containing stronger detergents like sulfates can leave hair strands rougher or strip away natural oils, increasing fragility and making hair more prone to breakage or noticeable shedding. It’s also common for shampoos with clarifying agents to remove buildup from the scalp. Although this cleansing can temporarily lead to more hairs falling out, these hairs likely would have shed naturally over time. Switching shampoos during a telogen phase can amplify this effect, as hairs that were ready to shed become dislodged in greater numbers at once, giving the impression the shampoo is causing excessive hair loss. Moreover, individual scalp sensitivity and hair type play significant roles in how a shampoo’s formula affects hair shedding. Those with dry or sensitive scalps may experience more shedding with harsher shampoos, whereas people with oily scalps might benefit from stronger cleansing formulas. Choosing the right shampoo involves considering ingredient types and how your hair and scalp respond. Gentle shampoos with moisturizing and detangling properties can help minimize mechanical shedding, while scalp treatments and balanced formulas support healthy hair growth cycles. In summary, shampoos do not cause hair loss at the follicle root level but influence how much shedding is seen due to hair shaft condition and natural shedding cycles. Recognizing these factors can reduce worry and help maintain healthy hair during product transitions or natural shedding periods.
