It’s natural to think about the relationship between hair washing and hair loss. After all, many men and women notice hair in the shower drain after washing. Moreover, we have all seen shampoo commercials for products that fortify, strengthen, and condition the hair. If washing hair with a certain product and technique can strengthen it, then can not washing your hair cause the opposite effect (e.g. thinning, irritation, and hair loss)?
Not Washing Hair
Not washing hair is a lifestyle choice. Today, it’s a choice that both men and women make for various reasons. For some people, dirty hair develops a texture and look they prefer to clean straight hair. For others, not washing hair is all about avoiding contact with potentially damaging chemicals that are too often used in commercial shampoos and conditioners. No matter what your reasons for not washing your hair, it’s important to understand it may eventually lead to scalp irritation.
Scalp Irritation
Scalp irritation is often a byproduct of not washing hair. Over time, scalp accumulates dirt, pollutants, and other airborne irritants that circulate through the environment. Moreover, the scalp excretes sebum that also accumulates throughout the scalp. Together, this debris can cause a condition known as scalp folliculitis.
Scalp Folliculitis
Scalp folliculitis is a condition characterized by inflammation across the scalp. This condition affects the hair follicles primarily, causing mild to extreme irritation, itching, and sometimes even postules and pimples in the affected area(s). Scalp folliculitis can lead to hair loss, as explored in this article.
Hair Loss Evaluation and Treatment
Have you noticed scalp irritation, excessive shedding, or other tell tale signs of hair loss? At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we are pleased to offer patients the most advanced methods of hair loss diagnosis and treatment. We invite readers to contact us online to learn more, or contact our clinic directly at 305-925-0222.