Hair fall can be a year-round concern, and seasonal hair loss may occur at any time. “On average, we shed between 100 and 150 hairs daily. Women with long hair tend to notice this more in the strands left behind in their brush, shower, on their pillow, or shoulders,” says Dr. Miguel Sánchez Viera, director of the Instituto de Dermatología Integral. Additional factors such as stress, certain medications, post-partum changes, illness, or low-calorie diets can also contribute to hair loss, making it important to recognize when it becomes a cause for concern.
Can washing your hair every day cause more hair loss?
The three experts we consulted unanimously agree: washing your hair does not lead to increased hair loss. “Hair should be washed based on individual needs,” says Dr. Miguel Sánchez Viera, director of IDEI. “Even if you work out regularly, washing your hair twice a day is perfectly fine.” Dr. Eduardo López Bran adds that skipping hair washing can actually be detrimental. “Neglecting proper scalp hygiene can cause a buildup of oils, flakes, and product residue, which can negatively impact hair health.”
While washing doesn’t cause hair loss, it can make seasonal shedding more noticeable. “Washing simply removes hair that is already in the process of falling out or hasn’t shed in previous days due to natural traction from washing and brushing,” explains Dr. Viera. This makes normal hair loss more apparent but doesn’t accelerate or trigger additional shedding.
Lack of certain vitamins can also cause hair loss.
Cristina Morante, medical director of the hair health clinic MC360, confirms that deficiencies in specific vitamins and trace elements can lead to hair loss. Although it’s challenging to make blanket statements, low levels of nutrients like iron, folic acid, biotin, vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc are frequently linked to increased hair shedding. Therefore, ensuring an adequate intake of these vital vitamins and minerals is crucial for maintaining healthy hair.
Beware of products with parabens, ammonia dyes and heat tools
These three well-known offenders—parabens, ammonia dyes, and heat tools—are detrimental to hair health, especially when dealing with hair loss. “Products that contain these ingredients can weaken the hair’s structure, leading to brittleness and fragility. When combined with existing hair loss, they can exacerbate the appearance of thinning,” explains Dr. Miguel Sánchez Viera.
The importance of biotin
Pharmacist Helena Rodero highlights the crucial role of biotin in promoting hair health. “Biotin is vital for cell division, and tissues like hair and nails are greatly impacted when this vitamin is deficient,” she explains. It is a key ingredient in supplements aimed at addressing hair loss. Although biotin can be sourced from food and the gut microbiota, stress and certain medications can interfere with its absorption. In these situations, biotin or vitamin B8 supplements may be advantageous.
