Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Health
Neil Shaw

Many of us make the same mistake that causes hair to fall out, says expert

An expert has revealed a common shower mistake that can make hair fall out, and how we can fix it instantly. Many of us wash our hair as part of our daily grooming routine, but doing it too often can cause damage and lead to breakage or even hair loss.

Sam Cinkir, CEO of leading skin and hair specialists Este Medical Group, said the sweet spot for most people is washing your hair once or twice a week maximum. He said: “The importance of personal grooming and being ‘clean’ is instilled in us from an early age, but there is such a thing as overkill.

“Washing your hair too often can lead to a whole range of problems, from tangles, split ends and breakages to a dry and itchy scalp, especially if done with harsh shampoos. Our hair produces a natural oil called sebum, which helps protect from moisture loss, but shampooing too often strips this away and leaves our locks vulnerable to damage.

“How often you should wash depends on your hair type, but generally speaking once or twice a week with lukewarm rather than hot water is the sweet spot. If you find your hair is excessively greasy, you may be tempted to wash more often, but the key is to find the right balance for you.”

Shampooing and conditioning is a regular habit for many people and when done correctly, leaves hair smooth, silky and clean. However, our hair and scalp can be damaged if it is done too often or using harsh chemicals.

Mr Cinkir recommends that people with fine hair should wash twice a week, or three times if absolutely necessary, as people with thinner locks tend to have more oil glands that can contribute to a greasy appearance. Meanwhile, those with thicker strands may be better off sticking to once or twice a week.

The hair expert also warned against using water that is too hot as it dries the scalp and can make the roots weaker. It can also make the strands more brittle and porous, leading to damage and loss.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.