Can Hot Showers Cause Hair Loss?

When it comes to hair loss causes, myths abound. Sugary drinks? Using a hair dryer? Sleeping on one side? And then… what about hot showers? Can hot showers cause hair loss?

Hot showers do not cause hair loss, but washing your hair with water that’s too hot can dry out your scalp, damage your hair, and lead to breakage. 

If you’ve started to notice hair loss and thought your shower head was to blame, chances are there’s something else going on. Schedule a free consultation with a hair restoration expert to discover the true cause of your hair loss and get a personalized treatment plan.

So, Do Hot Showers Cause Hair Loss?

Hot showers do not cause hair loss. If your hairline is receding, especially in the area above the temples, odds are you’re experiencing androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) caused by genetics.

Related: Hair Loss Causes in Men

Technically, your shower COULD cause hair loss, but in practice, this typically does not happen. Burning or scalding your scalp with boiling water could result in scarring and hair loss. But as long as your shower temp is less than 212 °F, there’s no need for concern.

That said, too-hot showers can cause breakage and damage to your hair, which may cause it to appear thinner and more brittle.

How Showering Affects Your Hair

Washing your hair cleans your scalp and washes away oils in your hair, but it has no effect on your rate of hair growth or your hair growth patterns. 

It’s common to have some hair fall out while in the shower. Shedding is a natural phase of the hair growth cycle – at any given time, around 10% of your hair is in its “resting phase,” meaning it’s ready to fall out naturally so new hair can replace it. 

Healthy Hair Showering Tips

• Avoid washing your hair with water that’s excessively hot. This can cause pain and skin redness, as well as dry out your hair and scalp. The result? Hair that’s brittle and more prone to breakage.
• To protect your hair, wash it in warm water instead of hot, and rinse it with cooler water. 
• Be careful not to shampoo your hair too frequently, as your hair may become dry and frizzy as a result of the natural oils being stripped away. People with thicker, oily hair, however, may want to wash their hair more often than people with thin, dry hair. This helps get rid of excess sebum oil from the scalp.
• If you’re concerned about hair loss, swap out your usual shampoo for preventative hair care. BosleyMD shampoos and conditioners are formulated to fight hair loss as well as nourish hair strands.
• Avoid brushing or combing wet hair – water weakens hair bonds, causing strands to snap and break more easily when brushed. When possible, let your hair air-dry for five to 10 minutes, then gently blot it with a towel to dry.

Take the Next Step to Fight Hair Loss

While factors like excessively hot water and improper care can cause hair damage and loss, most permanent hair loss is hereditary.

If you are losing hair and would like to get a professional’s opinion, Bosley’s hair restoration experts are here to help. During your free consultation, we’ll assess the extent of your hair loss, the likely causes of your hair loss, and the best treatment options available to you.

Schedule a free consultation with a Bosley specialist today.