Scalp Care 101: How Your Hair Washing Routine Might Be Contributing to Hair Loss

When it comes to hair loss, most people think first about genetics or hormones. But your everyday hair washing routine could be silently making things worse. From the temperature of your shower to the products you use, small habits can impact scalp health and potentially accelerate hair shedding.

At Happy Pharmacy, we believe small changes can lead to healthier hair and it starts with how you treat your scalp.

🚿 The Hot Water Problem

While a steaming hot shower feels relaxing, it could be damaging your scalp.

• Hot water strips natural oils (sebum) that protect the scalp and hair follicles.

• This leads to dryness, irritation, and flakiness creating an environment where hair is more likely to fall out.

👉 Solution: Wash your hair with lukewarm water. It’s effective for cleansing without stripping your scalp’s natural defences.

🧴 Shampoo Selection Matters

Many shampoos contain harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES).

• These ingredients create a rich lather but can dry out and irritate the scalp.

• An imbalanced scalp microbiome can trigger conditions like seborrhoeic dermatitis, linked to hair loss.

👉 Solution: Switch to a sulphate-free, pH-balanced shampoo. Look for gentle, coconut-derived cleansers for sensitive scalps.

Bonus Tip: Consider a shampoo with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or tea tree oil to support a healthy scalp.

📅 Washing Frequency: Finding Your Balance

Both overwashing and underwashing can cause problems:

• Overwashing strips essential oils, causing dryness and irritation.

• Underwashing allows oil, dead skin, and product buildup, which can clog hair follicles.

👉 Solution:

• Oily scalps may need washing every other day.

• Dry scalps may only need washing 2–3 times per week.

Listen to your scalp: Itchiness, oiliness, or flaking means it’s time to adjust your routine.

✋ The Hidden Impact of Washing Technique

How you wash your hair matters just as much as what you use.

• Scrubbing aggressively with fingernails can damage follicles and cause micro-injuries.

• Heavy conditioners applied directly to the scalp can clog pores and impact hair growth.

👉 Solution:

• Massage shampoo gently with the pads of your fingers in circular motions.

• Apply conditioner to mid-lengths and ends only, not directly onto the scalp.

🌬️ After-Wash Care for Stronger Hair

Even after you step out of the shower, your habits matter:

• Avoid rough towel drying. Pat gently instead of rubbing vigorously.

• Let hair partially air-dry before heat styling.

• Always use a heat protectant to shield hair from further damage.

Consider:
A once-weekly scalp treatment with ingredients like:

• Tea tree oil (antifungal)

• Salicylic acid (exfoliates scalp buildup)

• Ketoconazole (controls fungal overgrowth)

These ingredients help maintain a healthy, balanced scalp—key for strong, resilient hair.

📌 Final Thoughts: Protect Your Scalp, Protect Your Hair

A few simple tweaks to your hair washing routine could make a big difference in scalp health and hair retention. Consistency is key: healthy changes build over time.

If you’re concerned about excessive hair loss, remember early advice matters. Our team at Happy Pharmacy is here to help you.  Click here to review our range of hair loss treatments.

📚 References

1. Xu Z, Wang Z, Yuan C, et al. Dandruff is associated with the conjoined interactions between host and microorganisms. Sci Rep. 2016;6:24877. doi:10.1038/srep24877

2. Trüeb RM, Henry JP, Davis MG, Schwartz JR. Scalp condition impacts hair growth and retention via oxidative stress. Int J Trichology. 2018;10(6):262-270. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_57_18