Washing your hair with shampoo makes it fall out more.

VerdictMisleading

Checked against gloshospitals.nhs.uk, NHS

There is no proof that shampoo itself makes hair fall out more. Loose hairs are easier to see when you wash, and some hair fall every day is normal. But rough washing or hard scalp massage can pull on fragile hair and damage it.

What experts say

Losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal, and many people do not notice it.2
Hair loss can be temporary or permanent. Common causes include illness, stress, cancer treatment, weight loss, low iron, and pattern baldness that runs in families.2
Good hair care includes using a gentle shampoo and washing with your fingertips. Do not massage the scalp hard.1
Some shampoos can dry out hair. Hair that is thinning or falling out is fragile, and rough handling, tight hairstyles, heat, and hair pulling can damage it or worsen hair loss.1

Why people believe it

People see loose hairs on the towel or in the shower and think shampoo caused it. Some hair fall is normal, and wet hair can break more easily, so washing can make the hair fall look bigger.

What to do

Use a gentle shampoo and wash with your fingertips. Do not rub or massage the scalp hard.1
Use conditioner every time you wash to reduce friction and breakage.1
Be gentle with wet hair. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush.1
If hair loss worries you, see a doctor to find out the cause.2