shedding more with stretching washes?

**bubblyredhead** · March 7th, 2012, 09:51 PM

Lately I have been trying to stretch my washes and I notice that I loose a lot more hair when I skip washing for 2 days is this normal? or is it just the same amount of hair but all at once?

**sycamoreboutiqu** · March 7th, 2012, 10:05 PM

I think most of us conclude it is just the same amount of hair shedding but you just see it all at once. I know I shed entire clumps sometimes and it would worry me if not for the fact that my general volume never seems to go down, so it must be normal.

I know when I have kept a constant braid for a few days and pretty much no combing that I will get a sinkful of sheds when I do comb, and much more during the CO wash. All told I don't think they are anywhere near the possible 100 a day so I don't concern myself about it.

**bubblyredhead** · March 7th, 2012, 10:11 PM

Thank you! I was thinking along those lines but just needed a little reassurance not that I am obsessed with my hair or anything...

**OhioLisa** · March 7th, 2012, 10:16 PM

Personally, I do shed more when I try to stretch my washes. I have actually compared my clumps.

So yes, it is possible.

**Lamb** · March 8th, 2012, 12:12 AM

You might want to read this article by ktani, OP:
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&articleid=121

Skipping a day shouldn't be long enough for shed hair to accumulate. Some people's scalps just like to be cleaned every day.

**Mina17** · March 8th, 2012, 03:32 AM

Originally Posted by Lamb

You might want to read this article by ktani, OP:
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&articleid=121

Skipping a day shouldn't be long enough for shed hair to accumulate. Some people's scalps just like to be cleaned every day.

I totally agree. When I experimented with stretching washes I tried to convince myself it was just "normal shedding" like people say here, until I realized my ponytail circumference was getting quite a bit smaller. For me the possible benefits of stretching washes aren't worth losing my hair

.

**Teufelchen** · March 8th, 2012, 05:29 AM

I agree with Lamb and Mina17, my scalp does the same. As soon as it gets oily I start shedding like crazy.
I have found that the longest I can strech is to every other day, so I wash every other day and be happy.

**Madora** · March 8th, 2012, 07:33 AM

The shedding might be the result of not brushing or combing your hair every day. The shed hairs tend to get trapped among the attached hairs. Thus, when you shampoo, you find more sheds than you like.

It's always a good idea to either brush or comb your hair - and thoroughly detangle it - to get rid of sheds before you shampoo.
Saves on hair getting caught in the drain strainer too!

**Teufelchen** · March 8th, 2012, 10:15 AM

Madora, I detangle and brush my hair every day, and before washing as well, and that amount is larger if my scalp gets too oily. I mean, I don't shed more on washing day, I shed more when my scalp is oily, no matter if I wash or not.

But I agree, that detangling and brushing every day is essential.

**Silverbrumby** · March 8th, 2012, 12:19 PM

I tried stretching my washes and noticed when I did that my scalp got sore, and I was shedding way more. Now I'm washing twice a week with rosemary tea rinses sometimes inbetween and it seems to be helping with the shedding.

What I'm finding causes shedding on me:

* not BBB at least once every 2 days
* only washing my hair once a week
* putting any kind of oil or even monistat on my hair. My scalp didn't like it