A leading hair transplant surgeon has revealed that many Americans are showering in the wrong order, potentially causing serious damage to their hair and scalp, and leading to hair loss.

Dr. Mehmet Erdogan, Co-Founder and Hair Transplant Surgeon at Smile Hair Clinic, says the incorrect shower routine many people follow could be contributing to hair thinning and loss without them realizing. The expert has outlined some key points to keep in mind when showering.

Wash body first, face second, hair last

The order in which you wash your body, face and hair during a shower can make a significant difference to your scalp health.

Your shower routine should start with washing your body, then face, and finish with your hair. This prevents shampoo and conditioner residue from staying on your skin and scalp for extended periods, which can clog pores and damage hair follicles. Many people apply conditioner and then continue washing their body, allowing residue to sit on the scalp for too long.

The expert noted that residue from hair products left on the scalp creates a buildup that blocks follicles, similar to how pores get clogged on your face. This blockage prevents healthy hair growth and may eventually lead to thinning.

Avoid hot water on the scalp

Hot water strips your scalp of natural oils called sebum that protect hair follicles. These oils are essential for maintaining scalp health, and removing them completely can trigger excessive oil production, creating a cycle of greasiness and product buildup. Having your showers too hot can also damage your skin barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.

Using lukewarm water for hair washing and a cool rinse at the end to seal the hair cuticles, which helps maintain moisture and shine.

Don’t shampoo every day

Shampooing too frequently removes natural oils your scalp needs. Most people only need to wash their hair 2-3 times per week, unless they have extremely oily hair or exercise intensely daily.

The surgeon pointed out that over-washing creates a vicious cycle where the scalp produces more oil to compensate for what’s being stripped away, making hair appear greasier faster.

Pay attention to product build-up

Hair products with heavy silicones and waxes collect on the scalp over time, suffocating hair follicles. This buildup prevents new hair growth and weakens existing strands, potentially leading to hair loss over time.

He recommends using a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove product buildup completely and give follicles a fresh start.

Don’t ignore scalp exfoliation

The scalp sheds dead skin cells just like the rest of your body, but many people never exfoliate this area. Dead skin builds up around hair follicles, weakening them over time and contributing to hair loss.

The expert suggests using a gentle scalp scrub or exfoliating shampoo once weekly to remove dead skin cells and product residue that regular shampoo might miss.

Dr. Mehmet Erdogan, Co-Founder and Hair Transplant Surgeon at Smile Hair Clinic, commented:“Many people do not realize that their shower routine could be bad for them, their skin and their hair. Simply turning the temperature of that steamy shower down can reduce frizz, breakage and color fading, and protect your skin.

“Caring for your scalp properly plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair too, as it produces natural oils that moisturize and protect your skin. Buildup of sebum, dead skin, dirt, residue and sweat can cause issues, which is why scalp exfoliation and using the right shampoo are so important.

“Making these simple changes to your shower routine can significantly improve scalp health and potentially prevent unnecessary hair loss. Most people with early-stage hair loss have poor shower habits contributing to their problem. Correcting these habits alone won’t reverse genetic hair loss, but it can slow the process and improve overall hair health.”