There are other things besides washing that cause shedding and hair breakage. Putting your head down on a pillow at night has an effect---especially if you're sleeping on a cotton pillow case. It's been stated before on this forum but it bears repeating for the newbies---don't sleep on a cotton pillow case. Cotton does two things. First, it's very absorbent and it 'wicks' the oils out of the hair causing it to dry out. Second, the cotton threads are very scraggly and 'hook' the hair and pull on it. Both of those factors cause shedding and breakage. Use a satin or silk pillow case and your unit will last longer. And wearing a cap also pulls on the system.
Regards,
John