Hair loss can be distressing, but it’s often the result of unexpected mistakes we make in our daily hair care routine. Thinning hair comes with age, but you could be speeding up the process without even realizing it. Being more mindful of these hair habits can help avoid shedding before your time.
1. Overwashing Your Hair
Our hair is made up of oils that nourish the shaft and give it a natural shine. Washing your hair too frequently strips it of natural oils, which can lead to dryness and breakage. You should only wash your hair on average twice or three times per week; anything more than this could cause excessive breakage and eventual hair loss.
2. Taking Hot Showers
We get it—hot showers are relaxing after a long day and excellent for aching muscles, but hot water can damage hair follicles. Prolonged exposure to hot water can lead to weaker strands and increased hair loss. Opt for lukewarm or cool water to protect your hair and scalp in the long run and avoid hair loss.
3. Straightening Your Hair Too Often
If you’re breaking out the flat iron every morning, you could find yourself experiencing hair loss sooner than you thought. Excessive use of heat-styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can weaken your hair, causing breakage and hair loss. If you must put heat on your hair, make sure you’re using a heat-protecting spray or avoid heat styling at all if possible.
4. Tight Hairstyles
Whether it’s a hot Summer day or you’re in the middle of doing chores, having your hair in your face is annoying. We often tie our hair up in tight ponytails, braids, and buns to keep our mane out of the way, But hairstyles that are too tight can pull on your hair and scalp, leading to traction alopecia. Over time, this stresses the hair follicles to the point where breakage and hair loss can occur.
5. Not Using a Heat Protectant
Using a hair dryer every day is common for many of us, but it’s really doing a number on your hair health. To protect against damage and loss, it’s essential to spritz your hair with a heat-protectant spray first. Skipping heat protectant before using styling tools can leave your hair vulnerable to damage from high temperatures. Always apply a heat protectant spray to create a barrier and protect your hair.
6. Chemical Hair Treatments
Whether it’s covering your grays or getting a perm, regularly exposing your hair to harsh salon chemicals can weaken the strands and lead to hair loss over time. Try to space out chemical treatments and give your hair time to recover between sessions. This is particularly true if you’re bleaching your hair.
7. Rough Towel Drying
Vigorously rubbing your hair with a towel can cause breakage and frizz. Maybe you were taught to do it this way, or perhaps you’ve seen it in movies or ads. However, you learned to do this, so stop it now if you want to keep your hair thick and luscious. Instead, gently pat your hair dry or use a microfiber towel to reduce friction and prevent damage.
8. Sleeping with Wet Hair
The last thing you want to do after a long day is blowdry your hair before bed. But it’s a vital haircare step you really shouldn’t skip. Sleeping with wet hair can lead to tangles and breakage, especially if you toss and turn at night. Make sure your hair is completely dry before bed to minimize damage. If you do sleep with damp hair, make sure you’re sleeping on a silk pillowcase to reduce the damage you do to your hair while you sleep.
9. Using the Wrong Hairbrush
Using a hairbrush with rough bristles or brushing your hair too aggressively can cause breakage. When it comes to brushing wet hair, opt for a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft, flexible bristles to detangle gently. Or, try shopping for a detangling brush with wire bristles that will gently comb through the hair. As for dry hair, opt for a softer bristle that won’t disturb the hair shaft.
10. Neglecting Scalp Care
We often think that skincare stops at the top of the forehead, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Your scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth and, therefore, requires as much TLC as the skin on your face. Neglecting scalp care can lead to buildup, clogged follicles, and, eventually, hair loss. Regularly cleanse and exfoliate your scalp to keep it and your hair healthy.
11. Skipping Conditioner
You might think skipping conditioner will stop your hair from being greasy and heavy. However, skipping conditioner can leave your hair dry and prone to breakage. Make sure to always use conditioner after shampooing to replenish moisture and keep your hair strong in order to avoid eventual hair loss.
12. Using Hair Ties with Metal Parts
Even the type of hair tie you use can have a big effect on your hair’s texture and thickness. Hair ties with metal parts can snag and break your hair, leading to split ends and hair loss. When it comes to shopping for hair accessories and hair ties, skip the ones with metal parts and opt for a fabric hair tie to protect your mane.
14. Eating a Poor Diet
Sometimes, you could be doing all the right haircare treatments but still experience hair loss. If this is the case for you, your diet may be to blame. Your diet plays a crucial role in the health of your hair. A diet lacking in essential vitamins and minerals can lead to hair thinning and loss. Ensure you’re eating a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
14. Overbrushing Your Hair
You may think that brushing your hair is a good habit, and to a certain extent, it is. However, overbrushing your hair too frequently or aggressively can weaken the strands and cause breakage. Brush your hair gently and only when necessary to minimize damage. Make sure to take extra care when brushing wet hair; harsh brushing can cause breakage and hair loss over time.
15. Smoking
We all know that smoking has a dire effect on your entire well-being and overall health, but did you know this habit can also cause hair thinning? Smoking reduces blood circulation, which can hinder hair growth and lead to hair thinning. Quitting smoking can improve your overall health and protect your luscious mane from hair loss.