Hair loss can happen to anyone, and while it’s normal to shed up to 100 hairs each day, losing more than that might indicate a problem. Often, the cause is harmless and can be linked to your regular hairstyle or genetics. It’s typically more of a cosmetic issue than a health concern.
Each hair strand has a lifespan of up to 5 years, undergoing stages of growth, rest, and shedding. However, certain factors can cause hair to enter the resting phase earlier than usual, a condition known as telogen effluvium. This can be triggered by stress, pregnancy, medication, or underlying health issues. Genetics can also play a role in early hair loss. If you’re dealing with significant hair loss, bald spots, or thinning patches, it’s wise to consult a specialist. Your dermatologist or primary care doctor can recommend treatments to help manage hair loss.
Both men and women can adopt various habits to help prevent hair loss. Here are five top tips to keep your hair healthy:
1. **Avoid Tight Hairstyles**:
Styles like tight updos, ponytails, or cornrows might look great, but they can lead to hair loss if worn frequently. This condition is called traction alopecia. To prevent it, opt for looser hairstyles and switch up your hairdos. While it’s okay to occasionally pull your hair back tightly, avoid doing it regularly. This includes avoiding tight buns, ponytails, cornrows, hair extensions, weaves, or tight braids. Using hair rollers too often, especially overnight, can also contribute to hair loss. Signs of potentially damaging hairstyles include pain from pulled hair, sores, or crusts on the scalp, and scalp tenting (where parts of the scalp are pulled tightly).
2. **Limit Heat and Chemical Treatments**:
Heat and chemicals are major culprits in causing hair damage and loss. They can weaken the hair’s structure, leading to dullness, dryness, breakage, and split ends. To keep your hair healthy, use products that contain strengthening ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. Consider a protein-rich diet, use heat protection products before styling, and choose repairing shampoos and conditioners.
3. **Be Gentle with Wet Hair**:
Brushing your hair while it’s wet can cause significant damage. Wet hair is more fragile and can easily break when brushed. Regular brushing helps stimulate roots and promotes hair growth, but do it when your hair is mostly dry. After washing, gently towel dry your hair by squeezing out the moisture, then let it air dry or use a hairdryer once it’s about 80% dry.
4. **Avoid Smoking**:
The chemicals in cigarettes can damage your hair’s DNA and hinder its growth cycle. Tobacco smoke causes oxidative stress, damaging hair follicles and preventing growth. Nicotine also reduces blood circulation in the scalp, depriving your hair of essential nutrients. E-cigarettes can also harm your hair’s cells. For healthier hair, quitting smoking is crucial.
5. **Protect Your Hair from UV Rays**:
While short-term sun exposure is generally harmless, long-term exposure can damage your hair, causing dryness and breakage. Melanin in dark hair offers some protection against UV rays, but this diminishes with age as hair loses its pigment and turns grey or white. To shield your hair, wear a hat, use a scarf, or apply UV protection products when out in the sun for extended periods.
By following these five tips, you can take steps towards maintaining healthy hair and preventing hair loss.