Hair loss is inevitable, But these easy lifestyle habits will help delay the process
Hair loss does not only affect men. Women can be plagued with follicle issues too, though female hair loss is different from that of men. Most women will note some hair thinning between the ages of 30 and 65 when the quality of hair is reduced and hair shafts become thinner. For men, hair problems can happen at any age and affect people in different ways.
According to hair and scalp care experts at local haircare centre Beijing 101, men who begin to experience hair problems at an early age are more likely to lose more hair as they age. Apart from age, pattern hair loss differs between genders too. Male pattern hair loss mostly starts with the forehead, and will gradually form an M-shape hairline. Subsequently, the hair on the crown will begin to thin until baldness becomes complete.
Female pattern hair loss, on the other hand, usually starts with a widening through the centre while the front hairline remains unchanged. Hair thinning happens mainly on the top and crown of the scalp. Female hair loss stems from hormonal changes – such as pregnancy, using contraceptive pills, menopause, physical and emotional stress and if one is on medication.
For the men, hair loss is hereditary, although physical stress and hormonal changes are factors that contribute to balding. Fungal infection of the scalp also adds to men’s hair problems. While losing hair is akin to getting wrinkles due to ageing, seeking professional help and practising good hair habits can slow hair loss. Good eating habits and sleeping at regular hours also play a part in reducing hair loss. Here are some tips to maintain healthy hair:
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Washing it regularly
Many tend to believe that washing their hair often may be the cause of their hair loss. Fact is: washing your hair every day actually helps to prevent against hair loss by keeping the scalp healthy and clean. If you’re worried about stripping too much oil away from your scalp, consider opting for a mild shampoo instead.
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Avoid hot showers
Nothing beats soaking in a hot shower at the end of the day. But little did you know, these hot showers might just be the reason for the clogged drains in the bathroom. This is because hot water actually dehydrates strands which eventually results in dry, brittle hair — causing hair to be more prone to break and fall out. At the same time, the hot water also strips away essential oils on your scalp, sending your scalp into overdrive by producing more oils than it should which may lead to more shedding.
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Avoid using too much heat on the hair
Using blowdryers or curlers on the daily is a great way to spruce up your look, but it might just be doing more harm than good. Exposing your scalp to heat especially from blowdryers or heat styling products make the hair more prone to breakage. This most probably due to the hair proteins and cuticles that have been damaged, which eventually leads to thinner hair.
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Let your hair down
If you’re into high ponytails a la Ariana Grande, you might want to reconsider your choice of hairstyle. Constantly pulling your hair back into a tight ponytail can cause what experts call progressive thinning of the hair line. If you do it regularly, it could lead to permanent hair loss. Switch up your hair style every day and make sure you don’t tie your hair too tightly whether you’re wearing a ponytail or braids.
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Meditate
Stress is another factor that could lead to hair loss and finding ways to reduce stress is one of the ways you can reduce the impact it has on your hair. Try meditating or opt for something more dynamic like working out or simply jogging.
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Use a leave-in product
Using a leave-in product like the Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, $46, helps hydrate hair and minimise the friction between strands, making them less likely to break. It also protects hair against UV rays and keeps hair soft and frizz-free.
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Comb or brush your hair before showering
Brushing your hair before showering will help remove dirt. This will also prevent pulling on hair knots so that your hair and scalp will not be hurt.
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Take care of your hair at night
To prevent any hair frizz due to tossing and turning over the night, smooth out your hair before going to bed.
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Massage your scalp
Regular five-minute head massages will help promote blood circulation so that hair follicles can restore nutrients more rapidly.
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Go for regular scalp detox treatments
Scalp detox treatments will help remove scalp sebum and clogged pores, which aids in maintaining a clean and healthy scalp.
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Avoid over-exposing scalp and hair to strong sunlight
Hair can become brittle and dry under such circumstances. If your scalp is sunburnt, use soothing products on it and gently massage your scalp.
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Consume more green leafy vegetables and yellow fruits
Lack of vitamins is one cause of unhealthy hair. It is important to consume vitamin-rich vegetables and fruit such as spinach, leek, celery, mango and banana. Vitamin B helps improve hair growth and add shine, while vitamin C plays a necessary role in enhancing the absorption of iron, which keeps our locks strong and healthy.
This article taken from https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/ and was first published in The New Paper.
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