Give up on these 8 habits to deal with hair thinning effectively

If no hair oil or mask can solve hair thinning for you, then it’s time to dig a little deeper. Did you know your scalp sheds around 100 strands of hair daily? FYI, it’s completely normal. But if this number increases by the day, you might face premature balding. 

But if you’re still wondering what’s wrong with your tresses, make sure to keep a  watch on your habits. You know why? Because your habits determine whether your hair is going to be fab or drab.

Some day-to-day causes that lead to hair thinning

There are several reasons that cause thinning of hair. It can be caused by lifestyle habits, genetics, or both. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Deficiency of vitamin D can stimulate the hair follicles that result in the thinning of hair. 
• Taking excess stress can release hormones like cortisol. A large amount of stress hormones can stop the growth of new hair, causing hair loss and hair thinning. 
• Hair thinning in women can be a result of hormone imbalance, which is common in PCOS. It is a condition that causes women to have a surplus of the male hormone, testosterone. The testosterone gets converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks the hair follicle and causes the hair to become thin, brittle, and more prone to falling off. 
• Protein is considered as the building block for hair. Not getting enough nutrients, especially protein, can also cause hair loss and thinning of hair.
• Some people notice hair loss and thinning of hair during or after pregnancy. That’s because the estrogen levels of the body drop drastically after delivery.
• Sometimes, using harsh hair products such as extreme-hold hair sprays, temporary color and gels can also wreak havoc on your hair, thereby resulting in hair thinning.

Signs of hair thinning that you need to be cautious about

Signs of hair loss and hair loss conditions may vary among men and women. It all begins when you notice a lot of hair on your hairbrush or in the shower drain.

Here are some common signs of hair thinning:

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• Sudden loss of hair;
• Excessive shedding of hair, but not complete baldness;
• The most obvious sign of hair thinning is a noticeable change in the hairline;
• Appearance of flat or mildly receded hairline or a M-shaped hairline; 
• Reduction in the volume of hair around the temples and the crown;
• Losing hair during showering, brushing or combing;
• A bald spot that grows slowly;
• Wide parting;
• Thinner ponytail.

Top dermatologist Dr Ajay Rana has listed eight habits that cause hair thinning

1. Too much sun exposure

When we go out, the sun’s UV rays start to impact the elasticity and strength of the hair. Prolonged heat and sunlight exposure can dry out the hair and scalp and damage the cuticle and the hair fibre, resulting in brittle hair that can lead to hair loss.

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2. Washing the hair with warm water

Washing the hair with hot water can leave the cuticles open. Rinse your hair with cool water to close the cuticles and protect the hair from damage and breakage.

3. Not washing your hair often enough

Not washing your hair often can build up dirt, product leftovers, and oil on the scalp that can clog hair follicles, making it difficult for hair to grow.

4. Using too many hair styling tools

Hair products and styling tools can make the hair brittle and dry. These tools have a high temperature that can strip away the oils and protein from the hair and its protective cuticle. This can disrupt moisture balance and cause breakage and thinning.

5. Mishandling wet hair

Hair is more fragile and prone to breakage, when it’s wet. Brushing or combing your locks in the shower and towel-drying it can wreak havoc on it!

6. Scratching your head

Itching on the scalp can be the result of a fungal infection, allergies, or inflammation that is very harmful for your hair. Scratching the scalp can damage the hair follicles, which can cause hair loss.

7. Wearing tight hairstyles

Tight hairstyles can exercise constant tension on the hair follicles near the roots. It can cause hair to come out of the follicle prematurely, which leads to thinning and scarring.

8. Skipping food

When we don’t take in enough calories, our body redirects all the energy toward essential functions like your heart and brain, leaving the hair and scalp behind. Due to this, new hair doesn’t grow on the scalp and causes hair thinning.

Now you know why you’re in trouble. BTW! You’re welcome.