Hair loss and hair fall are two common hair problems that most people experience. While some factors causing hair loss and hair fall are beyond our control, certain healthy hair habits can help prevent them. According to Dr. Craig Ziering, a hair transplant surgeon, hormones and androgenic alopecia are the leading causes of hair loss. However, maintaining healthy hair habits can play a vital role in preventing unnecessary hair loss.
Celebrity hairstylist Paul Labrecque states that each hair care mistake can be detrimental on its own, but combining them can worsen the condition. It is important to note that overall wellness affects hair shedding as well. Tom Smith, the creative director of Evo Haircare, states that hair shedding is usually determined by the growth cycles of hair follicles and the general health of the body and mind.
One of the major mistakes that people make when it comes to hair care is brushing, combing, and detangling their hair incorrectly. Dr. Ziering explains that regularly tugging hair weakens and breaks individual strands, which damages hair follicles and contributes to hair loss.
Smith suggests avoiding forcefully brushing stubborn tangles after washing and instead lightly wringing and patting hair dry with a towel before using a wide-toothed comb to gently start detangling from the middle to the ends. Dr. Ziering advises waiting until hair is completely dry to use a brush, comb, or styling tools as hair is weaker when wet. Carefully combing hair can help reduce strain on the scalp and prevent snagging or tearing of hair strands. In case of difficulties, Dr. Ziering suggests using a detangling product such as Evo Hair Head Mistress Cuticle Sealer.
#1: Improper brushing, combing, and detangling
According to Dr. Ziering, regularly tugging on hair weakens and breaks individual strands, damages hair follicles, and contributes to hair loss. If you struggle with stubborn tangles, avoid forcefully brushing them out, advises Smith. Instead, lightly wring and pat your hair dry with a towel before using a wide-toothed comb to gently start detangling from the middle to the ends.
Dr. Ziering notes that hair is even weaker when wet, so brushing or styling it while it’s compromised can make it more prone to damage. He advises waiting until hair is completely dry to use a brush, comb, or styling tools. “Carefully combing your hair will reduce strain on the scalp and snagging or tearing of hair strands.” If you’re still struggling, he recommends using a detangling product like Evo Hair Head Mistress Cuticle Sealer ($34).
#2: Excessive use of heat
Labrecque warns that excessive heat can seriously damage the health of your hair. Overuse of hot tools “can make your hair dry, prone to breakage, and consequently more likely to fall out, especially if you use them every day,” says Dr. Ziering. “This is because when too much strong, dry heat is applied to the hair, it weakens the hair shaft.”
#3: High stress levels
According to Smith, periods of high stress can trigger hair follicles to go through a cycle of shedding, which is something we saw during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Ziering notes that this doesn't refer to the daily, mundane stressors, but rather extreme, prolonged stress. Chronic or prolonged stress can cause a “significant number of hair follicles to enter the resting or telogen phase in the common hair growth cycle. Hair follicles that have been prematurely pushed into the telogen phase then begin shedding rapidly,” he explains.
Smith explains that this shedding can happen up to three months after a stressful event, but typically the hair growth cycles rebalance in time. “Try to stay healthy and manage stress levels to reduce the risk of your hair growth cycle being interrupted.”
#4: Wearing hair extensions
According to Labrecque, wearing extensions can lead to significant hair damage if you’re not a suitable candidate for them. The tension caused by the weave or extensions can be especially harmful to already compromised hair. “Wearing extensions can require women to tightly pull their natural hair while also putting pressure and strain on the existing hair follicles, which is not good for your hair,” notes Dr. Ziering. “The constant pulling can break or cause hair strands to fall out, and it could even cause permanent damage to hair follicles.”
#5: Changes in diet
Dr. Ziering believes that the diet you follow may be affecting the health and growth rate of your hair. “To promote optimal hair growth, a diet rich in lean protein (such as fish), green leafy vegetables, nuts, berries, and legumes is recommended,” he advises. He also cautions that crash diets can contribute to hair loss.