There are many contributing factors that can cause hair loss. Some of them you cannot control. For example, if your hair loss is due to genetics, it is less likely you will be able to stop the hair loss from occurring – though you may be able to slow that loss or even stop it with our Hair Loss Prevention Program for Women and Hair Loss Prevention Program for Men. However, some of the most common causes of hair loss directly relate to the way you live your life and even the way you style your hair. If you have not done so yet, consider the way you do your hair each morning. Are you doing things that can trigger significant hair loss? In many cases of moderate hair loss – in both men and women – hair styling methods are to blame.

Pulling Your Hair Too Much

One of the most common causes of hair loss that's avoidable is pulling it too much. If you style your hair in any way that pulls on it significantly, this can cause the follicles to undergo stress, making it easier for hair itself to fall out. This is a common problem for those that style their hair in:

  • Braids of all types
  • Cornrows
  • Ponytails pulled tightly
  • Hair extensions

For those that are doing this, it helps to keep the hair looser. That is, instead of pulling it back tightly and tautly, allow the hair to lay more naturally. If it feels like it is pulling, then there is too much force being applied to your hair. If you lose a lot of hair in the shower, this could be why this is happening.

Using Heat on Your Hair

Many people style their hair using heat. This may be in curling irons or flat irons. When you do this once or twice, it does not necessarily damage the hair. However, if you apply heat on a regular basis to the hair – especially very high heat, you are damaging the hair structure. Over time, the hair becomes brittle. It eventually falls or breaks off. This leaves you with brittle hair and often hair that's very fine, and full of split ends. The only way to avoid this common cause of hair loss or hair breakage from over styling is to stop using heat and allow the hair to heal.

Using Chemicals on Your Hair

What about the chemicals you use in your hair every day? Could those be contributing to your hair loss? Another type of over styling that is rather common is the use of chemical applications. A good example is the use of perms or chemical straighteners. Again, using these products and styling methods properly and doing so infrequently can help reduce the risk that you will actually see a significant amount of hair loss. However, if you try to color or otherwise over treat your hair with chemicals, you are likely to see a significant amount of hair loss happen. And, again, the only way to stop this is through reducing the frequency.

Over Combing Your Hair

How about the way you run a comb or brush through your hair? Could this simple task be at the heart of your hair loss? It could be. The movement and pull from a comb, especially in wet or very curly hair, will cause damage to the root, allowing the hair to slip out. To avoid this, towel dry your hair before combing it. It also helps to let your hair air dry instead of combing it with a hair dryer in hand.

Tips for Avoiding the Trauma

If you are losing hair, take action to avoid the worsening of it. Don't apply as many chemicals and reduce the amount of heat applied to your hair. And, if you have not done so, speak to your hair stylist about a new way to style your hair so you can avoid tying it up and causing damage from pulling it too tight. Don't over style your hair. Instead, give your hair the proper attention it needs to avoid this through proper care and maintenance. For a more in-depth consultation regarding your hair situation, contact the team at Unique Hair Concepts.