For most people, there is nothing more alarming than thin, lacklustre hair or a noticeably sparse hairline. While it is absolutely normal to lose about 50–100 strands a day, anything more than that needs your attention. The culprit behind hair loss and hair thinning can be anything from genetics to something as simple as the way you’re styling your hair.
If you are going through a similar problem, then we are here to help. As this issue is quite common and is affecting a lot of women as they get older, we decided to address it once and for all. There are a lot of products, ranging from shampoos and conditioners to hair masks that are specially designed for hair loss prevention. While these should, without a doubt, form a part of your hair care routine, it is important to take certain precautionary measures to help nip the issue in its bud.
If you’ve noticed that your hair seems to be on the thinner side of late, then we have listed a few handy tips that you can use to deal with this issue. These tips are simple lifestyle changes and hairstyling tips that are super effective and will definitely show results.
- 1. Hair Loss Prevention Tips: Avoid hairstyles that pull at the hairline
- 2. Avoid heat styling tools as much as possible
- 3. Limit chemical processing
- 4. Use the right comb
- 5. Eat the right kind of food
- 6. Use hair products specifically formulated for hair loss prevention
- 7. Regularly massage your scalp
- 8. Consider essential oils
1. Hair Loss Prevention Tips: Avoid hairstyles that pull at the hairline
One of the best hair loss prevention tips we have ever received is to avoid tying our hair in a way that tugs at the follicles. Tight ponytails, cornrows, and braids pull at the hairline and can cause hair loss. The traction caused by these tight hairstyles pulls too strongly on the delicate hair of your hairline, leading to possible hair loss and thinning. If you do need to put your hair up in a ponytail, use an elastic that doesn’t have metallic details, and is covered with fabric. It helps ensure your hair won’t get tied too tight and comes undone easily when you remove the tie.
2. Avoid heat styling tools as much as possible
Hair styling tools that use heat are always hard on the hair no matter what they claim. They dehydrate your hair and leave it extremely rough and frizzy in the long run. Additionally, they also cause the bonds in the hair to fracture, leading to hair that is brittle and prone to breakage. While we understand that ditching those hair tools completely can be difficult, limit the number of times you use them. An amazingly easy way to prevent hair loss is to let your hair air-dry as far as possible, and if you feel the need to use styling tools, always start by using a heat protectant spray first. This will help reduce the damage and make your hair less prone to breakage. Also remember to make sure that the curling rod or straightening iron is on medium heat and does not stay on one section of your hair for too long and you move it every ten seconds or so.
3. Limit chemical processing
Not unlike heat styling tools, chemically processing your hair on a regular basis takes a major toll on the health of your tresses. Chemically straightening your hair, bleaching, and lightening your hair can all cause damage to the hair shaft, weakening the hair and causing hair loss. If you want to colour your hair, always go to a trusted salon and use products that are specially formulated for chemically treated hair. This will not only repair hair damage but also makes the effects of the treatment last longer. If you regularly use chemical processing, make sure you treat your hair to a deep-conditioning treatment at least once a week to prevent hair loss.
4. Use the right comb
When it comes to hair loss prevention, even little things, such as the comb you use makes a huge difference. If you are dealing with hair loss, it can seem like each time you’re combing your hair, you are losing a little more hair. But using the right kind of comb can easily help combat this issue. Use a wooden wide-tooth comb to untangle your hair; you can use your regular brush after this. Using a wooden comb reduces static hair and that plays a major role when it comes to reducing hair fall. Additionally, this little trick helps reduce breakage and hair loss from pulling and tugging which happens when you use a brush to detangle hair. Also, remember to never ever comb your hair while it is wet because your hair is at its most vulnerable when wet. You should also clean your combs and brushes every week as this is a necessary step to prevent hair fall.
5. Eat the right kind of food
A nutritious diet plays a very important role when it comes to hair loss prevention. A diet that lacks essential vitamins and nutrients weakens the hair shaft and makes your hair extremely prone to breakage. Therefore it is important to consume a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. These can all help revitalise thinning strands and prevent hair loss. Make sure your diet includes plenty of leafy greens, nuts, beans, fish, and lean meats. If you’re having a hard time getting enough nutrients in your daily diet, a good dietary supplement can help cover whatever your diet is lacking.
6. Use hair products specifically formulated for hair loss prevention
Hair loss and hair thinning are a major concern, thanks to modern day lifestyles. There are a lot of products that are specially formulated for hair loss prevention. These products restore hair growth and stop hair thinning. These shampoos, conditioners and serums contain a large number of active ingredients, numerous oils and minerals, all of which aid in growth. They also destroy bacteria that can cause hair breakage and loss, increase blood circulation to the scalp, and more.
7. Regularly massage your scalp
This age-old remedy is actually quite effective even today. If you are looking for easy hair loss prevention tips, then regularly massaging your scalp is the answer. There are numerous ways to incorporate a scalp massage into your hair care regimen. Other than massaging your scalp while applying hair oil, you can do it while in the shower and after applying shampoo as well. Scalp massages have been found to improve circulation to the scalp and stimulate hair growth. By moving your fingertips in a slow, circular movement around the whole head, you’ll reduce stress and promote hair regrowth at the same time.
8. Consider essential oils
Essentials oils have been around for a long time, but it is only recently that they have gained a lot of popularity. They are really popular for their natural benefits and they might just be what you need to prevent hair loss. Oils such as carrot seed, cypress, lavender, and rosemary all have regenerative, soothing, and balancing properties that can improve the condition of the scalp and promote hair growth. Because essential oils are increasingly popular as a healthier alternative, these are easy to find online or in health stores. A few drops added to the oil during your scalp massage is a great way to take advantage of all the benefits the oils have to offer.
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Written by Urvi Dalal on Nov 18, 2019
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!