Unexpected Ways You Might Be Causing Hair Breakage + Loss This Summer
Can you hear your hair snapping as you brush it? Are you noticing more hair clogging up your shower drain? Is hair thinning becoming more obvious when you attempt different hairstyles?
Everyone loses hair - approximately 50-100 a day. But if you're noticing more breakage and hair loss than normal, it could be your daily habits that are to blame for that receding hairline of yours.
From follicle-stressing hairstyles to low-protein diets, here are the ones to watch out for...
THE CULPRITS
Tight Ponytails
How you style your hair can greatly affect the overall health and appearance of your tresses.
If your go-to hairstyle is a tightly slicked back ponytail, you could be unknowingly causing hair fall and hair breakage.
It's called traction alopecia, a form of hair loss that happens when tight hairstyles forcefully pull hairs out of the scalp, causing inflammation in the hair follicle. Ouch!
"Initially, breakage can occur – and in severe cases hairs may be pulled out from their follicle," explains Anabel Kingsley, trichologist at Philip Kingsley. "Traction can lead to a gradual recession of the front hairline. And if done for an extended period of time, the hair follicle can be irreversibly damaged with permanent hair loss resulting."
You can also experience this from wearing too tight buns, braids, weaves, and dreadlocks. Basically any type of tugging and pulling - like even that caused by a hairbrush or harsh curling iron techniques - can result in hair loss and breakage.
Headbands
It’s possible that headbands can also cause hair loss if worn very tightly for long periods of time. If you can feel those plastic teeth or clips tugging at your hair, that's a clear sign of stress on the follicle, which could result in bald patches.
You should be pretty safe with regular, soft headbands - the types you wear in the gym. That's because they're made from polyester and spandex which keep hair off your face without pulling at your hair and acting as a stressor.
However, if you're noticing baldness and you're an avid hairband wearer of the tighter forms, that could be your answer.
Too Much Headgear
Hat fanatic? Or perhaps your job requires you to wear headgear?
Either way, the process of putting on and removing it repeatedly can cause stress on the hair follicles, which can cause hair shedding and loss. It can also restrict blood flow, causing hair to weaken and break.
In fact, hats worn very tightly can actually weaken the hair follicles, which may stunt new hair growth.
Diet
Lack of iron and low protein diets are one of the most common causes of hair loss.
In order to grow healthy, strong hair strands, your body needs plenty of protein, iron, and vitamins. Without those nutrients, your health, skin, and hair will suffer.
If your diet is lacking iron-rich foods like dark leafy greens and red meat, hair loss is usually the body’s first sign of the deficiency.
Think you might be dealing with iron deficiency? Consider taking supplements, too.
THE FIXES
Eat More Vitamins
Vitamins play an essential role in hair care and health. Here are some vitamins that will help boost hair growth.
Biotin: It's the holy grail for hair, skin, and nails. People use it both as a topical and internal supplement for hair regrowth.
B-Vitamins: Foods rich in B-complex vitamins help with renewal of cells necessary for hair growth. You'll find B-vitamins in dark leafy greens, seafood, whole grains, and meat.
Vitamin D: "This is a vitamin that helps with overall immunity," explains dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara. Besides boosting your immune system, vitamin D also promotes hair health. To get your daily dose of it, spend a little more time in the sun or take vitamin D supplements.
Iron: "Iron-deficient people can suffer from anemia and subsequent hair loss," says Dr. Gohara. "This can happen with diets that lack iron, with heavy menstrual cycles where blood loss is substantial, or with other health conditions."
Implement Healthy Hair Ingredients
Start shampooing, conditioning, and masking with the following haircare wellness ingredients:
Coconut Oil: Unlike most oils which sit on top of your hair, coconut oil penetrates the hair, making it stronger from the inside out. Studies show that this ingredient reduces protein loss caused by styling and brushing. It also provides deep hydration for dry strands.
You'll find this ingredient in Truly's Star Fruit Hydrate & Shine Hair Mask.
Avocado Oil: It's not just an amazing skincare product, it's also terrific for the hair.
"Avocado oil is a good source of vitamins B and E, and can be a great leave-in conditioner for hair, softening it and providing great shine," says cosmetic chemist Jim Hammer. It's effective at replenishing strength and moisture in dry, damaged hair.
Truly's Unicorn Locks Hair Repair Mask is loaded with avocado oil.
Argan Oil: Full of fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid, and vitamin E, argan oil helps prevent dryness, reduces frizz, and boosts shine. Some say it can even prevent dandruff.
Our Rainbows in Mirrors Split End Treatment is packed with argan oil.
Look out for hair products that contain these nourishing hair ingredients to keep your mane thriving.
WHAT ELSE COULD IT BE?
Hair loss and breakage can be caused by a number of factors. While we've chosen to focus on the unexpected ones, you should also be aware that everything from hormonal changes to autoimmune diseases to alopecia areata can all be responsible for hair fall. Menopause and thyroid issues are among the most common causes.
Even extreme weight loss may be the reason why your hair is rapidly becoming thinner and bald spots are showing.
Visit your healthcare provider or a dermatology professional to help establish the type of hair loss you're experiencing and receive the best possible treatment.
