alopecia – Eat So What!

10 Everyday Bad Habits That Are Damaging Your Hair

Sometimes we do things unintentionally in our daily routine that are actually hurting our hair health. The health of your hair depends on how well you take care of yourself. Many aspects of lifestyle, from the food you eat to the way you style your hair can impact the quality of your hair. While certain health problems, medication, stress, and genetics have a direct connection to our hair health, there might be many everyday bad habits that can wreak havoc on your hair.

Here are 10 Everyday Bad Habits That Are Hurting Your Hair Health:

1.Detangling Wet Hair

When your hair is wet, it swells and loses its strength, which causes hair to break off even under the low pressure. So, your wet strands are far more fragile than dry hair. Brushing wet hair with a fine-tooth comb can all lead to breakage. For extra protection, apply conditioner after shampoo to reduce friction between strands of hair that allow easier brushing. It’s better to let your hair dry naturally and comb when it’s dry.

2.Taking Hot Showers

We all enjoy hot showers, especially when the weather is cool. No doubt, hot shower instantly makes us feel great and relaxed, but at the same time, it is not good for your hair. Avoid washing your hair with excessively hot water. Rinsing with hot water results in temporary inflammation of the scalp and you may experience pain and skin redness as well as it takes away natural oils from your scalp leaving your scalp dehydrated, which can cause dandruff. Always rinse with cold water after a hot shower; otherwise, your weaker strands may start breaking off.

3.Overexposure to Sun

Just like your skin, your hair also needs protection from harsh UVA and UVB rays. If you expose your hair to the sun for long periods of time, UVA and UVB rays can damage the hair cuticle (the outermost part of the hair shaft) and dehydrate your locks. Signs of sun damage include changes in the color, look, and texture of your hair. Damaged hair has a dry look, split ends, frizziness, thinning and brittle strands. Use shampoo which gives UV protection and gets your hair trimmed to get rid of split ends.

4. Tying Up Your Hair Tightly

When you tie up your hair too tightly, then the elastic exerts too much pressure, and the constant pulling can cause strands of your hair to break or even fall out, which, in the long, can damage your hair follicles. This can result in Traction Alopecia, which is a form of alopecia, or gradual hair loss, caused primarily by pulling pressure being applied to the hair. To avoid damage, pick hair ties that are covered with fabric and use bobby pins or hair clips when you need to get your hair out of your face.

5. Using Same Hair Products After Hair Treatment

If you have done hair treatment, whether highlights or keratin treatment don’t use your regular shampoo or conditioner. Your regular shampoo contains harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) that depletes natural oils and hair proteins and sodium chloride (salt) which are abrasive in nature. Your treated hair will look healthier and last longer with the proper shampoo and conditioner.

Conclusion

With some precautions such as using a shampoo with UV protectant, avoiding excessive hot water shower, avoiding overheating your hair, and increasing the time between hair treatments or just by minutely changing the way you handle your hair like using microfiber towel instead of cotton towel, combing the hair when it’s dry, you can get stronger, shinier and healthier hair. So, say goodbye to the bad hair habits, and you will never have a bad hair day again.