Hair fall or hair strands that break easily can be caused by a variety of factors and may be the sign of a serious problem, or just simply poor hair care.
For serious hair loss, the advice of a professional trichologist should be sought, but if your hair loss is subtle then some simple hair tips can help you to reduce hair fall and hair breakage, and to care for your hair.
Hair Care Basics
To ensure that your hair is as strong as possible, and to help reduce the amount of strands that you lose, make these hair care basics a part of your routine.
When washing your hair, don’t pull on your strands or poke at your scalp, and make sure that you use the soft tips of your fingers to gently work the shampoo over your scalp and through your hair from root to tip.
Use a comb with wide teeth to gently separate knots, and always work it from the ends of your hair up to your roots.
A hair brush with natural bristles is much gentler on your scalp and hair strands than a plastic brush. If you’re not already using a natural bristle brush, make the switch today.
Remember that brushes are for use on dry hair only. Only ever use a comb on wet hair.
Make use of the great variety of hair products available on the market and switch to a shampoo and conditioner designed to help prevent hair fall and hair breakage.
Regularly treat your hair with an overnight hair treatment or a hair mask that can be used weekly or fortnightly to strengthen your hair. Look for products that pack a protein punch for the best results.
Hair Fall and Hair Breakage Tips
To prevent on-going damage, keep these tips in mind.
If you need extra detangling help when combing or brushing your hair, use a spray in hair detangler. It will soften your strands and make it easier for your comb to glide through your locks, helping to prevent your strands from snapping.
When it comes to the use of chemicals to perm, dye or relax your hair, the less you use these products, the better. If you can’t give them up completely, try to stretch the time between processes to 8 to 10 weeks.
Always opt for hair products that use the most natural ingredients. They are better for your hair and won’t overload or weaken it with chemicals.
Get rid of split ends. Left untreated, spilt ends will work their way up your hair shaft and cause snapping and breakage. Keep them at bay by getting your ends trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks.
If you tie your hair up, make sure that you use cloth hair elastics that don’t have any metal pieces that could snag on your locks.
It’s a good idea to remember when styling your hair to not tie, pin or braid your locks too tightly. A style that is too tight puts pressure on your scalp and strands and could cause your hair to break.
Get any knots out of your hair before shampooing. This will stop your hair becoming even more tangled when washing, and reduce the likelihood of your strands snapping when you comb your locks after washing.
Get the jump on weakened hair by protecting your locks from outside exposures. Use a swimming cap when in the pool, and a hat or scarf when you’re in the wind or out in the sun.
Treat your locks from the inside out by indulging in healthy foods, such as vegetables and fruit, and don’t forget to drink lots of water.