6 Bad Habits That Lead To Hair Loss
03 / 03 / 20

6 Bad Habits That Lead To Hair Loss

There are several hair loss factors such as genetics, health conditions, and certain necessary medications in which you have little to no control over. Did you know that there are also habits in your everyday life that contribute to hair loss and you may not even realize you're doing them? The best part is, you do have control over these factors. Let's take a look at 6 bad habits you should kick to the curb that can contribute to hair loss!

1. The Use of Excess Hair Products

It's not that you can't use hair products. However, you should certainly make sure you are using quality products in moderation that nourish your hair. Products such as bleach and dyes strip your hair strands and scalp of essential oils and nutrients. This leads to hair breakage and damage to the hair follicles.

Dry shampoo can really help you out in a pinch, but using too much of it will clog your hair follicles. Properly shampooing your hair allows you to clean and exfoliate your scalp as well as helps remove hair that has already fallen out, making way for new growth.

2. Consuming an Unhealthy Diet

Nutrition plays a large role in your overall health, and your hair is no exception. Your hair follicles need adequate amounts of protein (keratin), vitamins, minerals, and water to produce a healthy head of hair. When essential nutrients are in short supply, your body prioritizes processes essential to survival first, which means a healthy head of hair is one of the first sacrifices to be made. An unhealthy diet can lead to dull, lackluster hair or even the inability for new hair growth.

3. Using Too Much Heat On Your Hair

The use of heat is a phenomenal method for transforming your hair from straight to curly or curly to straight. However, excessive use of styling tools that rely on heat, such as flat irons, blow dryers, and curling irons can lead to brittle hair that breaks, causing excessive hair loss. Styling tools that reach temperatures above 347 degrees cause the highest degree of damage and put your hair at the greatest risk. The good news is that hair follicles typically aren't damaged and new hair can grow back in its place with time.

4. Alcohol Consumption

It probably comes as no surprise that alcohol doesn't do any favors for your hair. It is a well-known toxin that affects every part of your body, including your hair. Alcohol is diuretic which leads to dehydration. Hair that is not properly hydrated becomes brittle, which leads to breakage. Lack of hydration to your hair follicles can also cause damage to these follicles leaving them unable to produce new growth.

Keratin is an essential nutrient needed to grow healthy hair. It is also the protein that the body uses to offset the acidity of too much alcohol. If your body is using keratin to offset alcohol in the body, it is not able to use it for hair growth.

Adequate sleep is needed for your body to rest, heal, and your hair to grow. Alcohol inhibits a good night's sleep and in turn, has a negative effect on hair growth.

5. Smoking Cigarettes

As with alcohol, smoking can also affect your hair health. The nicotine in cigarettes will increase the rate at which you lose hair. The reason is that nicotine reduces blood circulation to the hair follicles on your scalp. Adequate blood flow is needed in order for the follicle to grow a healthy head of hair. Smoking cigarettes stimulates the production of androgens which are thought to cause hair follicles to shrink, rendering them inactive and therefore contributing to hair thinning and hair loss.

6. Wearing Tight Hairstyles

Tight hairstyles can cause traction alopecia. This is a form of hair loss that is the result of constant pulling on your hair. Not only can tight hairstyles lead to breakage, but it can also cause damage to the hair follicles which can lead to permanent hair loss. Hairstyles to be aware of include:

  • Ponytails
  • Cornrows
  • Buns
  • Braids
  • Pigtails

Quitting these 6 bad habits can help you reduce your chances of hair loss. However, if you find yourself experiencing hair thinning or hair loss for any reason, there's no need to worry. New Image Hair is the premier hair restoration studio in Pennsylvania. We offer a variety of hair restoration solutions for both men and women at any stage of hair loss. Our stylists will conduct a thorough hair and scalp analysis and present you with viable solutions. Schedule your free initial consultation today!