Monday, September 21, 2009

Preventing Hair Loss through Proper Hair Care

By Poul Johnsen

Hair loss can be a devastating blow to a person's self esteem, and is a notoriously difficult condition to reverse. There are a multitude of hair loss products designed to address the problem, and even several methods of treatment that can regrow hair. It's not only products and treatments that can help prevent or slow the loss of hair, however. Your hair care regimen significantly affects the health of your hair, and may be responsible for either the loss of your hair or the prevention of its loss, depending on your personal habits regarding the maintenance of your hair.

While numerous studies have confirmed that genetics is the primary cause of hair loss, these same studies have also confirmed that certain everyday hair care routines can also be responsible for the loss of one's hair. Because of this, it's important to know if your own hair care regimen might be putting you in a situation that could cause you to lose your hair.

For instance, how do you dry your hair after stepping out of the shower? If, like most people, you vigorously dry your hair with a towel, you might be inflicting serious damage on your hair. Wet hair is fragile, and far more likely to be damaged by rough handling when it is in such a vulnerable state. Instead of using the towel to rub, use it instead to gently blot your hair dry or simply use it to wrap around your hair. This might take longer, but is far better for your hair's health.

If your hair is naturally thin, such as with straight, fine hair, it's even more susceptible to being harmed by rough handling when wet. While people with thicker, curly, or coarse hair can afford to brush their hair while still damp, fine hair that is wet will be pulled and damaged by attempts to brush or comb it.

One thing that is known to cause significant damage is hair styling. Styling tools that use heat, such as blow dryers or straightening irons, are extremely bad for your hair, leading to brittle hair that easily breaks. There are several styling products that have been conclusively linked to hair loss, particularly those that claim to give a hair long lasting hold. Prolonged use of such products can directly lead to hair loss.

Perming, coloring and relaxing your hair on a regular basis can also lead to hair loss. The products used in these processes are very harsh on hair. It does not matter what type of product you use, even ones that promise to nourish hair will damage hair and will eventually lead to hair loss.

One significant cause of certain forms of hair loss is regularly having your hair pulled back a little too tightly. If your customary style means your hair is pulled back every day, then it's possible that you may experience some future hair loss, as the roots of your hair are increasingly injured through the constant pulling. It might be wise to let your hair down once in awhile.

Always use conditioner. Many people skip this step, thinking it is not necessary. Conditioner can help to improve hair condition and even protect it. Using conditioner every time you wash can really help keep your hair healthy and promote healthy growth.

Because the damage it suffers can directly or indirectly cause the loss of your hair, it's important to cut out any habits that might lead to damaged hair. Instead, develop a hair care regimen that will keep your hair in good, healthy condition. By doing this you will be promoting new growth as well as slowing or preventing any further hair loss, and helping any additional hair loss treatments you might be undergoing to be more effective.

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