10 Habits That Cause Thinning of Hair

• Habits that can cause thinning hair include over-brushing, using hot tools too often, and tight hairstyles.
• Overwashing your hair, stress, and smoking can also lead to hair loss.
• Changing your habits may help to improve the condition of your hair.

If you’ve noticed your hair is looking thinner than usual, it could be due to one of these habits. Taking care of your hair is important to prevent breakage and keep it looking its best. Be gentle with your hair and avoid these habits to prevent thinning.

1. Taking a hot shower

We all love a good, hot shower, but did you know that heat can actually damage your hair? When you subject your hair to extreme heat on a regular basis, it can lead to brittle strands that are more likely to break. If you want to keep your hair healthy, try turning down the temperature of your shower or switching to cooler water during the final rinse. Your hair will thank you!

2. Tying your hair too tight

Have you ever noticed that after wearing your hair in a tight ponytail, cornrows, or bun, your scalp feels tighter and more tender? That’s because you’re pulling on your hair follicles, which can cause them to become weaker and eventually lead to hair loss. Avoid hairstyles that pull on your hair too tight, and be sure to give your scalp a break every few days.

3. Over-brushing

Brushing too much can damage your hair and lead to breakage. Only brush when necessary, and be gentle when doing so. Use a brush with soft bristles to avoid putting too much stress on your strands. Overbrushing can also lead to static, which can make your hair look thinner than usual. 

4. Using hot tools excessively

Heat styling tools are a quick and easy way to achieve the perfect hairstyle. But using them too often can damage your hair beyond repair. The high temperatures from blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can strip away moisture, leaving your hair dry, brittle, and more susceptible to breakage.

If you want to minimize heat damage, try using heat protectant products and using lower temperatures when styling your hair.

5. Over washing your hair

Washing your hair every day strips away the natural oils that keep it healthy and protected. This can leave your strands feeling dry and frizzy and can even lead to scalp irritation. In general, experts recommend washing every 2-3 days for people with straight hair and every 3-4 days for people with curly or wavy hair. 

6. Using harsh shampoos

Many shampoos on the market today contain harsh chemicals that can strip away the natural oils that protect your hair. This can leave your hair feeling dry and straw-like and can lead to scalp irritation. If you’re looking for a shampoo that won’t damage your hair, opt for one that is sulfate-free and contains natural ingredients.

7. Stress

Believe it or not, stress can actually have an impact on your hair health. When you’re stressed out, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode, which diverts blood away from non-essential systems like the digestive system and skin—and yes, even the scalp! This can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes shedding and thinning of the hair. 

8. Unhealthy diet

Just like the rest of our bodies, our hair needs nutrients in order to stay healthy. A diet lacking in protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, and vitamins A & B can all contribute to thinning or shedding of the hair.

To promote healthy hair growth, eat a diet that includes plenty of protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, and tofu. Plenty of leafy green vegetables. And foods rich in iron such as dark leafy greens, legumes, raisins, fortified cereals, and red meat.

9. Smoking

Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage your health in many ways—one of which is by causing thinning hair. If you smoke cigarettes, quitting is one of the best things you can do for both your overall health and the healthiness of your hair.

10. Sleeping with wet hair

Going to bed with wet hair might seem harmless enough, but it can actually cause a lot of damage. Sleeping with wet hair puts tension on the strands, which can lead to breakage. It’s best to either let your hair air dry before going to bed or put it up in a loose bun or braid.

Also read: Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair

Final thoughts

There are many potential causes of thinning hair, ranging from genetics to simple lifestyle habits. However, often the culprit is a matter of lifestyle habits. The good news is that there are steps you can take to help reverse the effects of these habits.

By taking care of yourself, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and limiting your use of hot styling tools, you can promote healthy growth and prevent further thinning.

If you are concerned about thinning hair, speak to a doctor or dermatologist. They will be able to provide you with further information and treatment options.

Also read: How Quickly Does Hair Grow