10 Habits That Cause Thinning of Hair
Thinning hair can be a real source of worry for many individuals. While genetics can often play a significant role, there are several habits that can contribute to this condition. In this article, we will highlight ten common habits that may cause your hair to be thin and how you can avoid them.
1. Over-styling Your Hair
One common cause of hair thinning is excessive styling. Heat tools, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles can damage your hair, leading to breakage and thinning. So, if you’re regularly straightening, curling, or tightly braiding your hair, you might want to reconsider these habits.
Try not to use heat tools every day, and when you do, always use a heat-protectant spray. Similarly, opt for loose hairstyles over tight ones to avoid putting too much stress on your hair follicles.
2. Poor Nutrition
Just as a poor diet can impact your overall health, it can also affect the health of your hair. According to specialists, a lack of essential vitamins and minerals can particularly lead to hair thinning and loss. This means that a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, D, and E, along with iron, biotin, and protein, is crucial for maintaining healthy hair.
Therefore, ensure you’re getting a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, as well as whole grains in your diet.
3. Chronic stress
Prolonged and constant feeling of stress is a common culprit when it comes to hair thinning. When your body is under severe stress, it may divert resources away from non-essential functions like hair growth, leading to hair loss.
In order to combat this, you need to incorporate stress management techniques into your routine. Activities like yoga, meditation, or even just taking a walk can go a long way in reducing stress levels.
4. Not Hydrating Enough
While it’s well-known that staying hydrated is essential for your overall health, not everyone realizes that it also impacts hair health. Inadequate water intake can lead to dry, brittle hair, which is more prone to breakage and thinning.
Consequently, aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out.
5. Skipping Regular Trims
Regular trims are essential for maintaining the health of your hair. Even if you’re trying to grow your hair out, skipping trims can lead to split ends and breakage, which can typically make your hair appear thinner.
Therefore, get your hair trimmed every six to eight weeks to prevent split ends and maintain the overall health of your hair.
6. Smoking
Smoking can actually have a damaging impact on your hair health. The toxins in cigarettes can damage hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and loss. So, if you’re a smoker, quitting could help improve your hair health.
7. Overwashing Your Hair
While keeping your hair clean is essential, overdoing it can strip away the natural oils, thus, leaving your hair dry and vulnerable to damage. Most hairstylists recommend washing your hair every 2-3 days. For those with dry hair, you might want to extend this period even longer
8. Using Harsh Hair Products
Some hair products contain harsh chemicals that can damage your hair over time. Regular use of these products can lead to hair thinning.
Opt for hair products with natural ingredients, and try to avoid products containing sulfates, parabens, and alcohol.
9. Not Protecting Your Hair from the Sun
Just as your skin can get damaged by the sun, so can your hair. Excessive sun exposure can weaken your hair and cause it to break more easily, leading to thinning hair.
Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when you are in the sun for an extended period.
10. Not Getting Enough Sleep
A lack of sleep can cause various health issues, including hair thinning. When we sleep, our body enters a state of repair, and hair growth is a part of this process. Therefore, ensure you’re getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
