5 Lifestyle Choices That Contribute To Hair Loss - It’s More Than Just Genetics!
Let's face it. Hair is precious.We often think we have plenty until it’s gone. Hair fall happens for a multitude of reasons. Although it's natural to lose 50 - 100 strands of hair each day, long-term hair loss can result in baldness affecting one physically and emotionally. While for some it can be an undesirable genetic inheritance, our general health and lifestyle is the second biggest contributing factor to hair loss.
Let’s see how little lifestyle changes could pave the way to healthy, happy hair growth!
1. Stress
It’s no myth that stress and hair loss are related. More often than not, losing hair can be a sign that you are feeling stressed. How do you identify stress as part of the cause of hair loss? Ask yourself: Has work been overwhelming? Do you have increasing financial obligations? Are you constantly living in fear and anxiety? Our body produces a stress hormone called cortisol, which acts like a built-in alarm system to react and adapt to stress. When your body is constantly under stress for a long time, it can trigger your body to produce high levels of cortisol. Too much cortisol induces hormonal changes that are responsible for hair fall. Not only does stress weaken your body’s natural defences, it also depletes vitamins. Studies have also shown that stress worsens existing conditions such as dandruff condition, delaying hair growth. Be honest with yourself as you identify root causes of stress in your life. High quality sleep, a good amount of exercise and recovery, can help stimulate more growth hormones which decreases cortisol.
2. Diet (yes, again.)
It’s true. You are what you eat.
Not only does a good diet stimulate the hair growth cycle, studies have shown how diet contributes to the well-being of individuals. Hair supplement are helpful as they are specifically targeted to aid and boost hair growth. Minerals like zinc, magnesium and biotin are essential when it comes to stimulating hair growth. Zinc deficiency also causes dry and brittle hair that breaks easily.
Protein and iron are crucial ingredients to having healthy hair. If you are on a restricted diet, such as veganism, make sure you are eating enough beans, fruits and vegetables. Being consistent and persistent is key. While it’s convenient to go back and indulge in the old ways of eating, the recovery of hair loss often takes longer than expected. Being consistent with a good diet goes a long way. You’ll thank yourself later.
3. Protect Your Scalp from UV
While most of us know to put on sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful UV rays, but we should also be mindful of the effects of overexposing our hair under the sun. Vitamin D that we get from the sun is good for hair growth. However, our scalps are also prone to the dangerous UV rays of the sun. Fatty fish and seafood are among the richest natural sources of Vitamin D, there are also supplements rich in Vitamin D to help your hair grow well without the risk of skin cancer and hair damage.
Overexposing your head to the sun’s UV rays for a long period can damage your hair shaft. The hair shaft is the part of your hair that sticks out of your skin from the follicle. Too much sunlight can degrade your hair proteins and take away its moisture. Leaving your hair drier, frizzier and weaker. If you already have thinning hair, your scalp will be even more susceptible to getting sunburned.
What if you’re an outdoor enthusiast?
1. Avoid the sun from 10am to 4pm when the rays are the strongest.
2. Opt for hair products with UV filter Cap on.
3. Walk in areas with shaded when possible.
4. Put on your swimming cap you’re out for a swim.
4. Say No to Smoking
It’s true. You are what you eat.
Not only does a good diet stimulate the hair growth cycle, studies have shown how diet contributes to the well-being of individuals. Hair supplement are helpful as they are specifically targeted to aid and boost hair growth. Minerals like zinc, magnesium and biotin are essential when it comes to stimulating hair growth. Zinc deficiency also causes dry and brittle hair that breaks easily.
Protein and iron are crucial ingredients to having healthy hair. If you are on a restricted diet, such as veganism, make sure you are eating enough beans, fruits and vegetables. Being consistent and persistent is key. While it’s convenient to go back and indulge in the old ways of eating, the recovery of hair loss often takes longer than expected. Being consistent with a good diet goes a long way. You’ll thank yourself later.
5. Scalp Care is The New Haircare
Think of planting. If you plant something in dry, bad soil, it won’t grow so well. So, it’s not just about the hair, but your scalp as well.
Use scalp cleansing shampoo that actually looks after your scalp. Applying them intertwined with hair care shampoo ensures your scalp and hair are both well cleansed. Rubbing the towel vigorously on your wet hair causes friction damage, as the layer of cuticles protecting your hair fibre is now opened. Conditioning the hair helps to close the hair cuticle, ensuring your hair fibre protected even when it’s wet.
Avoid massaging any conditioner and hair styling products on your scalp as it will cause build-up at the pores, irritation and inflammation which leads to itching and flaking skin.
Pay attention to the tiny words at your product packaging. Some products contain harsh ingredients such as polyethylene glycol, which strips off the natural moisture factor leaving your hair immune system vulnerable. Repetition of certain hairstyles, such as the man bun, can also cause tension that eventually leads to hair breakage.