Top 5 Strategies to Maintain a Healthy Head of Hair

Anyone can experience hair loss, and while it’s normal to lose up to 100 hairs a day, losing more could indicate a problem. Often, the cause is harmless, like your hairstyle or genetics, making it a cosmetic issue rather than a health concern.

Each hair strand has a lifespan of up to 5 years and goes through cycles of growth, rest, and shedding. However, some factors can push hair into the resting phase too soon, a condition known as telogen effluvium. This can happen due to stress, pregnancy, medications, or health issues.

Genetics can also play a role in early hair loss. If you’re seeing significant hair loss, bald spots, thinning, or patchiness, it’s a good idea to see a specialist. Ask your dermatologist or doctor about treatments to help prevent further loss.

Both men and women can adopt daily habits to help prevent hair loss. Here are the top 5 tips for taking care of your hair:

1. **Wear Loose Hairstyles**: Frequent tight styles like ponytails, cornrows, or updos can lead to traction alopecia, a type of hair loss. Try wearing looser hairstyles and avoid wearing rollers to bed. Signs of damaging hairstyles include pain, scalp crusts, or hair tenting.

2. **Avoid Heat and Chemicals**: Heat and chemical treatments are known to damage hair, causing dryness, breakage, brittleness, and split ends. Use products with strengthening ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids and proteins, follow a protein-rich diet, use heat protectants, and opt for repair shampoos and conditioners.

3. **Brush Hair Carefully**: Brushing wet hair can cause significant damage. Wet hair is fragile and stretches, making it prone to breakage. Instead, towel dry your hair by gently squeezing out water and let it air dry, or dry it to about 80% before using a hairdryer.

4. **Quit Smoking**: The chemicals in cigarettes damage your hair’s DNA and inhibit blood circulation in the scalp, affecting hair growth. E-cigarettes are also harmful. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your hair’s health.

5. **Protect from UV Rays**: Long-term sun exposure can dry out and damage your hair. Use a hat, scarf, or UV protection products when in the sun. As you age and lose melanin pigments, which protect against UV damage, your hair becomes more susceptible to harm.

By following these five tips, you can take better care of your hair and help prevent hair loss.