3 hair care habits that can damage your hair
In our continuous pursuit of beautiful hair, many actions are inadvertently taken that lead to its damage. Damaged hair, by its very nature, becomes fragile and consequently tends to break easily. This breakage can leave us with hair that appears frizzy and generally unhealthy. Furthermore, if the cycle of damaging our hair persists, we may eventually observe noticeable thinning or even the development of bald spots.
The encouraging news is that simple adjustments to our hair care routines can effectively prevent further hair damage. Here, three common hair care practices that are known to inflict damage are outlined, along with dermatologists’ tips that can help you actively halt this damage.
Simple Changes for Healthier Hair
1. Washing Your Hair Improperly
A common damaging habit involves rubbing shampoo vigorously into the entire length of your hair. Instead, a more gentle approach is recommended to prevent hair damage. Changes that can help prevent hair damage:
- Gently massage shampoo into your scalp only.
- When rinsing the shampoo from your scalp, allow it to flow naturally through the length of your hair, and resist the temptation to rub it into your hair strands.
2. Drying Your Hair Too Harshly
Another prevalent habit that can cause damage is aggressively rubbing your hair with a towel to dry it. Changes that can help prevent hair damage:
- Instead of rubbing, gently wrap your hair in a towel to absorb excess water.
- Allow your hair to air dry naturally whenever possible.
3. Chemical Treatments: Coloring, Perming, or Relaxing Your Hair
Chemical processes like coloring, perming, or relaxing your hair can also inflict significant damage. Changes that can help prevent hair damage:
- Try to extend the time between touch-ups, especially when the air is dry; for instance, during winter months, aim to stretch the time between treatments to every 8 to 10 weeks or even longer.
- If you desire more than one chemical service, opt for only one at a time. If both a perm/relaxer and color are desired, perform the perm or relaxer first, and then wait at least two weeks before coloring your hair.
- Consistently use conditioner after each shampoo to help nourish and protect your hair.
- When exposed to the sun, protect your hair by using a leave-in conditioner that contains zinc oxide or by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
What should you do?
If, after implementing these changes to your hair care routine, you do not observe healthier hair, it may be advisable to consult with certified doctors at Inno Surgical Care. Your hair care practices may not be the sole root cause of your problem. Seeking professional medical advice is especially important if you are concerned about persistent thinning hair or significant hair loss.
