There’s a stress cycle that some of us experience (understandably) when we notice our hair is shedding. At first you may see more strands than usual on your brush or on the shower floor. Is it your imagination? The next time you shower you see even more strands. Now you know it’s not in your head — your hair is shedding and it can feel like it’s happening at an obscenely fast rate.
Your first reaction may be panic. What are your supposed to do — never wash or brush your hair again? Perhaps you take to doing less to your hair, only to notice that even more hair appears to fall out the next time you do shampoo your hair. Your stress over hair loss can then contribute to more hair loss, since we know stress is a leading cause of shedding.
It truly can feel like a merry-go-round you can’t get off.
Many hair loss episodes are temporary. They come into our lives when we’re experiencing hormonal changes around pregnancy or menopause. Or maybe they are the result of highly stressful periods or medications we’re taking. Sometimes they can be genetic. The best thing to do is visit a board-certified dermatologist who can find out the cause of your hair shedding and give you tips on how to curb your hair loss. But while you are seeking answers, be sure you aren’t making very common hair mistakes that can lead to more shedding.
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Tugging At Wet Hair
Never detangle your hair while it’s soaking wet, and never, ever try and detangle it with just any old brush. Wet hair is more delicate and prone to breakage. For this reason, it’s important to let it air dry for a little bit, sop up excess water with a microfiber towel, and then gently detangle using a detangler brush or comb. Apply a serum that can help detangle hair as well. The key word here is: gentle.
Using Shampoos That Contain Sulfates
Sulfates are present in many cleaning products, and especially in body soaps and shampoos. The reason for this is that they produce an impressive lather that we’ve come to erroneously associate with “clean.” While many seek out this lather, be aware that sulfates also strip your hair of moisture and can leave it dry and damaged. For thinning hair and hair prone to breakage, this is something you want to avoid at all costs.
Choose sulfate-free shampoos that contain natural botanicals that are gentle and nourishing on your hair.
Too Many Chemical Treatments
Are you highlighting your hair AND chemically straightening it AND getting regular keratin treatments, to boot? It may be time to try and pull back on some of the chemical treatments you enjoy and maybe pick one and abandon the rest. The reason is because too many chemical treatments can be taxing on your scalp and hair, leaving it dry and more prone to damage and breakage.
Not Applying Heat Protectant Sprays
Think of heat protectant sprays the way you would a coat during the winter. You should never expose your hair to the elements, in this case intense heat from blow dryers and curling irons, without protecting it first with a heat protectant spray. These sprays can also provide a barrier between your hair and harsh UV rays that can cause damage and color fading. Find a heat protectant spray you love and make it a habit to apply it to your hair when it’s damp.
Wearing Tight Hairstyles
Tight braids, buns, and chignons — they all look elegant and sophisticated. But wearing your hair in tight hairstyles all of the time can pull at your scalp and cause more shedding and breakage. Try to take longer breaks in between styling your hair this way to avoid damage.
Remember: a dermatologist is your best ally if your hair is shedding. Try to get to the root of the problem with professional help and, in the meantime, avoid common hair mistakes so that you keep your hair healthy and avoid more shedding.
