Hair loss is an unfortunately common beauty struggle, and especially as you grow older it can become more prominent of an issue. However, while much of hair loss is often due to genetics or dietary factors, there are some mistakes you could be making in your day to day life that are weakening your strands and making them more prone to thinning and fallout. We spoke with hair loss expert Dr. William Yates, MD, FACS for his take on the primary causes of fallout and what you should be doing instead to remedy the issue and grow your hair stronger than before.
The Mistake: Using Hair Extensions
Particularly if you’re already suffering from hair loss you may be more inclined to opt for hair extensions to thicken the appearance of your locks while boosting your self confidence as well. However, the unfortunate truth is that extensions may actually make your hair more prone to fallout, and while they can improve the appearance of your strands in the moment, they ultimately put your hair at risk in the long term.
“The most common mistake people make is using hair extensions to make their hair look thicker and longer,” notes Yates. “The biggest problem with extensions is that they pull on the hair follicle and cause damage and can expedite hair loss.”
Any added weight to your hair can lead to increased breakage, especially if your hair is already brittle or weak and throwing extensions into the mix can tug at the hair that is still attached and make it more likely to fall out. “Once you realize your hair is getting thinner while using extensions it is officially time to stop. At this point, you should concentrate on nourishing your hair and not wearing extensions at all again until your hair regains the luster it once had,” suggests Yates of how to backtrack on damage sustained by using hair extensions.
Although those with stronger hair need not worry as much, staying aware of the type of extension you’re getting can further preserve your strands down the line.
Outside of the discontinuation of hair extensions to boost the longevity and strength of your hair, Yates also suggests staying aware of the ingredients included in your cleansing products. Just as some ingredients can make strands dry and brittle, others can bolster the outer cuticle of your hair, adding necessary strength to fight off breakage.
“To prevent future hair fall out, take a good look at the back of your shampoo bottle and all hair care ingredients. Be sure they include natural ingredients, extracts, oils and humectants like apple cider vinegar to help clarify the hair and scalp creating softness and relieving dryness, Moroccan argan oil to deliver unprecedented rejuvenation, body, and shine, and olive oil [which is] known for enhancing body, softness, and shine.”
Preventing damage to your hair, whether it be caused by heat styling, certain ingredients, and even extensions can naturally help to limit fallout and keep your hair strong and durable. Extensions, while undeniably a great confidence boost, will ultimately weigh down your locks and lead to weakness and breakage, so nourishing the hair you do have, avoiding excessive heat styling, and prioritizing powerful growth ingredients and vitamins can make all the difference in reducing fallout and growing a healthy and strong head of hair.
