You may already be well aware of the fact that what you do in the morning can have a meaningful impact on the rest of your day. Whether you begin with meditation, a long shower, or a delicious breakfast, morning habits seem to influence you long after the day has really started to keep you on your toes. The same rule applies to your hair and skincare morning habits and routines. And when it comes to your hair and keeping it healthy, strong, and shiny, these four common morning habits could actually be making hair loss and shedding so much worse, according to Dr. Anju Methil, MBBS, DVD, MD, Dermatology and Cosmetology at ClinicSpots.
Making the water in your shower too hot
Hot water dries your scalp and robs away the natural oil and moisture, according to Dr. Methil. “Hot water makes your roots weak and as a result, your hair turns frizzy and prompts breakage, eventually leading to hair fall,” Dr. Methil said. “Hot water is a big NO but cold water isn’t recommended either because it is simply not efficient enough to cleanse your scalp. Using warm to lukewarm water will help open the hair follicles, cleanse and remove the dirt, while cold water will help close the follicles and prevent frizz. So it’s best to give a cold wash at the end, when done with your hair shower.”
Brushing wet hair right after a shower
Although it’s easy to reach for a brush or comb when you get out of the shower, Dr. Methil says brushing wet hair is a surefire way to cause breakage and damage. “Wet strands are more prone to splitting and snapping, leading to greater hair loss over time,” Dr. Methil said. “The scalp’s pores are already open when you wash your hair, making it very sensitive. On combing, it leads to hair breakage. This results in hair loss and harm to the hair shafts. When your hair is wet, it is most susceptible and weak, thus it is better to avoid brushing them.”
Make sure you dry your hair thoroughly with an ultra-absorbent microfiber towel prior to brushing it.
Drying your wet hair with a towel
When your hair is wet, it is at its most fragile state. Rubbing it vigorously with a towel can lead to damage and hair loss. and can also steal its natural moisture, Dr. Methil said.
“Extra towel rubbing can also cause significant frizz,” Dr. Methil said. “Using a towel to dry your hair in a rough manner can put a lot of stress on the hair. When you first get out of the shower, squeeze wet hair gently with your hands then wrap the hair with microfiber towels and leave it on to absorb rest of the water or simply dab your hair with it.”
Using heating tools after your shower
Blow-drying or using heat styling tools on your hair in the morning can lead to further damage and thinning. “High temperatures suck moisture out of the hair, leaving behind dry and brittle strands,” Dr. Methil said. “Your hair loses moisture due to the heat, becoming brittle and dry. Additionally, you should be aware that damp hair is already delicate and more likely to break. Your hair receives tremendous, concentrated heat from dryers, which instantly dehydrates it. Dehydrated strands may result, which are more brittle.”
Instead of immediately plugging in a hair dryer or straightener, Dr, Methil suggests allowing your hair to air dry if you have the luxury of time for about 30 minutes. “Blow-dry it later on, using the lowest setting keeping the nozzle at a distance,” she said. “Before styling your hair with heat, always use a hair protectant.”
Help ease the stress on hair that is already shedding by keeping these hair morning habits (and mistakes) in mind.
