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There are many factors that play a part in causing thinning hair – the most obvious being health factors like genetics or hormones, but the other factors that most of us don’t realize often enough are mistakes in hair care. Overly treated hair can start to thin, due to chemicals in coloring treatments or too much use of heat treatments. But sometimes the issues that cause thinning hair can be much simpler than extensive treatments. There are many things you might be doing to your hair every day that is actually causing it to thin.
We spoke to Dr. Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC to figure out some of the most common mistakes people are making with their hair to cause it to thin, and it turns out that there is one styling product that you might be over-using and causing your hair to thin.
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If dry shampoo is part of your day-to-day hair routine, you’re probably going to want to cut back on it. As Dr. Nazarian said, “Don’t overbrush or overuse dry shampoo. Both these practices can weaken thin hair and cause the hair follicle to become brittle or break more easily.”
Many hair care mistakes also have to do with thow you treat your hair, not just what you’re putting in it. “I also find that many people with thin hair abuse it when it’s wet: wet hair is very delicate and should not be brushed, tied or wrapped too tightly,” Dr. Nazarian continued. “The behavior will stretch and add strain to thin hair.”
Dr. Nazarian suggests you avoid products that are made with surfactants or alcohol. She explained that surfactants, which are often found in shampoo, “can strip more of the oil from hair, making it dry and weak. Similarly, alcohol-based products, such as many hair styling products or hairsprays, will damage thin hair more quickly than gentler products.
Scroll down for some products to try to properly care for your hair and prevent thinning, according to Dr. Nazarian’s advice.
OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp Tea Tree Mint Shampoo ($6.59)
Key Benefits
- Made with an invigorating and refreshing formula that removes oil build up
- Keeps hair light and clean, yet also moisturized
- Restores scalp health
Ingredient List
- Tea tree oil
- Peppermint
- Witch hazel
Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing and Conditioning Styling Foam ($7.55)
Key Benefits
- Alternative to hairspray that doesn’t include alcohol
- Nurtures and moisturizes hair while styling
- Strong hold that resists frizz and weather
Ingredient List
- Honey
- Agave
- Chamomile
OGX Refresh & Restore Coconut Miracle Oil Dry Shampoo ($6.59)
Key Benefits
- Dry shampoo that also provides hydration
- Revives and restores hair by the strand
- Leaves hair with soft, silky texture
Ingredient List
- Coconut oil
- Vanilla bean extract
- Tiare extract
