Thinning hair doesn't only happen to men. It's pretty common for women to see hair falling out at a certain time in their lives.
Just because it's common, though, doesn't mean that we're happy when we see it occurring. Having luscious locks often contributes to confidence and feeling like a sexy, feminine woman. When it starts to thin out, we may start to feel a bit self-conscious about it.
These 10 things should never be done to thinning hair.
While some thinning hair can be reversed, there are some instances in which the hair will simply never return unless drastic surgical or medicinal measures are taken. If you're not ready to take those steps, then maintaining the hair you have is incredibly important.
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1. Sleep On Cotton Pillowcases
If you're sleeping on cotton pillowcases, even of the finest variety, you're not doing your thinning hair any favors.
Silk and satin pillowcases are much more slippery than any other material. This is good for thinning, breaking hair because the slickness of the fabric lets hair slide, rather than tugging on it.
2. Use Any Old Product
Regular shampoos that you get at the drug store are perfectly fine for those with healthy hair. However, if you're experiencing some thinning, you're going to want to switch over to natural products or those specifically designed to encourage thicker hair.
Look for a shorter ingredient list that doesn't contain silicone. According to Organic Authority, oil-balancing shampoos will help keep thin hair looking fresh too.
3. Use Poorly Made Brushes And Combs
Different people will tell you different things about whether a brush or a comb is better. Some say that a soft-bristled brush for men is best and separates the hair, making it look thicker.
For longer, more tangled hair, a wide-toothed comb is best because it doesn't pull on the tangles as much as a bristly brush. Either way, Philip Kingsley recommends that you don't skimp on your tools, as poorly made items can break hair and strip it of its outer layers.
4. Go Overboard With Lightening
Some color can help protect your hair, according to WebMD, but if you go overboard with the bleach and lightening, then you may find yourself in trouble. They can cause your thinning hair to break even more.
However, if you lighten modestly with a balayage or have a professional paint on the lightener, you should be good to go.
5. Vigorously Towel Dry
Leon Van-Gorkom, a senior manager of hair care at Unilever Research and Development, told The Huffington Post that vigorously towel drying can damage the hair's cuticles, possibly even more than using a hair dryer.
If you're in a real rush, using a hair dryer a few inches away from your hair is a safe bet. Letting your hair air-dry, though, is your best option.
6. Ignore It
If you suspect that your hair loss might be related to your health, don't ignore it. WebMD cites many different medical reasons for hair loss to start, including thyroid problems, lupus, and metal poisoning. It's not all about vanity.
7. Let Stress And Anxiety Take Over
Stress and anxiety can also be a factor in sudden hair loss or thinning. Anxiety Centre notes that hair can fall out in clumps or even cause bald spots if it gets bad enough.
If you think that your thinning hair is caused by anxiety, stress, or depression, seek help! No one should have to go it alone.
8. Keep It In Tightly Secured Styles
According to Hair Sentinel, traction alopecia is a very real thing. When you pull your hair back in tight ponytails or braids, the strands get pulled out at the roots.
If your hair is already thinning, avoid any styles that might pull at the root of your hair.
9. Use Heated Styling Tools Too Often
Celebrity stylist Chaz Dean tells Fox just how damaging heated styling tools can be if you use them willy nilly.
If you use them at too high heat or too often, your hair may burn right off. If your hair is thinning, you definitely don't want this to happen. Try to use rollers that don't use heat (and that don't pull too much) if you are trying to get more volume.
10. Wash It Every Day
Most people can go about two to three days (or longer) without washing their hair. It's better to do this, as WebMD notes, because too much shampoo can strip hair of essential oils, which protect your hair and keep it healthy.
Do you do any of these things to your thinning hair? Please SHARE with family and friends who might need this advice!
