“How you style your hair, along with the styling tools you use, can cause significant hair damage,” warns the American Academy of Dermatology Association. “This damage can cause your hair to look brittle, frizzy and lackluster or even fall out.”
To avoid damaging your hair and causing styling-related thinning and balding, try these five hair styling tricks.
Shampoo Less Frequently
You don’t want “squeaky clean” hair. Try to wash your hair just once or twice a week or even less if your hair and scalp allow it. Washing too often strips your scalp of moisture. Plus, over-washing opens up the cuticles on your hair which can make your remaining hair look rough or dull.
Don’t Dry Your Hair Roughly
When your hair is wet, handle it with care. Try not to brush it too hard, and avoid drying your roughly or vigorously with a towel. When your hair is wet, it’s more fragile and prone to damage.
Avoid Heat Treatments
It’s not just the blow dryer that can damage your hair. Straighteners and curlers can also zap your hair and cause it to fall out. If you must use heat, consider a heat-protecting serum or cream to prevent heat-related thinning and baldness.
Keep Your Hair Style Simple
The more complicated your hair style, the more products you need. And many products contain ingredients like alcohol that dry out your hair, increase breakage and thin your hair. Keep your hair style and your hair cut simple and straightforward. Embrace your natural beauty.
Condition Overnight
Put your hair to work overnight. Before going to bed, apply a moisture-intensive hair mask. You can buy commercial products, or try a homemade product like olive oil or coconut oil. As you sleep, you nourish your hair and scalp. Over time, you’ll wake up to a fuller head of hair!
