15 Reasons for Hair Damage and their Solutions.

I am blinded by her majesty,

She has sunshine in her hair.”

 

Everyone wants to look their best and hair is an essential part of your body which not only enhances you but also defines you. Your curly, wavy or straight hair is a part of your identity. Everyone wants to be in love with their hair. We all want to have healthy beautiful hair. Not just a good hair day but good hair everyday. 

To get natural beautiful hair, it is important to first understand the reason behind the unhealthy hair. One important factor that affects hair is the lifestyle. Our daily habits and our surroundings are very important for the hair and given the usual way, hair damages are becoming common everyday. Even young adults suffer from major hair loss and graying which is not a good sign. 

Therefore, hair problems should not be ignored and need proper attention. It needs care. 

 

Let’s see common hair problems and know their solutions. 

 

• Stress

Telogen Effluvium is one of the reasons for excess hair fall. It is a type of stress that affects the hair follicles. It weakens the follicles and the hair falls out in the middle of the growth. Stress has become a part of life irrespective of gender and age group. It can happen for various reasons. Stress leads to hair damage especially hair fall and excess hair fall leads to more stress. Loss of even a strand is not acceptable in such conditions. 

To manage stress, regular exercise is very important. An addition of meditation time to routine is beneficial for overall health. Yoga is another method for healthy hair as yoga and Pranayama increases blood circulation in the scalp. It helps in controlling hair loss and hair growth. Massaging your scalp also helps with the circulation. A hot oil massage can help you relax your mind. Thus, managing stress is important to maintain the health of hair. 

 

• Chemicals on hair

Bleaching and dying hair is common especially among youngsters. Permanent straightening and too many chemicals on hair can weaken it and lead to hair damage. It can make your hair dry and coarse. All the chemical processing may look good or feel good for some time but it can have a bad effect for a long time. The cuticles break down and cause massive hair damage. 

Chemical processing cannot be avoided but the time period between two sessions can be extended. It will help the hair to regain its strength and nutrients. At least an 8-10 weeks gap is recommended by the experts between two sessions. In the meantime, some care can help rejuvenate the hair. Hair masks can help to extend the result of chemical processing. Oiling also helps.  

 

• Heat treatment

Using irons on hair is another reason for hair damage. Curling irons and straighteners are frequently used for different styles. For various occasions or even for daily use, these irons are a part of styling. Too much use of heat can damage the cuticles. Most of the time, these irons are not being used in the correct manner which leads to more damage. It leads to tangled hair. 

These irons cannot be avoided permanently but their use can be regulated. Your hair also needs a break from all the heat.  It is also important to use the heat-protecting spray before using the irons to protect your hair from the heat. Another way to reduce the heat damage is by using the irons which have ceramic coating. It helps in even heating of the iron and allows the hair to be styled in one use. 

 

• Blow drying 

Blow drying the hair is a part of heat damage. Blow dryers are used most frequently on the hair. It affects the hair fibre and makes it dry and tangled. Too much blow drying can lead to a hair texture with minor knots. The hair can start to feel brittle. Using a blow dryer on a regular basis is very harmful as it can lead to unhealthy hair. 

Our grandmothers used a natural dryer which is the Sun but nowadays who has the time. So the best way to dry hair is to wrap it up in a towel. A cotton towel is recommended as it prevents hair fall when it is wet. Open your hair in front of a table fan and use a cotton towel to gently detangle your wet hair. If the blow dryer is necessary then, it should be 8 to 10 centimetres away from the hair and should be below 93 degree Celsius. 

 

• Diet

“You become what you eat.” It is not just a phrase for saying. It is the reality. Our food habits are very essential for our body. The food we eat decides how we will look and work. It makes us what we are from inside. Therefore, if you feel unhealthy then it is because you are eating unhealthy. Our food habits directly act on the health of our hair. Oily spicy food can be lip smacking but it is not giving the body and hair the nutrition it needs. 

For healthy hair, a healthy diet is extremely important. Our hair needs nutrients like Folic acid, Iron, Zinc and Vitamins. It is essential to maintain the levels of nutrients in the body. Supplements can help the body to get the important nutrients. Vogue Wellness’s Biotin Capsule  is a nutritional supplement which contains biotin, Vitamin B, essential amino acids cysteine and methionine. It also contains zinc for repairing and smoothing along with folic acid and calcium pantothenate. It gives strength and also repairs hair and nails.

 

• Dry scalp 

Some people suffer from dry scalp because their scalp cannot produce enough oil needed for proper smoothness and lubrication in hair. Those who have dry skin are also susceptible to dry scalp. It can be a major problem in winter. Many factors can lead to dry scalp like skin condition, humidity or over washing. Dry scalp can lead to flakiness texture and then dandruff. It can make the scalp itchy which can be irritating. 

In this case, scratching should be avoided strictly. Since dry scalp is because of lack of moisture, therefore proper oiling and massage is needed. A light moisturiser for the scalp can also be effective before going to bed. While washing the hair it is important to use mild shampoo and lukewarm water not hot water. 

 

• Lack of Hair Trim

Some people are sensitive to hair cuts. They love their long or styled hair. But avoiding hair trimming for a long period of time can cause the ends of hair to damage and also cause breakage. Split ends are very common in the hair which is not trimmed. It can affect the overall volume of the hair. It can cause thinning of the hair. 

It is recommended to get your hair regularly trimmed by experts. Regular haircuts and trimming will help in getting a better look. It will avoid any split ends which can affect the hair shaft above and allow a healthy growth of hair. Every 3-4 months, hair needs trimming and it should not be ignored.  

 

• Harsh shampoos

Not everything is for you. Some shampoos can be bad for the health of your hair. Shampoos are made for cleaning the excess oil but if overused, it can damage the hair. Ingredients like formaldehyde, can cause hair loss. Some shampoos with certain contents can be harsh on your scalp. 

Know your hair and choose the product accordingly. If you have a sensitive scalp, then go for herbal shampoos. Check the chemicals used in the shampoo before using it. Sometimes some home remedies can be used for hair for its better health. Conditioner is also necessary for hair to gain the lost moisture. 

 

• Rough combing

Do you also think that brushing your hair every time is good? Absolutely no. Brushing the hair does help to detangle it and to style your hair. But if you brush it several times in just a day then it will damage the hair from roots. It is not necessary to always brush your hair as it can weaken the hair follicles. 

Avoid brushing your hair just after the hair wash. Brushing hair when it’s wet will cause hair fall as it is very sensitive in that condition. Always use brushes which have natural bristles and not the plastic one. A wide comb is recommended to detangle the hair. In fact sometimes there is a beauty in your messy look so let it be. 

 

• Frequent Hair Wash 

If you wash your hair frequently then it can damage your hair. Hair doesn’t need to be shampooed on a regular basis. It strips the scalp from its natural oil and nutrients. It can make the scalp dry which will lead to other problems. Shampoos contain ingredients which are for cleaning the excess oil and the pollutants. If washed daily, the scalp will lose its moisture and hair will become brittle. 

Rather than shampooing the hair frequently, it is better to have a quick shower and rinse off the dirt from hair every 3-4 days. Dry Shampoo can also be used at times. Proper oiling is necessary before washing the hair and a good conditioner after the hair wash. Washing hair regularly is not necessary at all. Three times in a week is enough to keep it clean. 

 

• Elastic Ties

Elastic ties are necessary to keep your hair in place but you may have noticed an uncomfortable pull in your hair when you tie it. When you pull the elastic ties, you may notice a few strands in your hands with your ties. This is because these elastic ties pull the hair from roots affecting the hair cuticles. Sometimes it can be ignored but regular use of elastic ties can cause hair fall which can be left unnoticed easily. 

It can be fixed by allowing the hair to be tied loosely. Decrease the use of elastic ties or it can be replaced with scrunchies. Scrunchies made up of satin cloth strips prevent coming out hair as unlike elastic ties, it does not pull the hair strands from its roots. Ribbons and bobby pins can also be used to tie the hair loosely. It also gives a better look as it can keep the hair tied but also lose giving a messy look. 

 

• Weather

In hot weather, humidity can act on the health of the hair. Sweat can build up in the scalp which can cause fungal infection and allergies. It can cause rashes and itching. In cold weather also hair can be affected as it dehydrates the scalp. It can leave your hair dry and brittle.

In hot weather, it is important to not let extra sebum accumulate in the scalp. Cover your hair when going out in Sun. Hair should not be brushed regularly. In cold weather, it is important to maintain the oil in the scalp. A hot oil massage is beneficial for your hair. A nice warm shower also works.  

 

• Pollution 

Particulate matter or PM which are the common air pollutants leads to hair damage as it affects the hair follicles. It decreases the specific protein in hair which is essential for hair growth and strength. Prolonged exposure of hair in a polluted environment can weaken the hair roots. The particles get settled in the roots and cause irritation. Smoke and smog is also very harmful for hair and health in general. 

Pollution cannot be avoided permanently but some tips can help in the maintenance. Quick rinsing of hair every 3 – 4 days can help in removing the particles from the scalp. Hair should be covered when in a polluted area. A good serum also helps in protecting the hair. Hair masks can be used at night which in gaining the lost moisture and water. 

 

• Chlorine or salt water

If you like to spend your time in the pool or on the beach, then it can be a reason for your hair damage. Chlorine is a chemical used in pools to disinfect the water but it can severely damage your hair. It can strip the hair from moisture and can also cause split ends. Salt water gets coated on the hair and can leave a rough texture. Both can also make the hair dull and can also fade the color of the hair. 

Hair can be protected by covering it before going into the pool or sea. It can be treated by properly moisturising it. Hair clarifiers can also be used which removes the harsh chemicals from the scalp and hair. A health care routine can be followed for hair to maintain it. If the problem is severe then it is recommended to consult a doctor for the treatment because if the chlorine damaged hair is left untreated, it can cause problems. 

 

• Hypothyroidism 

Hypothyroidism can also be a reason for damaged hair. Hypothyroidism is also called Low Thyroid Disorder. In this condition, the thyroid glands cannot produce enough thyroid hormones which affects the body. Prolong condition can cause hair loss which involves the entire scalp rather than any certain part of the scalp. It can also affect the texture of the hair . 

It can be controlled and regulated with proper medication. Regrowth of hair can be possible through successful treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms like sudden gain in weight, depression, fatigue with excessive hair loss then it is your sign to consult a doctor for your condition and follow the medication. Sometimes hair loss can become apparent after the use of medicines but it happens due to the long hair cycle. Discontinuing the medication without the approval is not recommended as it can produce adverse effects. 

 

Bottom Line

Hair problems are normal in the present time. Almost every gender and age group is suffering from the problems related to their hair. Unfortunately it has become so common that we sometimes ignore them and later spend fortune over it. Hair can be a confidence booster therefore it affects the overall personality. Unhealthy hair can lead to stress and depression which in turn increases the problem. Therefore, give your hair the love and care it needs.