5 Unhealthy Habits Which Can Lead to Hair Loss

We all like to think we take good care of our hair. Unfortunately, sometimes the bad habits we develop in our daily routines can damage our hair, leaving it dull and lifeless or even leading to hair loss. We've explored  five unhealthy habits which, if left unchecked, could lead to hair loss. Are you guilty of any of these?

1. Brushing wet hair

A mass of tangled hair after a shower can be hard to deal with, and it can be tempting to get straight in there with a brush and rid your hair of nasty knots. But did you know that brushing wet hair is a really bad idea? Our hair is at its weakest when saturated with water, which leaves the cuticle slightly raised. Post-shower brushing and aggressive towel-drying creates the perfect environment for thinning hair, causing hair to snap and leaving it damaged. Instead, gently de-tangle your hair with a wide toothed comb or a Tangle Teezer brush which has been specially designed to be gentle on wet hair.

2. Wearing tight hairstyles

We're all guilty of throwing our hair up into a tight bun or ponytail when it's a couple of days since it saw shampoo. But tight hairstyles can actually lead to a condition known as Traction Alopecia, which is caused by continued tension on the hair shaft. Traction Alopecia can also be caused by wearing hair extensions or braids any kind of tension on your hair could lead to thinning hair and noticeable bald patches. Try a looser hairstyle and pin back stray hairs with hair slides and grips instead; it's far kinder to your hair.

3. Restrictive diets

The trend for the Atkins diet may have been and gone, but at some point or another, most of us have consciously changed the food we eat to try to lose weight or improve our general health. This can often be a good thing, but restrictive diets which cut out whole food groups can be bad news for your hair.

The vitamins and minerals that are found in a balanced diet enable the body to stay healthy, and because it's often one of the last areas in the body to receive nutrients, your hair may be denied its share of the limited amount of vitamins and minerals available from a restrictive diet.

Lack of iron in your diet could lead to iron-deficiency anaemia, a condition which is known to cause thinning hair. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will help to ensure your hair stays healthy too.

4. Taking the wrong birth control pill

There's evidence to suggest that certain birth control pills may lead to thinning hair in women who are sensitive to hormonal changes. Taking birth control pills containing androgens could weaken hair. Switching to low-androgen pills such as Mircette or Ortho-Cyclen may help, but do consult your GP first.

5. Scratching your scalp

Itchy scalp conditions such as dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis can leave you with scratching-induced hair damage. Once your cuticle is damaged, hair is more prone to breakage and thinning.

Being aware of your bad hair habits can help you to break them whether you do it alone or with a little help from a hair loss specialist.

The Belgravia Centre

Visit our photographic Hair Loss Success Stories gallery to browse our constantly updated collection of over 1,000 male and female patients’ progress images, alongside their feedback. If you are worried about hair loss and would like to speak to one of our experts, call us now on 020 7730 6666 or send us a message to book your free, discreet one-on-one consultation at either of our Central London clinics. Alternatively, if you are unable to visit us, you can complete our Online Consultation Form instead.

Related stories: