How To Prevent Hair Loss From Styling Damage

Fashion models put their hair through a lot. The average model will endure constant blow drying and heat styling, regular dyeing and will have to wear numerous hair embellishments, such as wigs and hair extensions, that are often heavy and tightly affixed to prevent any unwanted movement on the catwalk, all in the name of getting a statement style that will look great on camera.

Models will frequently have to change hairstyles many times per day too and, understandably, all this can take its toll on their hair, causing it to become dry, brittle and sometimes snap. Whilst the majority of women won't be putting their hair through quite as much daily stress, it is worth taking a leaf out of models' books when it comes to looking after your hair as some hairstyles can also lead to hair loss.

Use your hairdryer on the correct heat setting

Always use a heat protecting spray before using heat stylers such as straightening irons or curling tongs on your hair, and make sure your hairdryer is at the correct temperature.

Celebrity hair stylist Philip B advises selecting the medium heat setting, "The key with blow-dryers is to get one that combines heat with a powerful fan speed, so you can dry your hair quickly. Dryers with high heat and low fan speeds end up baking your hair and lead to breakage and split ends," he says.

Adding: "You might also want to consider blowing your hair half-way dry, and then letting it air-dry from there. That puts less stress on the hair than taking it from 100% wet to 100% dry."

Models' haircare tips to prevent styling damage

To help prevent styling damage many models admit to enjoying regular intensive conditioning and strengthening treatments to improve the condition and general health of their hair.

British model and actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley favours argan oil. As she explained to Vogue, "I’ll take a bath or shower and run it through my hair when it’s wetI rub a dime-size amount in my hands and put it on. I apply a little bit at the roots, but not much. Then I’ll blow-dry my hair and I’m good to go."

Whilst Cindy Crawford, who set the standard for Supermodel hair, uses a natural treatment from Lush, "It’s a jasmine pre-shampoo hair mask, and it has really made a difference. I put it in before I work out for an hour, and then I wash and dry my hair."

Chanel model Shalom Harlow, who has naturally curly hair which is often straightened for campaigns, also swears by using an intensive conditioning treatment mask, saying “It’s a total must. I’d like to say I do it once a week, but that’s kind of a lie. I probably do it twice a month.”

Foods for healthy hair

You can also help to improve the health of your hair from the inside by including the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for healthy hair in your diet.

Hair growth booster supplements such as Belgravia's one-a-day Hair Vitalics can also provide a natural support for your hair if you feel that your diet is lacking in certain areas. In addition to containing a premium blend of key vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanical extracts in the optimum doses to benefit hair health, they also contain ingredients known to lower the level of DHT in the bloodstream - DHT being the cause of thinning hair in women with female pattern hair loss.

Switch up your look to avoid hair loss

If you like to wear your hair in a signature style that may cause tension at the scalp, or frequently use embellishments, like extensions, to boost your hair's volume, you may be at risk of not just styling damage, but also hair loss from Traction Alopecia.

Traction Alopecia occurs when tight and/or heavy hair styles, including braids, cornrows, buns and extensions, tug on the hair follicles causing constant, excessive tension which can affect normal hair growth, leading to hair loss. Wearing these styles occasionally is fine, however as Belgravia Centre trichologist, Leonora Doclis explains, sometimes people can become hooked on their new hairstyles, particularly where hair extensions are concerned.

She says there "seems to be an element of psychological attachment to hair extensions. Once women start using them, they often fall in love with the new look and subsequently find it difficult to revert to their old style. This leads to continuous use of extensions that, inevitably leads to damage, regardless of how kindly they attach the units. I have met women who just cannot bear to see their own hair once the extensions come off."

Whilst there are treatments for Traction Alopecia available, there are a few simple steps to avoiding this type of hair loss, including switching up your look on a regular basis. For example, if you like to wear your hair up in a tight bun or French plait, try to leave it loose on alternate days so that your follicles get a rest and are not under constant pressure.

You can also experiment with looser looks or at least try out different placements for taut ponytails or braids so that the areas subjected to tension are varied on the days when you do wear tight styles. Using a gentle fabric hair tie like a scrunchie can also help to prevent hair breakage.

If you are experiencing more shedding than normal, make an appointment to see an expert who can help to diagnose your condition and advise you on the most effective hair loss treatment to help regrow your hair.