Woman Running Hands in Hair

One common misconception is that hair should be brushed constantly.  With too much hair brushing, the hair is constantly being brushed against the teeth of the brush and this can be damaging to hair.  I remember my mother telling me to brush my hair for 100 strokes a day before bed for soft, glorious hair.  I also remember wondering if that was 100 strokes in total or per section of hair on my head.  Brushing your hair puts pressure on it, which can lead to breakage and other damage. Too much brushing can also pull hair from the scalp, which can lead to breakage.

Using a comb on your hair, particularly if you have long, thick hair, can also be bad for it.  Avoid combing your hair whenever possible.  Try styling your hair with your bare hands as much as possible and use combs, picks and brushes as little as possible. Add some safe product styling aids to style your hair with your hands.  Experiment a little until you find a style that works well for you.  If you absolutely have to use combs or tough brushes, go for it, but look for combs with wide-spaced teeth and smooth, round edges.

If you are too tedious when you style your hair, this can also contribute to hair loss. Braiding your hair can be bad for it and it pulls on your scalp.  This can all lead to unwanted hair loss.  Too much wear and tear is applied to the hair when it is constantly braided.

Wearing a ponytail all the time or constantly using rollers can also cause problems for some people.  If using rollers, use large rollers and wrap hair loosely to avoid damage.  Wearing caps can also cause excessive hair loss, particularly in men.  Any time you are doing something that is rubbing against your head constantly, you run the risk of wearing your hair away.

Most hair styling products and creams contain chemicals, which can be harsh and damaging for the hair. Before using such products, seek dermatological advice to make sure the products you are using are safe for your hair.  Organic products sometimes work better and there is a lot of information out there about how to make your own hair-care products, which are a lot safer than some of the over-the-counter products you can buy in the store.

If you are eating healthy, are not on any medication and are not currently suffering from any known medical conditions, make a doctor’s appointment to discuss what you may be doing to yourself that may be causing hair loss.