It is widely believed that hair enhances the beauty of a woman; even the Bible has called the hair of a woman “glorious.” I mean, how can you not fall in love with these flowing locks of black gold?
But maintaining a well-groomed mane warrants a good deal of attention and cannot be ignored. If you are suffering from thinning hair, then you should do something about it before it’s too late. Here are some steps you can follow to revitalize your hair health:
- Find out the cause
The most common cause for thinning hair is when sex hormones start wreaking havoc on your body. More often than not, it is hereditary, which ultimately causes the hair to fall out in a particular pattern. It generally affects women who are pregnant or are going through menopause. If this is happening to you, it is important to be gentle with your hair, and use natural hair products as much as possible.
- Find out if it’s a medical condition
If you don’t have a family history of hair thinning and are neither pregnant nor menopausal, it is extremely important to find out if your hair loss is due to a medical condition. Certain medical conditions lead to hair loss, and you can slow or halt the process if you get treatment for them in time. Hair fall can occur due to thyroid issues, scalp infections, or skin disorders. It is highly recommended to consult a doctor if your hair starts thinning, as treating these conditions at an early stage can help resolve the problem.
- Destress
Hair loss can also occur due to unnecessary stress and tension. So if you are dealing with some kind of life-induced or work-related stress, it is important to distress yourself first in order to avoid hair fall and other serious side effects.
Once the cause has been identified, it is imperative to start taking care of your hair as soon as possible.
1. Switch to all-natural, gentle hair products
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Many shampoos available in the market contain harsh chemicals that damage the hair and scalp, resulting in worsened hair loss. Remember to use a shampoo that does not use sulfates or any other type of alcohol, as they cause dryness and may damage your hair. Also use a conditioner that does not contain silicon, as it weighs down the hair and can only be rinsed out by sulfate shampoos.
2. Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush
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Brushing tends to pull down your hair, especially when it is wet. Instead, using a wide-tooth comb can help you get rid of your stubborn tangles in the gentlest possible manner. Always start near the tips of your hair, combing out the tangles at the bottom first, and then work your way up to the roots.
3. Let your hair air dry, instead of using a hair dryer
To prevent your hair from breaking after a shower, pat it dry gently with a soft towel. Make sure that you don’t wring it out roughly, as it would weaken your hair follicles. Also make sure that you don’t use a hair dryer or a blow dryer on your hair, because hair grows more quickly if you let it air dry.
4. Avoid using heating tools
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Stop curling, straightening, or using any type of heating tool to style your hair, for that matter. Whatever type of hair you have, it is beautiful as it is, and you should learn to embrace its natural beauty. Styling your hair too much and too often will only weaken it further.
5. Stay away from straining hairstyles
Avoid hairstyles like tight braids, weaves, or other ’do’s that pull your hair, as they tend to cause breakage. Instead, try to wear your hair down or pulled back loosely.
6. Massage your scalp regularly
Our grandmothers weren’t wrong when they used to oil and massage our scalp, stating that it helps stimulate hair growth. Make it a habit to massage your hair while you are in the shower. Massage it gently using the tips of your fingers, starting from the forehead and making your way along the sides and back of your head, putting extra emphasis on areas that are thinning. In order to have a more stimulating and relaxed effect, use a hair oil that suits your hair. Oils extracted from coconuts, argans, jojoba, and almonds are said to be beneficial in promoting hair growth.
7. Consume a diet rich in proteins
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Protein is one of the building blocks of your hair. Thinning hair is a common problem among vegetarians and vegans who do not consume enough proteins. Consume more fish and chicken; and if you are a vegetarian, your diet should include legumes, tofu, and dairy products to supplement a lack of meat proteins.
8. Stock up on Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are required by our bodies to create new hair, and hence their consumption is highly recommended. Eat omega-3 rich foods, such as salmon, sardines, walnuts, and avocados.
Thinning hair could be much of a headache, but it is important for you to deal with the problem before the damage done is irreversible. So if you’re facing this problem, visit a doctor to get a thorough check up, and start following the easy lifestyle changes listed above.
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