Hair loss is a problem for all of us. Many of us may know the major causes of hair loss. But what we may not realize is that our bad lifestyle habits can also contribute to it. A healthy lifestyle will give you a healthy life, while a bad lifestyle will definitely put you at risk of health problems. Below are some bad habits in your lifestyle that could be damaging your hair health and causing hair loss.
Bad Lifestyle Habits that cause Hair Loss:
Traumatic Hairstyles
Hairstyles are an integral part of our lifestyle. We try different hairstyles to live a better life with smart and beautiful looks. However, some traumatic hairstyles can cause permanent hair damage by completely destroying the hair follicles. As a result, hair loss occurs, and the regrowth process is permanently halted. Medically, this is known as traction alopecia. The causes include:
- Tight hair barrier.
- A tight braid or bun at the back.
- Cornrow styles.
- Constantly pulling hair with hands or other objects.
Heat Styling
A hairdryer is a very useful tool for drying hair quickly after a shower. But we may not realize how harmful hot air is to wet hair. We also use hair straighteners and curling irons to style our hair with heat. But often we don’t use any heat protection products.
The concern is that blowing hot air into wet hair can stretch the follicles, especially if it reaches the scalp. It uproot the hair from the follicle. Also, the heat of heat styling tools makes hair dry and brittle. This weakens the hair strands and can lead to hair fall. It’s better to minimize the use of heat styling tools or use them on the lowest setting for the shortest time.
Hairstyles with Harmful Chemicals
Chemical hairstyles such as hair dyes, perms, or relaxers can also cause hair loss. Also, many shampoos contain harmful chemicals. These chemicals often contain harmful ingredients like sulfur, parabens, alcohol, bleach, dyes, and lead. These ingredients strip the hair of its nutrients and natural essential oils. It becomes weak, discolored, brittle, and prone to falling. To prevent hair loss, use organic products free of harmful chemicals.
Neglecting Hair Care
Any part of the body will suffer if not cared for, and hair is no exception. Neglected hair and scalp can contribute to hair loss. It is important to always keep the hair and scalp clean and moisturized. It is best to use oils and products rich in natural ingredients to keep hair follicles nourished and stimulated.
Poor Food Habits
Many of us crash diets to lose or gain weight without consulting a nutritionist. We also have a habit of eating processed, fatty, and sugary foods. However, the nutrients needed to keep hair healthy come from our diet. If our diet lacks nutrients, hair loss and the inability to regenerate hair can result.
We must eat nutritious, protein- and mineral-rich food while avoiding foods harmful to the body. Otherwise, we will soon be bald.
Poor Sleeping Habits
Inadequate sleep and staying awake at night disrupt all-natural body processes, including hair growth. It also damages hair follicles and causes hair loss. Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night is essential for overall body health, including hair health.
Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Does smoking cause hair loss? The answer is “yes.” Cigarette smoke contains about 4,000 harmful chemicals, which are major causes of hair loss. Toxic substances like nicotine, lead, and ammonia directly enter and get stuck in hair follicles, blocking blood flow to them.
So, does alcohol cause hair loss? Generally, alcohol does not contain substances that directly affect hair loss. However, it triggers health problems that can cause hair damage. Alcohol consumption also affects stress-induced hair loss.
Lack of Physical Activity
A sedentary lifestyle negatively affects blood flow to the body and scalp. Which can inhibit hair growth and lead to hair loss. Regular exercise or physical activity can help prevent hair loss by improving blood flow to your scalp.
Stress and Anxiety
Chronic stress and anxiety, as well as physical or emotional trauma, can affect hair health. Hair loss can also occur after a stressful time in your life, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one. Practice stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Personal Experience
I mentioned in previous posts that I have been suffering from hair loss for a long time and am slowly recovering. Some bad habits in my lifestyle were one of the reasons for my hair loss. After noticing the signs of baldness, I became very worried. I started researching solutions and tried different methods. Due to financial constraints, I could not afford advanced treatments. However, I regularly consulted a dermatologist. Smoking, poor sleeping habits, and a poor diet were the most common triggers for my hair loss. After discovering my bad habits as the cause of hair loss, I am slowly eliminating them. I believe it is playing an effective role in stopping my hair loss.
If you are experiencing hair loss, consider the bad habits in your lifestyle. If you have any of the above bad habits, you will not be able to prevent hair loss. So, it’s important to avoid the bad habits in your lifestyle as soon as possible for healthy hair.