The AfriCAN Magazine

Hair & Beauty

How To Prevent Hair Loss

Everyone loses some hair on occasion. In fact, health experts claim that 200 to 300 hairs can fall out naturally each day! But the truth is, seeing a lot of hair come out on your brush each day can be more than a little unsettling.

Humans lose hair for a number of reasons, and determining the cause for your hair loss is the first step towards stopping it. Some common causes of hair loss include illness, medication, stress, or aging. Individuals who undergo general anesthesia for surgery may also experience short-term hair loss.

When hair loss happens to us, we can be left feeling unattractive, fearful of growing bald, or desperate to hold on to what's left. If you're worried that you're losing too much hair, it's a good idea to ask your doctor about possible underlying conditions. If he or she doesn't find anything of consequence that may be causing your hair loss, it's time to do all you can to prevent this problem from recurring.

One thing to consider is how you brush or comb your hair. If you use a narrow-tooth tool, it can yank and pull at hair, loosening multiple strands. Instead, use wide-tooth combs and brushes to groom your hair and scalp. It's also important to not comb your hair vigorously or too often. A few strokes of the brush each day should be enough to stimulate oil production. This will help protect the hair shaft and scalp without causing massive fallout.

Another possible factor in hair loss is your hairstyle. Tightly braided, coiled, or twisted hair may loosen extra hair and cause it to come out at the roots. A good rule of thumb is to change your hairstyle from time to time to let your scalp and locks breathe.

When it comes to hair loss, processed hair can be especially vulnerable. If you're using several harsh chemicals each month, they may be damaging your hair root or shaft and causing breakage or loss. Try gentler products to see if that makes a difference. A trained salon consultant can work closely with you to try and find the source of the problem.

Depending on what you find when assessing the reason for your accelerated hair loss, you may want to try a hair restorative like those sold by prescription or over the counter. However, I suggest that you explore all potential sources of the problem before resorting to medicinal or chemical treatments.