According to Dr. Steven Shapiro of Shapiro MD, a dermatologist specializing in hair loss, the way you style your hair may be causing it to thin.
Dr. Shapiro told SheFinds, “Go easy on your hair! Hair dye, bleach, chemical treatments and excessive heat styling can weaken your hair, making it more likely to break off and fall out. So if you can, keep those things to a minimum."
You may have noticed that your hair has started to thin after putting it through chemical treatments to change the texture or color. But keeping your hair healthy can help improve its look in the long term, while the effects of styling treatments always wear off.
For some people, daily hairstyles that involve pulling your hair into tight buns or ponytails can even lead to hair loss, as this may weaken your roots.
Your styling choices are not the only reason your hair may be thinning. Dr. Shapiro added that the most common causes of hair loss include age, genetics, stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalances, medical conditions and certain medications.
How You Can Prevent Hair Loss
If your hair is thinning as a result of styling treatments, try giving your hair a break and use a restorative hair mask. You can also try adding certain nutrients into your diet to strengthen your hair.
"Limiting your sugar intake is key,” Dr. Shapiro said. “I’d also recommend eating whole foods that are rich in nutrients like protein, vitamin C, and omega 3 fatty acids. Iron, B12, Folate, Biotin, and Zinc are also of benefit to the hair. Low Iron, B12, and Folate can cause anemia which reduces blood flow to the hair. ZInc reduces inflammation which is the first step in hair falling out. Biotin may help the texture of hair. This will keep your hair looking healthy and strong.”