10 Easy Tips to Prevent Hair Damage
Suffering from hair loss, hair damage, tangles, split ends and dull lifeless hair is a universal problem affecting men and women alike. Hair damage occurs at childhood, teenage or adulthood and can be prevented.
Hot weather affects hair making it smelly and greasy because of sweat. Cold weather makes hair dry and brittle. However the problem can be kept at bay by following simple routines and regimen. Tying the hair tight, using heat to style the hair and excessive use of chemical based shampoos, conditioners, gels etc. create havoc for the hair.
1. Hair care while washing
Hair on being washed becomes very fragile because of the loss of natural hydrogen bonds which are restored when hair dries. It is best to condition hair by applying it using a wide tooth comb to remove tangles. Shampoo the scalp and roots of hair to remove dirt. Conditioner should not touch the scalp.
2. Dry Hair Properly
After washing do not wrap wet hair with a towel. Use a towel to squeeze the water out instead of rubbing vigorously to dry the hair which may cause more tangles to form.
Blot out as much water as possible before using an electric hair dryer to complete the task faster and avoid repeat runs. Also do not use excess heat as hair gets damaged. This applies when using curling or styling irons also. If time is not a constraint let hair dry by itself after pat drying with a towel. Clean hair adds body and bounce to any hair style.
3. Manage Tangles
Dry hair should be combed from the tips to the roots to deal with tangles successfully. To prevent tangles, apply coconut oil at least once a week to nourish hair and make it smooth and eliminate dryness. To avoid tangles while sleeping use silk pillow covers instead of cotton. This is oaky for an air-conditioned environment otherwise it may sweat. Hair can be covered with silk bonnets to give similar effect too.
4. Styling Hair with Care
The common hair style of tying a ponytail at the same place everyday causes too much stress in the same location and hence damage. Changes in style and position is important whether it is making a chignon, braids or any form of ponytail high or low. Do not use excess heat when using curling or styling irons. Perming, straightening and hot-oil treatments should be minimized. It is safe to leave hair with its natural color and texture.
5. Avoid Traction Alopecia
Using metal clips, tight rubber bands or too many hair pins and clips are best avoided. Use rubber covered pins, cloth-covered bands etc. which do not leave a crease and which are not too tight. This way Traction Alopecia can be avoided. Many young men make tight ponytails after combing hair flat and tightly backwards, this will hasten the onset of baldness.
6. Eat Healthy
‘Prevention
is better than cure’ is an adage which applies to hair care, 100%.
General body health reflects on one’s hair. Stress, genetics, tension at
work and home, examinations, medical treatments are some causes of hair
fall. To avoid these, lifestyle changes are imperative. Eating at the
right time and eating the right food should be the motto.
Eating fresh
fruits and vegetables, food rich in Vitamin B, Iron, Calcium, Zinc,
Protein rich food and drinking plenty of water keeps the body hydrated
and healthy.
7. Home Treatments
Pick the right combination after consulting with experienced people. Do not overdo home treatments. Rinsing hair after a shampoo with tea extract makes hair soft, while rinsing with lemon juice added water keeps it free from dandruff
Applying almond oil or coconut oil the night before washing hair is advisable. The same oils can be used for a good massage. After which hair should be wrapped with a warm towel. After an hour, hair should be washed with a gentle formula shampoo and rinsed thoroughly.
8. Brushing Hair
Although it is important to brush hair to keep it smooth and silky, gentle strokes should be applied from scalp to the hair tips. This carries natural oils from scalp down the hair thereby nourishing it.
9. Trimming and Dyeing Hair
Many people recommend periodical trimming of the hair to avoid split ends. Without cutting the hair short only the hair tips are cut.
Hair coloring or dyeing should be done less frequently. Many people start dyeing hair when it starts becoming grey, but some young people dye hair for aesthetics. Whether the color is purple, green or pink, care should be taken to pick the right dye and not compromise on quality.
10. Other Options
If it is too late to prevent baldness then other options available like hair transplant, laser treatment etc. can be considered. Topical applications of Minoxidil, Harvokse and similar concoctions have proved successful in arresting hair fall. Drugs like Provillus are also effective.
Ultimately good health, lifestyle, regular exercise, adequate sleep and enough physical activity improves blood circulation on the scalp and improves health of hair follicles. This keeps hair strong and less prone to damage. Baldness can be prevented or at least postponed with proper hair care which stops hair fall and hair thinning.
Hairfear - 7-11-2013
