Introduction:
Beautiful, shiny, healthy hair is every person's dream. But, to make hair attractive, people often do things that, in turn, cause damage to the hair. Damaged hair is fragile, giving a frizzy, unhealthy appearance. If the same thing is continued, it can lead to hair loss and bald spots. But, a little care can prevent further damage. These are some tips to prevent hair damage.
In addition, people may consult with dermatologists to avoid hair damage.
What Causes Hair Damage?
Hair damage can be due to various factors, such as external factors and internal factors.
External Causes:
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Frequent use of hair dryers, curlers, and straightening can weaken hair and lead to breakage.
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Coloring and straightening treatments involve the use of harsh chemicals which can weaken hairs.
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Frequent washing of hair with shampoo can remove the natural oils from the hair and is prone to breakage.
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Prolonged exposure of hairs to sunlight can also lead to dryness and frizzy hairs.
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Tight hairstyles and use of harsh brushes and combs can lead to hair damage.
Internal Causes:
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Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamins A, C, D, and E, and mineral deficiencies, such as iron and zinc may weaken the hair structure.
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Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy and menopause may affect the hair health.
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Physical and emotional stress may lead to shedding and thinning of hair.
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Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and scalp infections may cause hair damage.
How to Prevent Hair Damage?
Hair is a non-living, filamentous biomaterial consisting mainly of proteins, particularly keratin. For this reason, once hair is damaged, it cannot heal by itself except by new hair growth at the scalp. Therefore, women need to understand certain things they do to their hair to make it appear beautiful, such as using hair dyes, perms, and products that straighten the hair, which will eventually end up damaging the hair's structure and ultimately affect its appearance. But, some changes in regular hair care can prevent or halt the damage.
1. Washing the Hair - How frequently does an individual need to wash his hair? The answer depends upon the oil production of the scalp. If the scalp is too oily, it may need a frequent hair wash, like once a day. But, if the scalp and hair are too dry, it requires washing hair less frequently. Rinse the hair immediately after swimming, wash the scalp with specially formulated swimmer's shampoo, and use a deep conditioner.
2. Use of Shampoo and Conditioner -
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Use conditioning shampoo and conditioner regularly to improve the appearance of frizzy hair.
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Look for products that contain Dimethicone which helps decrease static electricity, increases shine, and improves manageability.
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Pick a shampoo and conditioner based on hair shape, such as curly or straight, and hair conditioner, such as dry, damaged, or frizzy. Apply shampoo directly to the scalp and massage gently along the direction of the hair follicle.
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Do not rub hair with shampoo. Instead, let the shampoo run through the hair while washing. The shampoo only cleans dirt and oil from the scalp; overuse of it can cause hair damage.
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After washing with shampoo, apply a generous amount of conditioner at the hair ends, not on the scalp, and leave it for one to two minutes before washing.
3. Drying of Hair -
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Do not rub the hair with a towel to dry the hair. Instead, wrap it around the head or allow the hair to air dry. If a person is using a hair dryer to dry their hair, start from the lowest heat setting and gradually increase the heat.
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Heat can damage the hair, resulting in brittle and curly hair. Therefore, protecting the hair from heat is essential to prevent hair damage.
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Moisturizing the hair regularly will help the appearance of heat-damaged hair to some degree, but stopping the source of heat damage is essential. For example, suppose an individual has straight hair; first, comb the hair when it is dry with a wide-toothed brush. But if it is curly, then comb the hair while it is damp.
4. Hair Straightening -
There are many hair straightening options nowadays, from ceramic flat irons for temporary straightening to chemical treatment for more long-lasting results. To straighten hair with a ceramic iron, put a moist towel in the device to protect the hair from direct heat. A procedure called keratin hair straightening, which is done in salons, uses a combination of chemicals and heat to break or rearrange the natural bonds and is more damaging to hair. With this procedure, hair must be kept dry and not bent or manipulated for several days after the process. To minimize hair damage and loss:
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Extend the time between treatments.
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When washing hair, use a generous amount of conditioner to make hair less brittle.
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If hair becomes frizzy and brittle, stop the procedure and let new hair growth replace damaged hair.
5. Styling -
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Brush and comb hair only to style it. Hair does not need 100 brush strokes every day. Avoid pulling and tugging on hair as a brush or comb it.
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Instead, detangle hair gently and use a moisturizing conditioner if necessary. Wear hair loosely pulled back. Use covered rubber bands to hold the hair. Try to avoid using hair styling products whenever possible.
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If an individual is wearing a weave or hair extension, use the light one, so they do not tug at hair. Get them done by experts. Wear a weave or extension for two to three months at the most. Keep up scalp hygiene when wearing a weave or extension.
6. Coloring Hair -
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Choose a color that is close to a person's natural hair.
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Try to add more time between touch-ups.
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Use conditioner after each shampoo. When a person is out in the sun, they should protect their hair using a leave-in conditioner containing zinc oxide or wearing a cap.
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Do not do multiple services like coloring, perming, or relaxing at the same sitting. If a person needs multiple services, do a perm or relaxing first, followed by coloring two weeks later.
7. Healthy Diet to Avoid Hair Damage - A healthy diet plays an important role in hair growth and health. Certain nutrients are essential for hair and prevent damage. A diet should consist of iron, zinc, vitamins, proteins, folic acid, and antioxidants which help to keep hair damage-free. Staying hydrated is crucial for hair health. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day may keep the hair healthy and hydrated and prevent it from becoming brittle.
8. Stress Management - There is a link between stress and hair loss. In addition, there are some diseases associated with stress resulting in hair loss. Therefore stress management is essential to prevent hair damage.
What Are the Dermatologists Recommendations for Swimmers to Avoid Hair Damage?
Due to the presence of chlorine and chemicals in pool water, frequent washing may lead to the weakening of hairs in swimmers. Dermatologists may recommend following tips to reduce hair damage in swimmers are as follows:
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Swimmers should wet their hair with tap water and apply conditioner over it. This will reduce the absorption of chlorinated water.
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They should wear a swim cap and this will provide a protective layer and reduce the exposure to chlorine.
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After swimming, they should wash their hair with fresh water to remove chemicals.
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Use a hair mask or other deep conditioning treatment to provide moisture to the hair.
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Limit washing the hair with shampoo.
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Minimize the use of heat styling equipment, such as irons and hair dryers.
Conclusion:
Hair loss or damaged hair can be irritating and frustrating. If the hair is not improving even after applying all the caring tips, the root cause of the problems may not be hair care. Consult a certified dermatologist for expert opinion, especially if an affected individual has problems like thinning of hair. Most problems can be treated. The sooner one addresses the problem, the better the results.