It’s no secret that hair loss is a problem for millions of people around the world. While genetic studies dictate how much hair you’ll lose in your lifetime, several lifestyle habits also contribute to shedding. Now, what if we told you there are things you can do to help prevent it? That’s right! Here we have provided 8 lifestyle habits that contribute to hair fall. Know these signs to address them before they become more severe.

Over-styling

One of the most common causes of hair loss is over-styling. Hair is a susceptible structure, and it’s essential to treat it carefully. Over-styling can lead to hair breakage and split ends, which will cause long-term damage if left untreated. If you regularly use curling irons, flat irons, or straightening combs, you may be putting too much stress on your follicles, which can contribute to hair loss. Also, continued usage of certain hair styling products such as sprays and colors also leads to increased hair fall.

Smoking

Smoking is terrible for your health, and it also causes hair loss. Smoking increases the risk of hair fall because nicotine constricts blood vessels in the scalp, which leads to reduced circulation. This causes decreased nutrition and oxygen supply to the follicles, which results in dryness and thinning of hair strands. Smoking damages sebum production, making your hair dry and brittle.

An Unhealthy Diet

A healthy diet is a critical factor in maintaining good hair health. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while avoiding processed foods. You must also avoid caffeine and alcohol as these substances can increase stress hormones that result in hair loss.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress is one of the leading causes of hair loss in women and men. It causes your hair to fall out more quickly. So, if you’ve noticed an increase in hair shedding lately, it might be worth investigating whether stress could be behind it.

Wearing Pointed Hats or Caps Frequently

You will be surprised to know that wearing a pointed hat or cap for a longer duration also causes hair loss. The pressure on the scalp and head cause the hair to break and shed, causing hair loss in that area. It is advised that you should wear a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap when needed. This  will protect your hair from all types of damage, even against heat and pollution.

Unclean Pillowcases and Towels

The cleanliness of our pillowcases and towels may not be something we give much thought to, but it’s still essential to ensure they are washed regularly. Not just for personal hygiene but also to care for your hair. This is because the hair oils and dirt from your head get transferred onto these pieces of cloth. Often, it leads to more susceptibility to bacterial infections such as dandruff or even lice.

Hair Ties

Now, we understand that hair ties are something you cannot live without. However, it is advised to avoid using hair ties that are too tight. Hair ties can be helpful when you need to keep your hair out of the way, but if it’s too tight,  it pulls on the follicles in your scalp. To avoid this, simply use a softer rubber band instead of an actual hair tie. They won’t damage the follicles and  keep your hair  neat. You could also try using a French pin (looks like two bobby pins). A French pin won’t hurt your hair and provide amazing hairstyles.

A Lack of Exercise

Exercising is a must-do activity to improve your overall health. It also has surprising effects in keeping hair fall at bay. Exercise can help prevent hair loss by stimulating blood flow to the scalp, which is essential for hair growth. As a bonus, regular exercise is also known to help with stress and anxiety (talk about killing two birds with one stone).Getting just 30 minutes of exercise daily will work wonders. It doesn’t have to be intense, walking is an excellent way to start.

Conclusion

Making certain changes in lifestyle habits will prove fruitful in the long run. You can avoid hair loss by eating a nutritious diet, drinking plenty of water, and taking care of yourself. If you already have thinning hair, try some of the tips above. Let us know in the comments if they worked for you.