Top 10 Habits That Are Gradually Weakening Your Hair

If you're using a variety of shampoos, frequently dyeing your hair due to premature graying, or applying hair treatments, oils, and fragrances, you're introducing different types of chemicals into your hair. These chemicals can penetrate the hair follicles and contribute to increased hair loss. While it's hard to completely avoid these chemicals, we suggest opting for natural alternatives like soapberry-based shampoos, or herbal infusions such as holy basil, lemongrass, or grapefruit peel, to help strengthen your hair with fully natural ingredients.

A key preservative found in many shampoos on the market today is Nitrite, which poses a high risk to your health, potentially leading to serious diseases such as cancer. When interacting with other substances, Nitrite can easily transform into Nitrosamine, a compound known for causing cancer. Additionally, Parabens—synthetic chemicals used to preserve cosmetics—are often present in shampoos and have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women.

Many people apply shampoo directly to their scalp without realizing that this habit can actually make your hair drier and cause more hair breakage. So, how should you shampoo properly? First, mix the shampoo with water or rub it between your hands before applying it to your hair to minimize direct contact with the scalp. Additionally, avoid using hot water, as it can strip your hair of moisture, leaving it dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage.

Start by wetting your hair thoroughly, from the scalp to the ends. Once your hair is completely wet, the shampoo will be able to penetrate and remove dirt from the roots more effectively. Next, pour the shampoo into your palm, add a little water, and rub your hands together to create a rich lather before applying it to your hair. Remember, avoid applying shampoo directly to your hair or scalp, as this will make it harder for the scalp to absorb the nutrients. Also, the shampoo will not distribute evenly across your hair, meaning you'll need to use more, and the results won’t be as effective.

Tight hair ties or consistently tying your hair in the same spot every day can cause your hair to form creases, making it more prone to breakage. Additionally, tight ponytails can harm your scalp, leading to frequent headaches and reducing the hair's elasticity, which ultimately results in hair loss. The best option is to wear your hair naturally or use hair ties made from soft materials like fabric or silk, which offer just the right amount of stretch to protect your hair. Studies have shown that individuals who frequently tie their hair tightly, braid it, or use tight updos—such as some African American individuals or ballet dancers—are more prone to hair loss.

There have been reports of scalp patches resembling scars, tingling sensations on the scalp, and excessive hair shedding in certain areas. It may be hard to imagine that a simple bun could cause hair loss at such a young age, but hair, skin, and nerves are all interconnected in complex ways, and even dermatologists have much to learn about their relationship. High buns or tight updos pull hair strands away from the hair follicles, loosening the roots, which leads to hair breakage and shedding.

The UVA and UVB rays from the sun can damage the cuticle layer of your hair (the outermost layer). These rays act similarly to bleach on your hair. When exposed, the rays trigger a chemical reaction that weakens the keratin and melanin, causing the hair to lose moisture. Without moisture, hair becomes dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage. When outside, your hair is exposed to harmful elements such as UV rays and pollution, making it greasy, dry, and prone to hair loss. To protect your hair, always cover it with a scarf or head covering before going outdoors to keep it strong and glossy.

Excessive sun exposure can also dry out and sunburn your scalp. This can lead to scalp irritation and itching, along with other issues like dandruff and hair loss. Dehydrated scalps can affect the hair roots, making the hair grow stiff and lacking smoothness. A sunburned scalp can cause thinning and hair loss if not properly treated. Without proper protection and care, frequent sun exposure will reduce your hair's elasticity and strength, leading to split ends and more hair fall.

When your hair is tangled, forcibly combing and pulling on it to detangle can damage your scalp and cause the tangled hair to break. So, what should you do when your hair gets tangled? Use your hands to gently smooth out the knots and then use a wide-tooth comb to carefully detangle, starting from the roots. This method will minimize hair damage and breakage. To prevent tangling, always apply a moisturizing conditioner after washing your hair. Leave the conditioner in for about 5 minutes before rinsing. It will help reduce hair damage, fight frizz, and provide essential nutrients, making your hair healthier and less prone to tangling.

Take 5 minutes each morning and evening to comb your hair neatly. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle small knots as they form. This will help keep your hair strong and reduce damage while you sleep. There are also special detangling combs available that have wide teeth and are gentle on the hair, making it easier to untangle without breaking your strands. Avoid using fine-tooth combs as they can cause breakage and further damage to your hair.

For healthy, beautiful hair, it's essential to follow a balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients to support hair growth and proper care. Neglecting your diet can lead to dry, brittle, and thinning hair. Eating plenty of green vegetables, drinking water, and including meat, fish, and essential vitamins such as vitamin C, iron, and zinc will keep your hair smooth, voluminous, and strong.

The mercury levels in processed foods like swordfish, mackerel, tuna, salmon, and canned shrimp can cause hair loss and make your nails more brittle. This issue is also common among people who eat sushi frequently (four to five times a week). Excess sugar in the diet leads to spikes in blood sugar levels, causing the body to produce more insulin, which increases androgen levels—hormones that inhibit hair follicle growth in both men and women. Foods high in sugar not only harm your skin but also negatively impact your hair.

Your hair is most fragile when wet, so it's no surprise that leaving your hair damp while you sleep can lead to increased hair breakage. As you move around in your sleep, friction can make hair more prone to breaking compared to when it's dry. If you sleep in an air-conditioned room or during the winter, going to bed with wet hair can also increase your chances of catching a cold. The solution? Dry your hair before bed. Drying your hair not only helps it stay in place but also prevents it from tangling into knots. Waking up to tangled hair means spending more time trying to comb it out, and you might even need a straightener to smooth it out.

The combination of moisture and warmth creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. When you sleep with wet hair, the warmth from your head makes the pillow damp, creating an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria and fungi, leading to scalp infections or dandruff. Wet hair allows bacteria and fungi to grow on the scalp while also stripping your hair of its natural oils. The loss of these oils can lead to a dry, lackluster appearance, and your hair will be more prone to breakage. When moisture is absorbed into the pillow, the natural oils are lost, leaving your hair dehydrated and dull.

Việc sử dụng tinh dầu dưỡng sẽ giúp nuôi dưỡng da đầu, chăm sóc tóc từ bên trong hạn chế việc tóc bị chẻ ngọn, khô và xơ rối. Nhưng câu hỏi đặt ra bạn đã thực sự sử dụng tinh dầu dưỡng đúng cách. Nếu tóc bạn là tóc khô thì sử dụng dầu dưỡng tóc sẽ khiến cho tóc mềm mượt, bóng khỏe hơn. Nhưng khi tóc dầu mà sử dụng quá nhiều dầu dưỡng tóc, tóc bạn sẽ càng bị nhờn dẫn đến ngứa da đầu và tóc nhanh bẩn hơn.

Sử dụng dầu dưỡng tóc quá sát chân tóc cũng là thói quen sai lầm mà các chị em hay mắc phải. Vì chân tóc cũng sản sinh ra lượng dầu và được ví như loại dầu dưỡng tóc tốt nhất nên việc sử dụng dầu dưỡng tóc cũng làm tóc nhanh bết hơn. Cho nên bạn nên ủ dầu dưỡng tóc từ đoạn giữa và ngọn tóc để đạt hiệu quả cao nhất. Không chỉ được dùng sau khi gội đầu mà trước khi gội bạn cũng có thể sử dụng tinh dầu dưỡng tóc. Điều này giúp bảo vệ da đầu khỏi các chất hoá học có trong dầu gội, giúp tóc sẽ hạn chế tình trạng khô xơ.