Wash Your Way To Healthier Hair
No matter your hair type or texture , the particular shampoo and conditioner you use to wash your hair is key.
“Once a hair strand reaches beyond the surface of the scalp, it is physiologically dead,” said Dr. King. “Because of this, it cannot be nourished, only preserved. A hair care regimen that allows the protective layer, or hair cuticles, to remain intact for as long as possible will decrease breakage and drying out. Keeping the hair moisturized with hair conditioners, creams and oils helps to avoid dryness and therefore decrease the risk of damage and breakage.”
While there may not be a one-size-fits-all formula for sudsing up that suits all hair types and textures, utilizing plant-based options for thinning hair can be helpful, according to Dr. King.
Related: 9 Ingredients in Shampoo to Avoid
Folliculitis Can Lead To Hair Loss
Over time these pollutants, dirt and debris accumulation can lead to a scalp disorder called folliculitis. This condition is characterized by follicular inflammation across your scalp, usually due to a fungal or bacterial infection.
It first appears around your hair follicles as white-headed pimples or small red bumps and can give you a mild to extreme itchy scalp. It may even spread and become crusty sores that dont heal. If your scalp becomes severely infected, folliculitis can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.
Not Washing Hair Often Enough
Now that dry shampoo is a staple in most of our beauty arsenals, its easier than ever to skip a few days between washing. Convenient? Yes. But not so great for your hair: A buildup of product or excessive dandruff on the scalp has been shown to clog hair follicles, and if its bad enough, it can be difficult for hair to grow, says Dr. Day.
Save your strands: There’s nothing wrong with skipping shampoo for a day. But if it becomes a habit, product residue, dirt, and oil can clog pores in the scalp. Be sure to wash your hair every two days, especially if youre sweating or using lots of products. To prevent excessive dryness, switch to a sulfate-free shampoo like LOreal Paris Ever Strong Thickening Shampoo .
MORE:6 Shampoo Mistakes You’re Making
Read Also: What Causes Weak Nails And Hair Loss
Tips To Keep In Mind For Healthy Hair
Final Thoughts On Natural Treatments For Thinning Hair
I hope you find these natural treatments for thinning hair to be effective. Remember that change wont happen overnight and consistency with natural treatments for thinning hair are key to optimal results.
If youre a woman experiencing hair thinning, hair loss experts recommend getting tested for thyroid problems and hormone imbalances as a good starting place. If you can get to a fixable cause of your hair thinning, the great news is that hair will often grow back and continue growing at a healthy rate once the underlying cause of your hair thinning is addressed. If youre a man or woman and youre afraid that its all just genetics, dont throw in the towel. While a family history might not be in your favor, you can still do a lot through your diet and lifestyle to slow down hair thinning and preserve your mane for as long as possible.
With a consistent, patient approach, natural treatments for thinning hair can help your scalp get back to work growing your hair as it should as often as it should or, at the least, help to to thin out at a slower pace. I know hair thinning is not easy to deal with, but I encourage you to give natural treatments for hair thinning a try and not put vanity before health because the conventional options can cause seriously alarming health issues that are a lot more concerning and damaging than a thinning head of hair.
You May Like: What Is The Best Blow Dryer For Thin Hair
How Often To Wash Your Hair
If you will go easy in washing your hair, hair loss might be controlled. Your scalp secretes oil and to prevent it from secreting too much, you shouldnt wash your hair often. People are used to washing their hair daily to keep their hair shiny and clean, not knowing that daily washing can be damaging too. How often to wash your hair matters most, but you dont need to have a bad hair odor to stop hair loss. You just need to wash your hair every other day if it is fine with your hair or every 3 days if nothing changed. From there you will know if you can go on not washing your hair for days. The oils on your scalp are what make the hair healthy, shiny and well protected. If you will wash it off, you will leave the hair naked and very much prone to perils.
Are You Shampooing Right
If your hair feels constantly greasy or conversely dry, it might be down to the method you are using to clean your hair, more than its genetic texture.
“I often wish the term âhair washingâ was changed to âscalp cleansingââ as the aim of the game when you shampoo is to clean your scalp, which is a living tissue,” reveals Kingsley. “Any suds that run down through your strands will be enough to cleanse them. There is no need to scrub your hair, and doing so can actually cause damage, tangles and breakage.”
Follow Clarke’s expert advice and:
- Ensure the hair is completely wet, really saturated before applying shampoo
- Pour a teaspoon of shampoo and apply the thin film across the hair
- Start to massage across the scalp paying particular attention to the nape and hairline which will tend to be dirtier
- Use fingers to comb the hair between movements and keep the hair in line. Do not use nails to scratch the scalp
- Do not rub ends together, nor use overly circular movements as this will just cause the hair to tangle
- Massage for at least 30 seconds. Then rinse thoroughly, and for 30 seconds more
- If you are washing your hair daily one shampoo should be enough, but repeat if you feel the hair needs it
Recommended Reading: Can Bystolic Cause Hair Loss
How Often Should You Condition Your Hair
This one is simple: Condition your hair after every shampoo wash. A conditioner rich in natural ingredients will smooth out the surface of each individual hair strand, leading to fewer breakages. In addition, your shampoo will likely have opened up your hairs cuticle to get the dirt outin the same way that a good face wash opens up your pores.
The conditioner, therefore, seals the cuticle back up again, ensuring your scalp maintains a firm grip on your hair. Most of the time, youll rinse out your conditioner just like you do with your shampoo, but some conditioners are designed to stay in your hair to add an extra layer of protection from dirt and other elements.
When applying men’s hair care conditioner, take advantage of this opportunity to give your scalp a good massage.
Give Your Scalp Regular Massages
“Also, some studies have shown hair growth benefits from scalp massage, so I would recommend taking time to massage these oils when applied to the scalp,” said Dr. King.
Consider using the GRO Revitalizing Scalp Massager. It’s safe for use on all hair types and features gentle bristles that stimulate the scalp and its circulation while offering a calming massage.
Read Also: Does Colouring Your Hair Cause Hair Loss
How Often To Wash Thinning Hair
Lather, rinse, repeat? Perhaps not especially for those looking to avoid thinning hair.
Less is better when it comes to thinning tresses, meaning less frequent shampooing, along with changing up the way you wash your hair. Damaged hair can result from overwashing with shampoos or conditioners that contain chemical ingredients. And abrasion to the scalp and hair follicles from harsh washing techniques can ultimately have negative effects on hair growth.
Related: Hair Shedding vs. Hair Loss How to Tell the Difference?
Check If Your Hair Is Fine Or Thinning
If youre frustrated with what you perceive as a lack of hair, the first step in reaching your hair goals is knowing the hand you were dealt. That starts with understanding the difference between fine and thinning hair. Having fine hair refers to the diameter of each individual strand, which should be thinner than a strand of thread. On the other hand, thinning hair refers to the density of your strands per square inch of your scalp, or in other words, how much hair you have on your head.
If your problem comes down to thinning hair, Dr. Shainhouse recommends looking for ingredients like minoxidil and saw palmetto. Try Keranique Scalp Stimulating Shampoo , which contains minoxidil, the same ingredient in Rogaine, she says. Interestingly, certain dandruff shampoos can also help manage hormone-associated hair loss. Add one into your routine twice a week, and lather it in for two minutes before rinsing.
Read Also: How To Stop Hair From Thinning Female
Dont Overwash Your Hair
It is crucial not to wash your hair more than is necessary, as it dries out the scalp and might lead to hair loss. Not the same rule applies to everyone it depends on the hair type and lifestyle. Its OK to wash your hair twice per week. However, if you have excess sebum and prefer to wash it daily, use a shampoo for frequent use, which has more natural ingredients.
Potential Causes For Hair Thinning
From daily habits to genetics, theres a myriad of reasons why we suddenly lose hair. This is why prioritizing your hair and scalp health is so important, as hair loss can affect virtually anyone. However, there are four main types of hair loss:
- Androgenetic Alopecia: the most common form of hair loss in women, androgenetic alopecia is characterized by thinning on the scalp. As its name would suggest, this type of hair loss is genetic and can be passed on from mother or father.
- Telogen Effluvium: this kind of hair loss happens during periods of great stress. Youll see handfuls of hair on brush, bathroom floor, or pillowcase.
- Traction Alopecia: youll see slight balding or a receding hairline where hair is normally pulled, twisted, or excessively styled.
- Alopecia Areata: characterized by hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. This is caused by an autoimmune skin disease.
If youre still unsure about why youre suddenly experiencing hair loss, here are some other reasons:
Read Also: Does Cutting Hair Help With Hair Loss
Can You Shampoo Too Little
Though you don’t want to over-wash your hair, you don’t want to under-wash it either. If you do, the oils on your scalp can build up too much and leave you prone to dandruff.
Additionally, some schools of thought indicate that the extra oil may block your scalp pores and trap DHT there. That’s a hormone most related to male pattern baldness in men and some women. So if the hormone is sitting there, trapped in the follicle, it may have longer to cause more hair loss.
Causes And Risk Factors For Thinning Hair
As your hair continues to thin, you probably want to ask, or even scream, Why is my hair falling out?! Its a very frustrating and often bewildering occurrence when the hair thins. According to Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of abnormal hair loss is not completely clear, but typically its related to one or more of the following:
- Heredity
- Physical or emotional shock
- Excessive hair styling and/or hair treatments
1. Heredity
The No. 1 reason why both men and women experience excessive hair thinning and hair loss is hereditary. For men, its a more well-known phenomenon called male-pattern baldness, but women can also exhibit female-pattern baldness. Both of these predictable, gradual hair loss patterns are linked with a family history of hair loss. For men, it can start as early as puberty. In addition to thinning hair, men may also notice their hair becoming shorter, softer and finer.
2. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormone imbalances and changes can contribute to thinning hair. Some hormone changes are temporary, like with pregnancy or menopause, and hair thinning or loss resulting from these temporary changes should be temporary as well. However, if you have an ongoing imbalance of hormones, you may have a thyroid problem that needs to be corrected.
3. Thyroid Problems and Other Medical Conditions
4. Medications
Many different types of medicines may contribute to hair thinning, including some of the following types of medications:
- Acne medications
- Thyroid medications
You May Like: How To Stop Hair Loss Early
Lather Up While You Cleanse Your Hair
For starters, its important to take proper care when cleansing to preserve the health of your scalp. Before applying shampoo, make sure that hair is properly soaked by saturating it completely under lukewarm water for at least a minute. This can help open the pores of your scalp and allow it to be more receptive to any products you apply.
With daily washing, its important to use the right amount of product on your hair. To avoid overloading on the suds, try using a teaspoon amount of shampoo and conditioner. While your shampoo should be focused on the scalp, your conditioner should be applied only to the ends. You can always add more conditioner or follow up with a mask afterwards if you feel like your hair really needs the added moisture.
Certain hair types are better off washing every few days as opposed to daily. If this sounds like your hair, on the days that you do cleanse consider shampooing your hair twice before reaching for the conditioner. To get the best clean possible, its best to break down your shampooing routine into two stages. The first rinse will take care of major dirt and grime that has latched onto your hair, while the second rinse can help deep clean the hair.