How we choose to wash, dry and brush our hair directly affects how strong and healthy it is. Haircare can be overwhelming, and there are a lot of underlying conditions, dietary options, and haircare choices that will affect the health of our hair. Making what choices to make can aid in the prevention and reversal of hair loss.
Should you brush hair after a shower? Brushing hair after a shower can cause a
lot of damage to your locks. Rather than brushing after you shower, establish a
routine to keep your hair healthy and strong.
The information about health care can be
overwhelming, , but no worries–this article will give you ideas and
recommendations to establish a post-shower hair care routine that will work for
you, and discuss causes of hair loss, and how you can prevent or reverse it.
Table of Contents
After Shower Hair Care
After stepping out of the shower, many of us
feel it’s probably a great time just to go ahead and brush our hair out, when
in fact, our hair is actually at it’s weakest when it’s wet, so we’re
unknowingly causing significant damage to our locks. When our hair is freshly
washed and still wet, it’s lacking the natural oils that protect strands,
making our hair extremely susceptible to tangles and breakage.
Instead, follow these tips for healthy and
strong hair:
- Rather than tying your hair up in a towel or squeezing dry with a towel, pat dry.
- Next, use a detangler or leave-in conditioner and comb through with fingers.
- If you prefer a spray detangler, check out this Tresemme Moisture Rich Detangling Spray or this one from The Honest Company.
- Let your hair air dry as much as possible
- Section hair and begin to comb through with a wide-tooth comb going from ends to root, gently. We recommend wide-tooth combs because the spacing between the teeth allows you to comb through your hair effortlessly, preventing breakage.
- This HYOUJIN Black Wide Tooth Comb or Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Detangler Comb are both great options to consider when choosing the perfect comb for this step.
- You’re ready to go ahead and style hair however you please! Remember if you plan to use any heat on your hair to use a heat protectant spray to protect from heat damage. L’Oreal and CHI both offer high-quality thermal protection sprays.
Causes of Hair Loss
There are a lot of reasons why we may be
experiencing hair loss regardless of our age. Knowing and understanding why we
may be losing our hair is vital knowledge for steps we can take for hair loss
prevention.
Our Genes
Hereditary hair loss makes up a large portion
of people that are experiencing hair loss, regardless of age. While some
studies have shown that perhaps it’s a gene from our Mother that is to blame,
other studies have favored a gene from our Father as being the sole purpose of
hair loss. The truth is, it’s complicated, and there’s no single right answer
right now.
Hormones
Hormonal hair loss differs for men and women,
and the science behind it can be complicated. For men, simply put, Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is made from testosterone
and is found in the skin, hair, follicles, and prostate; Men’s hair follicle
sensitivity to DHT could cause hair loss. For a deeper understanding of
how hormones affect male baldness, check out this article from Healthline: Hair Loss and Testosterone.
In women, hair loss involves the hormone androgen. One of the main functions of this hormone is the regulation of hair growth. Hair loss determined by the androgen hormone can occur because of inheritance or due to an underlying endocrine issue. For more information on hair loss in women caused by hormones, read this article published by Harvard Medical School: Treating Female Pattern Hair Loss.
Stress
Excessive stress and anxiety can cause hair
loss in three different ways:
- The first is known as telogen
effluvium. Telogen effluvium is a condition caused by stress that pushes
hair to it’s “resting” phase, eventually causing it to fall out. This condition
is reversible.
- Trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder. During times of extreme stress
and/or anxiety, some people have experienced the overwhelming desire to pull
their hair out. This condition is treatable by a healthcare professional.
- Alopecia areata. Brought on by severe stress, this condition occurs when the immune
system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. Treatment can help
alopecia areata.
Diet
A healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for
your mind and body to stay healthy, and your hair is part of that. When you
aren’t getting the nutrients you need, this could result in hair loss. Studies
have shown that consuming a lot of foods that are high in sugar and/or fried
foods has caused hair loss in both men and women.
Hair Care
Specific hair care treatments such as dyes,
perms, or relaxers can cause significant damage to hair, typically by
physically weakening the hair shaft, resulting in hair loss.
Hair Loss Prevention
If you’re experiencing hair loss, or simply
seeking ways to prevent it from starting, there are a lot of things you can do
to ensure you’re taking the very best care of your hair and encouraging it to
grow strong and healthy.
If you’re suffering from hereditary hair loss
or hair loss caused by certain hormones or stress, treatments and/or some
medications can slow down or halt the process. It’s important to consult with
your doctor regarding concerns of hair loss, so they can work with you to find
a solution that will be best for you.
There are certain medications and topical
lotions that can help with hair loss, as well as surgeries such as hair
transplantation.
If you’re concerned that your diet may be the
reason you’re experiencing hair loss, keep these diet tips in mind for strong,
healthy hair:
- Eat a well-balanced breakfast that
includes protein and healthy carbohydrates.
- Hydrate. Not drinking enough water
can make it difficult for hair to grow.
- Make sure you’re eating enough
protein. Consuming proteins such as lean meat, eggs, and bananas will ensure
healthy hair growth.
- Take your vitamins. Vitamins such as Iron and Vitamin C are vital for hair growth.
Haircare is essential to the prevention and reversal of hair loss. Be gentle with hair and try to avoid pulling and twisting hair, applying excessive heat, and tight hairstyles. Hair masks such as this OGX Extra Strength Argan Oil of Morocco are great for helping repair damage and restoring hair.
What kind of doctor should I go to for hair loss?
Dermatologists are experts in diagnosing skin
conditions, can get to the root of the problem of hair loss, and start working
with you on a treatment that will be successful for you.
Is it safe to blow dry hair?
There are several things you can do to make
sure you’re blow-drying hair safely. First, towel dry hair and gently comb out
tangles using a wide-tooth comb, next, apply a heat protectant spray generously
to protect your strands, then holding your hair dryer roughly 6 inches from
your head, begin to dry. Gradually reduce heat as you dry to prevent
over-drying and hair breakage.
Is it possible to brush hair too much?
Too much brushing can cause breakage and
damage to hair. For most, brushing once a day will suffice; however, if your
hair is long or extremely dry, it may be beneficial to brush hair up to three
times a day to keep hair tangle-free and encourage the production of natural
oils.
Final Thoughts
The choices we make regarding our haircare
will affect how strong and healthy our hair will grow. A post-shower haircare
routine is important for preventing tangles, breakage, and hair loss. Hair loss
is very common among both men and women of all ages, and while there are many
reasons we may be experiencing hair loss, there are many ways to prevent, halt,
or reverse hair loss as well.
