Hair Care

Hair is not only a part of one’s look, but also an identity, confidence, and personal style. Of course, any signs of hair loss may lead to stress and anxiety. The most popular question asked when we spot hair thinning and shedding is: “Is my hair styling routine to blame for this?” From blow-drying and straightening, tight hairstyles, and chemical treatments, a lot of our styling habits can cause strain to our hair. But how much is too much?  Styling, will it however, cause permanent hair loss? In this article we will go over the connection between hair styling and the health of hair and debunk the myths around hair care to make you care for your hair with more confidence. Types of Hair Loss: Temporary vs. Permanent Temporary Hair Loss Temporary hair loss is usually reversible and is due to stress, changes in hormones, poor nutrition, or certain modes of styling your hair. Examples: Telogen Effluvium (chronic stress-induced shedding), traction alopecia (caused by tight hairstyles). Permanent Hair Loss Genetics and conditions of the body lead to permanent hair loss, where the follicles are damaged or destroyed. Examples: Androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness), scarring alopecia. Normal Hair Shedding Vs. Excessive Hair Loss Normal Hair Shedding It is normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs on a normal day during combing or washing because it’s an aspect of natural hair growth. These hairs typically grow back. Excessive Hair Loss Noticing a lot of hair clumps on your brush, pillow or a drain in your shower will be a warning sign of a serious problem. When an individual loses an abnormal amount of hair consistently or suddenly, then medical or dermatological attention is needed. How Hair Styling Can Contribute to Hair Loss Hair styling is an integral part of self-expression and grooming. Some of the practices of hair styling if carried out over-the-top or incorrectly, can cause different forms of hair damage or even hair loss in the long run. Here’s how: 1. Damage due to Traction Alopecia Traction alopecia refers to a state of hair loss arising from unnecessary tension on the hair follicles. This condition occurs slowly as one’s hair is pulled in the same direction over a period. Hairstyles That Cause Tension: Signs and Symptoms of traction alopecia: 2. Damage due to Heat Damage Impact of Frequent Use of Heat Styling Tools: Equipment like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers exposes the hair to high temperatures, thus they are denied moisture and its structure is also weakened. How Heating Weakens Hair Strands: 3. Damage due to Chemical Damage Hair dyes, relaxers, perms, bleaching agents, and keratin treatments have strong chemicals that affect the natural state of your hair. The overuse of these chemical products can cause hair loss. Effects on Hair and Scalp Health: 4. Damage due to Mechanical Damage Over-brushing and Rough Handling Frequent or vigorous brushing will cause friction and result in the breaking of hair strands. Wet Hair Vulnerability 5. Damage due to Harmful Hair Products Ingredients That Can Damage Hair and Scalp: Sulfates: Removal of the natural oils of the scalp, which causes dryness. Parabens: Possible hormone disruptors and irritants for the scalp Formaldehyde (in some keratin treatments): Can cause weakened hair and irritation of the skin. Silicones: Form buildup on the scalp, which suffocates follicles with time Product Buildup and Scalp Irritation: Preventive Measures to Avoid Hair Loss from Styling The prevention of loss of hair is not stopping all the styling of your hair but rather making wise choices on how to style your hair in a milder way. Observing your styling, you will be able to save the scalp and the hair from long-term harm. Choose Gentle Hairstyles and Avoid Excessive Tension  Limit Heat Styling Frequency and Temperature Opt for Chemical-Free or Mild Chemical Treatments Use Gentle Hair Care Products Practice Proper Hair Handling Techniques Give Your Hair Regular Breaks and Care for Your Scalp When to Consult a Dermatologist or Trichologist Due to  Hair Loss The minor hair shedding is normal, occasional styling damage is curable at home, but there are moments when professional assistance will come in handy. It can be reasonable to seek advice from a dermatologist or one who specialises in the health of the hair and scalp, a trichologist, if you want to diagnose the underlying cause of your hair loss and a tailored diagnosis. Signs That Require Professional Evaluation Possible treatments for styling-related hair loss Conclusion To avoid long-term effects, one should try to identify the early signs of hair and scalp problems. Consulting a dermatologist or trichologist at an important stage would help you to know the reason and get individual treatment. Whether you lose your hair because of your hairstyling habits or a deeper health concern, seeking professional attention in time can restore the disappearing hair, but also your self-esteem. Make the first step to healthier hair with IESH Ayurveda hair treatment solutions. Also Read : Top Ayurvedic Beauty Treatments for Natural Skin and Hair Care Dr. Divya DileepDr. Divya Dileep, the visionary behind IESH Ayurveda, is an experienced Ayurvedic doctor and certified Aesthetic Physician from ILAMED (Greifswald University, Germany). With several years of expertise in modern cosmetology, she has worked with leading aesthetic centers across Kerala, offering treatments like PRP, Mesotherapy, Micro-needling, Peels, Lasers, and more. Dr. Divya is also skilled in Hijama (Cupping Therapy) and Ayurvedic cosmetic product formulation. Her unique approach combines the principles of Ayurveda with modern cosmetology, making IESH a center for holistic wellness and beauty care. At IESH, the goal is to explore new possibilities in the Ayurvedic field and promote overall wellness. ieshayurveda.com/doctors/divya-dileep/