As a species, we have a strong tendency to associate healthy-looking, thick, full hair with youth and vitality. We cannot help it; it is the way we are wired. There is a multi-billion dollar market for hair related products and treatments. People happily pay these a small fortune regularly.

There are things we do that are not necessary, even detrimental to our hair health. Sometimes we cause more damage than good. We will explore the ways people mistreat their hair unknowingly or unwillingly. These ways include:

• Medication and Hormones
• Nutritional Imbalances
• Overtreatment
• Undertreatment.

So without further ado, let’s dive deeper.

Medication and Hormones

Certain types of medication can be a reason for hair loss. These include thyroid and blood pressure treatments and birth control pills. If this is the cause for your hair loss, consult with a doctor to see if you have an alternative treatment option on your hands. 

Also, there are other conditions that lead to hormonal imbalances. For example, some people with fibroids (a disease related to the uterus in women) can lead to excessive and prolonged blood loss during periods, which in turn into an all-around iron deficiency with all the red blood cells lost. It can even cause anaemia and thus, hair loss. This is just an example of what hormonal issues can be detrimental to hair health.

Nutrition

Eating an excessive amount of the same thing is likely to lead to nutritional deficiencies. If you are the type to eat too many carbs and not much of anything else, consider your choices. With a diet like this, your body may not get the protein it needs, or it may lack some micronutrients. Getting a balanced diet with a good deal of variation can bring strength and shine to your locks.

Overtreatment

Some people use heat treatments, hair products and tense hairdos regularly. If you are among them, consider cutting your hair some slack. Aim to limit your heat treatment routine to a maximum of three times a week. Using protective treatments on top of it also helps minimise the strain you put your hair under.

Also, keep an eye out on the ingredients table of the hair products you use. Sulfate and alcohol derivatives can make the hair brittle by drying it out of moisture. Furthermore, silicone laced products essentially contain plastics; they will coat over your hair and make it rather dull in the long run. 

Tight buns might look fashionable, but they cause traction on the follicle roots, which then leads to hair falling off prematurely. Try to keep your hair loose whenever you can and limit your use of hairpins to avoid this.

Understyling

Dry shampoo might be a lifesaver in hectic schedules, but it can lead to you neglecting your hair care. Some might not experience extreme detriments from this, yet for many, neglect is pretty harmful. Keep a regular hair wash routine to let your follicles breathe easily.