There’s no getting around it–hair loss is a stressful experience. Not only does it impact your appearance, but it can also make you feel self-conscious and insecure. In some cases, hair loss can even lead to anxiety and depression. There’s no single answer to the question of why it is so stressful. For some people, it’s simply the fear of going bald that’s causing them stress. Others may feel self-conscious about their appearance or worry about how hair loss will affect their relationships or job prospects.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world are struggling with hair loss, and organizations such as KeepItAnchored offer services to help. But if you want to start at home, believe it or not, showering is one of the most important things you can do to keep your hair healthy and prevent hair loss. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your shower and keep your hair looking its best:
Use Cold Water
Whether you’ve just completed a convert tub to shower process or you’ve been a shower-lover for years, there is no one definitive answer to the question of how best to shower if you’re trying to preserve your hair, but using cold water is generally recommended. One theory is that the cold constricts the blood vessels on your scalp, which reduces blood flow and the number of nutrients and oxygen delivered to your follicles. This could potentially lead to slowed hair growth or even hair loss. Another possibility is that the cold water helps seal the cuticle, preventing moisture from escaping and leading to frizziness and tangling.
Avoid Shampooing Too Often
Many people believe that shampooing often is the key to healthy hair, but this may not be the case. Shampooing too often can actually cause hair loss by stripping the scalp of its natural oils and causing dryness and irritation. The best way to maintain healthy hair is to shampoo only two or three times a week and use a conditioner every time you wash your hair. You can also try using a milder shampoo if you have a tendency to over-shampoo. Indeed, when you use a mild shampoo and conditioner, you protect your hair. Harsh chemicals can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it more susceptible to breakage.
Gently Massage Your Scalp
One of the best ways to help with hair loss is to massage your scalp while shampooing. Not only is this a great way to help distribute the shampoo and conditioner evenly throughout your hair, but it also feels great! Gently massaging your scalp can help increase blood flow and circulation to the area, which can promote hair growth.
Use a Wide-Toothed Comb
There are many ways to prevent hair loss, but one of the simplest is to use a wide-toothed comb when showering. When you comb your hair, make sure to start at the bottom and work your way up. This will help to distribute the natural oils through your hair. If you have a tendency to lose hair, combing your hair can help to keep it in place.
Let Your Hair Air Dry
It is a well-known fact that blow drying your hair can lead to hair loss. The heat from the hair dryer can cause your hair to become brittle and break off. If you want to prevent hair loss, you should let your hair air dry instead. Not only will this help to prevent hair loss, but it will also keep your hair healthy and shiny. Following our showering tips are important to follow to help keep your hair healthy and minimize hair loss. They can help keep your scalp clean and healthy and your hair looking its best.
Wayne Probert is a senior reporter at Zobuz, covering state and national politics, and he is a grantee with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Before joining Zobuz, he worked as a freelance journalist in Kentucky, having been published by dozens of outlets including NPR, the Center for Media.
