Are you having a good or bad hair day? It may sound like a superficial question but in fact our hair and confidence are more closely intertwined than we'd like to think. Several years ago, Yale University decided to study the psychology of bad hair days. They found that our self-esteem is highly affected by bad hair days, with subjects reporting feeling less smart, less capable, more embarrassed and less sociable.
There are many reasons why your hair may be thinning out, and some of them are very common.
Aging. As we age, thinning hair is a common problem. Hair follicles slow down and eventually stop producing new hair. The color of your hair may begin to fade as well. In women, the hairline also begins to recede.
Stress or lifestyle. Stress can cause excessive shedding of hairs, especially at the crown of the head, making it appear as though your hair is falling out in clumps.
Side effects of medication. The most common causes of hair loss include Antibiotics, Hormones (including birth control, thyroid hormone, and hormone replacement therapy), Antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications.
Diet and nutrition. Poor diet and nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair loss. Iron deficiency causes brittle and fragile strands of hair that break easily and cannot grow normally throughout the cycle of growth. Vitamin A deficiency has been linked to baldness in some people (especially those from Asian or African heritage).
Incompatible hair products. Your hair may be thinner than you realize because of the products you use on it. Some chemicals are causing your hair to thin out over time (especially if you've been using them for years). You'll need to switch up your routine in order to get back control of your locks.
If you're looking to give your hair a boost in the new year, we have some tips that will help you get there.
Here's what you should know--
Get to know your hair! Your hair type and texture (and how often you use products on it) all play a role in how healthy it looks. For example, people with oily hair may need to shampoo every day, while people with dry hair may need to shampoo less frequently.
Choose the right shampoo & conditioner! Using the wrong shampoo and styling agent can cause significant hair damage. Try to avoid shampoos with harsh ingredients like ammonium lauryl sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate. And remember: cost doesn't necessarily indicate the quality—look for products that are right for your hair type (oily, normal or dry) and target any problems you have (like dandruff).
Reduce bad habits that will cause thinning! Smoking is one of the quickest accelerators for hair loss—especially in those who are already prone to it. Drinking too much alcohol can also contribute to thinning and breakage due to dehydration caused by its diuretic effect on our bodies.
Start taking your vitamins. Vitamins B5 (Pantothenic Acid) and B3 (Niacin) are great for maintaining healthy hair. They help keep your scalp hydrated and promote the growth of new hair cells. Vitamin E is another one that's great for your hair. It helps reduce inflammation in the scalp, which can lead to breakage.
