12 Bad Habits That are Thinning your Hair
Spot them early, fix them easily, and get back to stronger, fuller hair.
Hair thinning can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you're doing everything right. While genetics and health factors can play a role, everyday habits are often the hidden culprit behind weak, thinning strands. The good news? You can take control by changing these habits — and supporting your hair with the right care.
Here are the most common mistakes that might be causing your hair to thin, and what you can do to reverse the damage.
Here are 12 Bad habits that could be contributing to your hair loss:
You might think washing your hair daily keeps it clean and healthy, but excessive shampooing can actually strip away your scalp’s natural oils, leaving hair brittle, dry, and prone to breakage. Instead, aim to shampoo 2–3 times per week using a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo. If you feel your scalp needs refreshing between washes, a light dry shampoo or simply rinsing with water is a healthier option.
Aggressively brushing your hair, especially when it’s wet, can severely weaken strands and cause breakage. Wet hair is particularly vulnerable because it’s elastic and prone to damage. To prevent thinning from rough brushing, always use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush. Start detangling from the ends and gently work upwards to minimise pulling and damage.
Your hair needs essential nutrients like protein, iron, vitamins, and healthy fats to remain strong and healthy. Skipping nutrient-rich meals or following overly restrictive diets can deprive your follicles of vital nourishment, resulting in thinner, weaker hair. Prioritise a balanced diet filled with lean proteins, green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains to support robust hair growth.
While bleach can give you the blonde look you love, frequent bleaching severely damages hair structure. It strips away natural moisture, leaving strands brittle, porous, and prone to breakage. If you regularly colour your hair, give it time to recover between treatments, and use restorative hair masks and conditioning treatments to replenish hydration and restore elasticity.
Regularly using heat styling tools such as straighteners, curling irons, or hairdryers set at high temperatures weakens your hair shaft, leading to dryness, split ends, and breakage. Always apply a heat protection spray before styling, and try reducing the heat setting on your tools. Opt for heat-free hairstyles when possible to give your hair a much-needed break.
It’s tempting to skip trims to grow your hair longer faster, but avoiding regular cuts can cause split ends to spread upwards, making your hair look thinner and more damaged. Regular trims (every 6–8 weeks) help maintain hair integrity, eliminate breakage, and give your hair a fuller, healthier appearance.
Chronic stress negatively impacts hair growth by pushing hair follicles into a resting phase, causing increased shedding and thinning over time. Manage stress levels through daily routines like gentle exercise, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy. Healthy stress management can help preserve your hair’s thickness and overall health.
Smoking reduces blood circulation to your scalp, depriving hair follicles of oxygen and essential nutrients needed for healthy growth. This can directly contribute to hair thinning and loss. Cutting down or quitting smoking altogether can dramatically improve your hair’s health, allowing it to become fuller and stronger over time.
Breakfast truly is important, especially when it comes to your hair health. Starting your day without adequate nourishment can deprive your body—and your hair—of essential nutrients needed for growth. Breakfast packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals helps support sustained hair growth throughout the day. Choose meals like eggs, avocado toast, or yoghurt topped with nuts and berries to boost your hair’s nutrition.
Consistently wearing tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, or buns puts excess strain on your hair follicles, potentially causing traction alopecia—a condition marked by thinning hair, especially around the hairline. Loosen your hairstyles and rotate them frequently to give your follicles a break and prevent permanent damage.
Just as your skin needs protection, your hair is also vulnerable to UV damage. Exposure to direct sunlight can dry out hair, leading to brittleness and thinning. Protect your hair outdoors by wearing hats, using hair products with UV protection, or applying hydrating oils and serums to prevent sun-induced dryness.
Habitually twisting, pulling, or fiddling with your hair can weaken individual strands, leading to damage and breakage. This subtle habit can gradually cause noticeable thinning over time. Keep your hands busy with other activities or try to consciously break the habit by gently redirecting your focus whenever you notice yourself reaching for your hair.
We Can Help!
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