There are many Old Wives’ Tales about losing your hair. Shaving your scalp, rubbing onions on it, and even standing on your head have all been said to contribute to hair regrowth.
A common myth we often hear at the Meraki Hair Loss Clinic in Brisbane is that hair loss can be caused by frequent brushing, combing and shampooing. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The root of this misconception seems to come from what we see in the shower after washing our hair. It’s important to remember that the average woman can lose up to 100 strands of hair a day, and the average man up to 80.
It’s not an exact figure, as you might see more or less in your drain after a shower, but this doesn’t mean the shower is causing it. No two hairs on your head are the same age, and your hair is in a constant cycle of growth, sprouting and death. So, when should you be concerned?
Is your hair loss genetic or environmental?
The first clue you should look for is in your family photo albums. If your grandparents and parents started to lose their hair at your current age, there’s a good chance this might be the cause. Genetic hair loss is so strong that researchers have found that twins raised in separate home environments on separate diets, using separate hair care products can still expect to experience loss of hair at the same time.
If it’s not genetics, your hair loss might be caused by stress, environment or medical conditions – but more on that later.
Experts recommend washing your hair every two to three days. If you undertake vigorous exercise on a regular basis, swim in chlorinated pools, or smoke, you might want to do this more often. If your hair is tightly curled, you probably won’t need to wash it as often, as your hair could become too dry. When it comes to combing and brushing, your hair texture will dictate how often you need to brush it and, how vigorously you should go about it.
So how can you tell if your hair loss during brushing and washing is normal, and if your products of choice need an upgrade?
Hair loss: what’s normal and what’s not?
If the amount of hair you’re losing dramatically increases or starts falling out in clumps, you might have a problem. It’s important to remember that many factors can cause your hair to fall out, and that it’s rarely the brushing and shampooing that is to blame.
The following are just some of the causes of hair loss:
- A protein, vitamin or mineral deficiency
- Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or menopause)
- Autoimmune conditions and diseases
- Sudden trauma or stress (such as a car accident or death in the family)
- Changes in medication
Benefits of brushing and washing your hair
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, the worst thing you could possibly do is to stop washing and brushing your hair. Washing gently cleanses the scalp, preventing a build-up of oils which can lead to dandruff and inflammation. Conditioning helps to keep each strand of hair supple and moisturised, making it less prone to breakage. Brushing stimulates your hair follicles and encourages growth, instead of impeding it.
So how can a person experiencing hair loss optimise their hair care routine even further? By adhering to the following:
- Only using shampoos, conditioners and treatments recommended by specialists
- Rinsing your scalp and hair thoroughly after shampooing and conditioning
- Never brushing your hair when its wet, to avoid breakage and frizzing
- Towel drying by squeezing instead of vigorously rubbing to reduce pulling and tangling
- Using your fingers to untangle large knots before gently combing with a brush
- Cleaning and disinfecting your hair brushes every other month
- Let your hair dry naturally, avoiding high temperature styling and drying tools
At Meraki Hair Loss Clinic in Brisbane we focus on natural treatments to combat and reduce the appearance of lost hair. It is our belief that treating hair loss is holistic and involves several factors. We recommend carefully chosen brands of shampoo that are free from harmful chemicals and additives such as sulphates and parabens. These ingredients are meant to extend the shelf life and ‘foaminess’ of shampoos, which can irritate the scalp and strip it of all its oils. We can also recommend the right type of comb or brush for your hair’s texture and condition.
Washing and combing your hair is just one step in your anti hair loss routine. Call our Brisbane Clinic today so that we can formulate a holistic treatment plan that meets your needs: 0408 971 895
