Normally when we make changes to our lifestyle like eating healthier, working out, taking vitamins or buying new hair products it’s because we want to change our look or way of living in a positive way.

Whether we’re looking to get in shape, clear our skin, get thicker hair or just feel better about ourselves, we all have expectations that certain products or changes to our routine will do the trick.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Consumers frequently spend hundreds of dollars a year to make sure that they always have the best and latest trending products. We jump on the current fad diets or nutrition plans without realizing that these things can actually cause more harm than good, especially when it comes to hair growth, leaving us wondering “why am I losing my hair?”.

Let’s look at 5 everyday things you may be doing that could actually be causing you hair loss.

Taking Medications

For women, you may be doing you and your partner a favor by taking birth control pills as a form of contraceptive, but did you know they have been linked to hair loss? Some women find that their hair thins or falls out while taking the pill, while others notice hair loss only after they stop taking contraceptives. Whatever the case may be, hair loss occurs when women who are especially sensitive to hormones or have a family history of hormonal-related issues take the pill.
Hair loss due to prescription medicine is not only a problem for women. Both men and women who take certain medications can put themselves at risk of having negative side effects on their hair. There are two names used to describe drug-induced hair loss: telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium.

Telogen effluvium -– is the most common type of drug-induced hair loss and usually takes place two to four months after starting a new medication. This happens because the drug signals the hair to go into resting phase and fall out too early.

Anagen effluvium-– this type of hair loss occurs during the anagen, or growing phase of the hair and is characterized by a large amount of hair falling out in a short period of time. Anagen effluvium is most often seen with patients undergoing an extensive treatment like chemotherapy.

Drug-induced hair loss from prescription medication can vary depending on the type of drugs and dosage.

Losing Weight

Shedding pounds for summer may seem like a good idea, but be careful about how much weight you lose and how quickly. Over exercising and sudden weight loss can cause a shock to one’s nervous system which can cause hair loss. This, along with having a diet that is not nutritionally balanced, can be detrimental to your hair. Want to maintain thicker, healthier-looking hair while losing weight? Steer clear of fad diets and weight loss drugs, and drink plenty of water.

Diet

Cutting back on certain foods can sometimes do more harm than good. A balanced diet is key to good health. If the body isn’t getting enough essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, then the body’s organs, tissues, and cells may not be functioning properly. Your hair follicles are no exception!
Protein, iron, zinc and biotin deficiencies have all been linked to hair loss in men and women. In addition to deficiencies, having too much of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, can also cause premature pattern baldness.

Learn more about the best foods that promote healthy hair growth and restoration.

Overstyling

You may be buying the right products for your hair, but without the proper hair care routine, you could actually be causing damage and hair loss. Overstyling or using the wrong products and tools can have a negative effect on your hair

If you don’t have a hair care regimen, here are a few things you can do to prevent hair loss:

Clean hair brushes with baking soda and water to remove oil build up
Get frequent haircuts or trims
Avoid applying too many chemicals
Use a wide tooth comb when brushing wet hair

Click here to read more tips on the best ways to care for your hair.

Washing

Whether washing your hair is something that you do every day or a few times a week, there are things that you can do during your time in the shower that can lead to hair loss like picking the incorrect shampoo or over washing.

It’s a myth that your hair builds up a tolerance to shampoos and conditioners over time. But if you do start highlighting or dyeing your hair, you should switch your shampoo for one better suited for color-treated hair.

Men seem to be more responsible for over-shampooing, which can actually do damage to your scalp by making it tight and itchy. The key to washing is to wait until your hair starts to become oily, that’s your sign that it’s time to wash your hair. Figuring out when it’s the best time to shampoo your hair creates a habit that will lead to healthy and thicker hair.

Now that you know the top 5 reason that could be causing you hair loss it’s time to take action and be more aware of your everyday habits.

Have you noticed increased hair loss due to changes in your life? If so, leave a comment and share with us!