Millions of women around the world face the problem of hair loss, which often begins with alarming everyday sights: strands of hair collecting in the drain while showering, or hairs filling the brush after styling.
Although hair loss is usually associated with aging or genetic factors, hair experts warn of its increasing prevalence among younger women, stressing that some daily habits may exacerbate the problem without being noticed.
Recent studies indicate that about 55% of women experience hair loss at some point in their lives, while signs of thinning hair may appear in approximately 39% of women before the age of thirty-five.
British hair specialist Hannah Gabordy says the problem is not only related to genetics, but also to factors related to how hair and scalp are cared for, such as washing, drying and styling methods, in addition to diet and hormonal changes.
Washing your hair... neglecting it can worsen the problem.
According to Gabourdy, many women reduce how often they wash their hair for fear of it falling out while showering, but this behavior can have the opposite effect.
She explains that regularly cleaning the scalp helps remove oils, sweat, and dead skin cells, maintaining a healthy environment for hair growth. Neglecting to wash the scalp, however, leads to a buildup of grease, bacteria, and fungi, which can cause infections that negatively affect hair growth.
The hair expert also denies the validity of trends circulating on social media, such as "hair training" or completely abstaining from using shampoo, stressing that the scalp needs regular cleaning two to three times a week.
Regarding shampoos containing sulfates, she points out that they may cause dryness of the sensitive scalp in some people, but they do not lead to permanent hair loss as some believe.
Wet hair is more prone to damage
Gabourdy confirms that hair is at its weakest when wet, so the way it is dried plays an important role in reducing breakage and hair loss.
She advises using a microfiber towel to gently dry the hair instead of rubbing it vigorously, explaining that violent friction weakens the hair and increases its breakage.
As you can see, using a hair dryer correctly may be better than leaving hair wet for a long time, because constant moisture makes hair brittle and more prone to damage.
However, it warns against using high heat directly on the hair or scalp, as this may lead to dryness and irritation of the scalp, and may even cause burns in severe cases.
Therefore, it is recommended to use heat protectant sprays, reduce the dryer's temperature, and avoid directing it directly at the scalp.
Tight hairstyles may cause baldness
The hair expert points out that tight hairstyles, such as ponytails, buns and tight braids, are among the most common causes of hair loss in women.
Repeated pulling on hair follicles can lead to what is known as "traction alopecia," a condition in which gaps or bald patches appear as a result of continuous pressure on the hair roots.
It also warns against the prolonged use of adhesive hair extensions, explaining that they may cause permanent pulling of the roots and lead to hair breakage and loss.
She recommends changing hairstyles frequently, using elastic hair ties, and giving hair breaks, especially when using braids or extensions.
Rapid weight loss is reflected in the hair
Among the causes that Gabourdy is increasingly noticing is hair loss associated with rapid weight loss, especially in women who use slimming drugs such as "Ozempic".
She explains that the problem is often not due to the medication itself, but rather to a lack of nutrients resulting from insufficient food intake, especially iron.
Iron deficiency affects the body's ability to transport oxygen to the scalp and hair follicles, leading to weak hair growth and gradual thinning.
Therefore, it is recommended to have blood tests to check iron levels, vitamin D, and thyroid function before resorting to dietary supplements or commercial hair treatments.
A healthy diet is the foundation of strong hair.
Gabourdy emphasizes that a balanced diet remains one of the most important factors in maintaining healthy hair, noting the importance of eating foods rich in iron, protein and healthy fats, such as red meat, spinach, salmon and pumpkin seeds.
It also recommends regularly trimming split ends and using cosmetic treatments designed to protect hair and reduce damage, stressing that proper daily care can greatly help in reducing hair loss and maintaining its density.
