If you thought hair loss was something that happened only to men, you're wrong. Women are equally susceptible to losing hair, and it doesn't matter what age you are either. Increasingly women in their 20s are also experiencing hair loss for a variety of reasons.

Some of the more common reasons for hair fall among women are hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause, using contraceptive pills, physical and emotional stress. Taking certain medications can also lead to hair fall.

While losing hair is akin to getting wrinkles due to ageing, seeking professional help and practising good hair habits can slow hair loss.

Leading a healthy lifestyle which includes a nutritious diet, adequate sleep and reducing stress can also play a part in reducing hair loss. However, if hair loss persists, it's best to seek professional help.

Here are some tips to maintain healthy hair.

LET YOUR HAIR DOWN

If you're into high ponytails a la Ariana Grande, you might want to reconsider your choice of hairstyle. Constantly pulling your hair back into a tight ponytail can cause what experts call progressive thinning of the hair line. If you do it regularly, it could lead to permanent hair loss.

Switch up your hair style every day and make sure you don't tie your hair too tightly whether you’re wearing a ponytail or braids.

MEDITATE

Stress is another factor that could lead to hair loss and finding ways to reduce stress is one of the ways you can reduce the impact it has on your hair. Try meditating, or opt for something more dynamic like working out or simply jogging.

USE A LEAVE IN PRODUCT

Using a leave-in product like the Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, $46, helps hydrate hair and minimise the friction between strands, making them less likely to break. It also protects hair against UV rays and keeps hair soft and frizz-free.

COMB OR BRUSH YOUR HAIR BEFORE SHOWERING

Brushing your hair before showering will help remove dirt. This will also prevent pulling on hair knots so that your hair and scalp will not be hurt.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR AT NIGHT

To prevent any hair frizz due to tossing and turning over the night, smooth out your hair before going to bed.

MASSAGE YOUR SCALP

Regular five-minute head massages will help promote blood circulation so that hair follicles can restore nutrients more rapidly.

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GO FOR REGULAR SCALP DETOX TREATMENTS

Scalp detox treatments will help remove scalp sebum and clogged pores, which aids in maintaining a clean and healthy scalp.

AVOID OVER-EXPOSING SCALP AND HAIR TO STRONG SUNLIGHT

Hair can become brittle and dry under such circumstances. If your scalp is sunburnt, use soothing products on it and gently massage your scalp.

CONSUME MORE GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES AND YELLOW FRUITS

A lack of vitamins is one cause of unhealthy hair. It is important to consume vitamin-rich vegetables and fruit such as spinach, leek, celery, mango and banana. Vitamin B helps improve hair growth and add shine, while vitamin C plays a necessary role in enhancing the absorption of iron, which keeps our locks strong and healthy.

This article was first published in CLEO Singapore.

Source: The New Paper