This is Why Your Curly Hair is Thinning
Does your hair health seem to be waning overtime?
It’s not as thick as it use to be and you’re noticing more shedding and breakage than normal?
When you feel like you’re doing everything and nothing is working, the problem is usually found within our daily habits.
There are several habits that can contribute to hair thinning in curly hair. These habits may weaken the hair follicles, cause breakage, or lead to excessive shedding.
Here are some common habits that can contribute to hair thinning in curly hair:
Lack of proper hair care:
If you’ve been neglecting your hair care practices, your hair will suffer. Infrequent washing, inadequate moisturizing, or using harsh hair products, will promote dryness, breakage, and hair thinning. Curly hair is the most fragile hair texture, that means it requires more love.
If you’ve been noticing thinning and breakage, your hair is not receiving the moisture it needs to maintain it's thickness and length. Cleanse your hair weekly with a moisturizing shampoo and a deep conditioner to keep your hair hydrated while preventing breakage and thinning.
Rough handling and brushing:
Curly hair is prone to breakage, so rough handling and aggressive brushing can lead to hair thinning. If you are rough handed when it’s time to detangle your hair, you are causing massive amounts of breakage and split ends.
Avoid brushing or combing when your hair is dry. Instead, use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to detangle gently when the hair is wet and coated with conditioner.
Tight hairstyles and pulling:
Wearing tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, buns, or extensions that pull on the hair can cause tension and stress on the hair follicles. Over time, this can lead to traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by constant pulling and tension.
When getting protective styles installed be sure to be vocal with your hairstylist about any tightness or tension. Also be mindful of the weight of your hairstyles if you are adding extensions. Heavy styles cause a lot of stress on the hair and thins your strands over time. Use an oil to soothe and nourish your scalp as needed.
Excessive heat styling:
Hair burns at 451 degrees, Regularly using heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers at high temperatures can damage the hair shaft, weaken the hair, and lead to thinning. The excessive heat can dry out the hair, making it prone to breakage.
Always be sure to use a heat protectant when heat styling. A blow dry cream and oil with heat protection will lock in your curls’ moisture and protect your hair from heat damage.
Chemical treatments:
Chemical treatments like relaxers, perms, and excessive hair coloring can weaken the hair structure and make it more prone to breakage and thinning. These treatments involve harsh chemicals that can damage the hair and scalp if not done properly or if done too frequently.
Always be sure to see a professional when chemically treating your hair. After your service, it is your responsibility to keep up with your hair regimen to keep your hair moisturized and strong. A lot of times, breakage and thinning is a result of improper after-care and not the service itself. A leave in conditioner is a great solution for keeping your hair healthy in between wash days.
Poor diet and nutrition:
A balanced diet that includes essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is important for healthy hair growth. Inadequate intake of nutrients like protein, iron, and vitamins can contribute to hair thinning. Having a diet full of protein, fruits, and vegetables can help your hair grow from within.
Stress and hormonal imbalances:
Chronic stress and hormonal imbalances can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to hair thinning. Stress causes a spike in the body’s production of the hormone cortisol, which in turn can lead to a dormant phase in the hair growth cycle. This can cause your hair to become thinner or fall out.
If your thinning is caused by stress, try and incorporate a regular exercise routine to reduce your stress. Practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can lead to better mental health which in turn leads to improved physical health.
By adopting healthy hair care habits, such as minimizing heat styling, avoiding tight hairstyles, using gentle handling techniques, and maintaining a balanced diet, you can help prevent hair thinning and promote the overall health of your curly hair.
If you're concerned about hair thinning or experiencing excessive hair loss, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist for a proper evaluation and personalized advice.
