Avoid overstyling

styling Damage

Dyeing hair is a chemically damaging process. It oxidises the hair follicle, which breaks the disulphide bonds and this reaction is irreversible.

Similarly, when hair is permanently waved or straightened, some of the disulphide bonds are broken as well. Both these processes weaken the hair follicle until it becomes brittle and breaks easily.

Another problem is when hair is held under tight tension, such as with the use of hair rollers.

“The tighter the hair is wound, the more tension it is under and more disulphide bonds will be broken.”

Chemicals used on the hair during styling sessions can also change the pH of hair and the scalp will react to this. The chemicals itself can also cause inflammation and allergies.

Hair thinning as a result of changing hormone levels is also an issue and in women, often begins during menopause or after a hysterectomy.

But in women with a genetic predisposition to hair loss, the problem can surface as early as the 20s or 30s.

This is triggered by changes in the hormonal balance of the body which gives the male hormones (androgens) more influence, thus triggering hair thinning.

Extreme stress can also trigger hormonal hair thinning in women with this predisposition. This happens either because of increased production of androgens or increased cortisone levels which has a similar action as androgens on the hair.

Lim says the subtle signs that one is losing hair can usually be noticed during routine shampooing or combing. It is a problem if hair fall is excessive and continuous.

Visible thinning at the temples and or on top of the scalp are also indications of the problem among women.