Do You Know What Causes Hair Loss?

Styling products like hair spray and dye can make you lose your hair forever.

    If you overdo it with products or don't use them right, hair can get brittle. That could cause the shaft to break. But any hair loss should be temporary. Permanent loss comes when the root of your hair is hurt.

    To keep your hair healthy, stagger appointments so you get a perm one time and color the next. See if you can go a little longer between touchups than your stylist recommends -- maybe 10 weeks instead of 8. Skip "long-lasting" sprays. While you're at it, let your hair air dry when you can to give it a break from harmful heat.

Brushing your hair 100 strokes a night helps it grow.

    It's OK to put down that hairbrush! Brushing that much can cause split ends and breakage. Also, use a wide-toothed comb. It keeps you from tugging at tangles and will do less damage.

Your best bet is to use conditioner first. Comb curly hair while it's damp and let straight hair dry a little first.

Stress can make your hair fall out

    Dealing with drama takes energy away from hair growth and redirects it to more important body needs.  

About 6 weeks to 3 months after stress starts, you may notice hair loss. It could take a while, but hair starts growing back once things are under control. If you know something hard is coming up, find ways now to ease your worries.

Your diet effects your hair

    When you don't get enough iron or protein -- or you get too much vitamin A -- your hair can fall out. Get protein from meat, eggs, and beans. Get iron from fortified cereal, spinach, and clams. You can use supplements, but it's better to get your vitamin A from food so you don't overdo it.

Some people notice hair loss when they lose more than 15 pounds. The hair loss usually starts about 3 to 6 months later, but the hair will grow back on its own.

Which can lead to hair loss?

    Not only can they give you a headache, but tight hair styles like cornrows, ponytails, and pigtails can tug on hair and cause it to break -- sometimes for good.

Washing every day is OK. Just gently massage in the shampoo and don't rub too hard with a towel when you dry. It's a good idea to wear a loose-fitting hat outside to protect hair from the sun's UV rays.

Women don't lose hair until after menopause

    Hormone changes during menopause can speed up hair loss, but it can happen at any age. Many women lose hair about 3 months after they've had a baby because of big hormone changes.

Some medicines, infections, diseases, and stress after surgery can also cause you to lose hair. Because hair loss can be a sign of other problems, tell your doctor so you can get to the root of the issue.