Your hair is more than just a complex keratin structure that has arranged itself in random arrangements to cover your skull. Your hair is a reflection of your responsibility towards yourself.
The primary natural purpose of hair on the scalp is to protect the delicate organ that controls us- our brain. It provides warmth to the scalp to keep the metabolism stable. It also creates a cushion that protects the skull from sudden impact.
However, as time has progressed, people, irrespective of gender, have become more conscious of conforming to beauty standards. The mental pressure of working to societal beauty standards affects the hair as much as it affects the skin. Absent-mindedly trying out different color shades and styles can be detrimental to your hair and can result in problems such as hair fall, dry scalp, allergies or even baldness. It’s essential to consider those genetics sometimes cause hair problems, but there are some things you must avoid if you want to keep your hair on your scalp for longer. Keep reading to know if you’ve been doing something you aren’t supposed to do to your hair.
- Not using a conditioner after shampoo: Unless your shampoo also duals as a conditioner, it’s integral to apply conditioner after shampoo to minimize the effects of natural heat damage and damage from heat styling. Additionally, it makes the hair feel softer, so it’s less likely to remain frizzy, which makes everyday styling more convenient. Bonus tip: Try out a hair growth app to create a personalized hair care routine.
- Use a shampoo containing paraben and sulfates: If you don’t check the ingredients list printed on the back of your shampoo bottle, it’s a good time to start now. Sulfates and paraben are chemical compounds that can irritate the scalp. The primary purpose of sulfates is to produce lather so that dirt is removed more effectively. Paraben is added to increase the product’s shelf life. Even though these things may sound positive, if you aren’t being selective when choosing your hair care products, you’re doing less good than you might believe. Think about it- what would happen if your shampoo contained more sulfate? Your scalp will likely get drier, and you will experience problems like dandruff and itchiness. It can result from the loss of natural oil on your scalp that is removed along with the dirt. Moreover, it’s not recommended to use shampoo daily.
- Washing your hair with hot water: Hot water can be just as damaging as heat styling your hair daily. Don’t get confused between lukewarm and hot water here. While it’s okay to use lukewarm water to wash your hair when the temperature drops, hot water is strictly prohibited. Your hair is made of protein, and higher temperatures can affect the structure of proteins, causing them to denature. Your hair would likely feel rough, and you may even get split ends.
- Not changing your pillow cover often: Pillowcases can harbor dirt, dead skin cells, cotton strands, and other irritants that may trigger allergies or cause your hair to become frizzy. A standard recommendation is to change your pillowcase every 3 or 4 days or after washing your hair. You could also buy a silk pillowcase to make things easier for your hair as you sleep.
The busy lifestyle people have recently been accustomed to is one of the main reasons they’ve become so neglectful of their hair and scalp health. While it’s popular in the media, hair care is an essential practice you must incorporate into your routine. Additionally, you must pay attention to your diet and consult a dermatologist if you notice something off with your hair.
