Preventing Hair Loss by Dr. Donnica Moore

• Take care of your hair - by paying less attention to it.  Coloring or perming your hair too often can damage it.  Don't perm and color the same day. 

• Limit heat exposure. Too much blow-drying or hot-curling can damage hair.

• Limit chlorine exposure. Wear a bathing cap while swimming and shampoo immediately afterwards.

• Hair is more fragile when wet. Avoid vigorous combing or brushing wet hair.  Using a conditioner or detangler after shampooing can make grooming easier.

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol and avoid using it on your hair. Hair care products that contain alcohol can make hair dry, brittle and prone to breakage.

• Over-brushing damages hair -- 100 strokes a day is history.

• Over-pulling also damages hair. Tight ponytails and braids are damaging.

• Healthy hair is found on healthy people. Crash diets, illnesses, and even childbirth can cause or exacerbate hair loss.

• Medications that can cause hair loss include Vitamin A, certain antidepressants, testosterone products, beta blockers, certain cholesterol-lowering agents, and chemotherapy.

• Stopping birth control pills can contribute to hair loss.

• Certain medical conditions like lupus, having polycystic ovaries, and hypo or hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss, so consult your physician if you experience unexpected hair loss.

• Crash diets aren't good for your health or your hair. Rapid weight loss plans, especially low-protein diets, can cause hair loss.