What Is Hair Texture?
Hair texture not only means, whether your hair is curly or not, but also the thickness of the strands.
Factors Affecting Your Hair:
#1 – Loss of Collagen:
Age plays a significant role in the changes it causes in the hair. As people age, collagen production slows down as well as the production of scalp oil that helps keep the hair smooth and manageable. All these factors lead to change in hair texture and contribute to dullness.
#2 – Change in Hormones:
Women experience hormonal changes many times during their lifetime, during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, a change in birth control, and aging. During the process of aging the hair follicles get smaller, causing a reduction in follicle density and a loss in hair thickness.
The change in estrogen especially, can affect the way the hair grows.
Also Read: 7 Signs That You’re Not Eating Enough Protein & Nutrients
#3 – Low-Protein Diet:
Protein is a vital nutrient and not getting enough of it can affect the hair and skin in major ways. The lack of protein can lead to change in hair texture. Deficiency in protein or iron can lead to hair loss. Over-consumption of nutrients like Vitamin A also affects the hair.
#4 – Medication & Illness:
Another cause of hair loss and change in texture can be some prescription medication that is taken for medical conditions. While some medications cause only minimal loss, others (when combined with the condition you’re taking it for) can lead to more serious cases. Certain illnesses also have an effect on the structure of the hair. A low-functioning thyroid will slow hair growth and will either turn it coarser or thinner.
#5 – Heat Abuse:
Heat abuse is a cause of hair thinning and texture changes that is completely preventable. When heat is the culprit, the hair usually thins toward the ends instead of the roots—this is because some women tend to “bump” their ends frequently with curling or flat irons. Along with thinning, dryness and brittleness is also noticed. Applying heat regularly can also cause the hair to become dull and lose its color.
#6 – Chemical Treatments:
Chemically damaged hair looks dry and brittle. Chemicals leave hair strands limp with holes in the cuticle layer. Chemicals will leave the hair dull, dry and unmanageable.
How To Look After It:
#1 – Eat Smarter:
A diet full of healthy fats is essential for thick and healthy hair. While genetics determines hair texture and curl, the food we eat plays a role in how those genes can get expressed. It is necessary to make sure that a person’s diet includes plenty of good-quality protein and good fats like olive oil and omega-3s. Avocados, nuts, vegetables, and fruits to get all the key nutrients needed for growing stronger hair.
Also Read: 6 Habits of People with Healthy and Beautiful Skin
#2 – Use the Right Shampoo & Conditioner:
Right shampoo & conditioner is paramount. Different hair types require specific products that cater to the hair’s exact needs.
#3 – Don’t Over Wash:
Over-washing can cause some serious damage to the hair. It can strip the hair of essential oils that keep it protected and nourished. This, over-time leads to dry and brittle hair.
#4 – Care for Scalp:
Correct hair care starts with correct scalp care. The scalp has a rich microbiome of bacteria and fungus necessary to keep the skin and the hair that grows on it healthy. When it is not cleaned properly with the right products, it leads to skin problems that negatively affect the hair. Keeping a healthy balance of moisture and natural oils is important on the scalp. Stopping the overuse of harsh chemicals such as dyes and bleach and limiting the use of heat. They tend to strip the scalp of its protection leading to hair problems.
#5 – Choose Smart Supplements:
Nutritional Deficiency can be solved by finding out which nutrients you are deficient for and treating them by tweaking your diet and taking nutritional supplements. They are better if recommended by a doctor or a physician, because they are not as well regulated as prescription drugs.
#6 – Avoid Hot Tools:
It is now known that heat can damage hair. If styling is essential, choose iron and curlers that have protecting coating over them and advice to use heat –protectant spray.
For more information on skin and hair, you can meet our skin specialists and dermatologists at Vadodara. Inquiries (toll free): 1800120070000.
