Hair Thinning? Your Hairbrush Might Be The Cause

Waking up to hairs on your pillow can be a nightmare. Although, not all loose strands are a cause for concern. We lose between 50 and 100 hair strands a day. It is normal to see strands float away or rinse down the shower drain. But no one wants to see their scalp peeking through their hairstyle or volume diminishing. Even if you try to hide it with hairstyles to make thinning hair look full of volume.

The prospect of hair loss is scary. And myths circulating on the internet make the process worse. No, hats and wigs will not make your hair fall out. And shaving your hair will not make it grow twice as thick. Also, think again about doing handstands to promote circulation with hopes of hair growth (it does not work). But what is true about hair thinning is that your hairbrush can be the cause. Brushing your hair 100 times a day is not good luck but a nightmare in disguise.

Your hairbrush is what you use to get that sleek ponytail or untangled strands. And with delicate locks, it is critical to use the right one. "These are tools you use on your hair every day, and the wrong brush can do a lot of damage [and] cause a lot of breakage," says consultant trichologist Anabel Kingsley, via The Healthy. She claims boar-bristle brushes are the worst kind for your hair. Repeated use of this hair tool can cause your tresses to frazzle. A quick test is to sweep the brush against your skin. It should be comfortable and not abrasive. Gentle brushes are the best, especially for thin hair.

Kingsley, a clinical hair expert, recommends a brush with rounded plastic prongs and a vented plastic base. Rounded prongs won't cause tension on your hair, while a vented base is ideal for use with heated tools. "The space between the bristles allows ample air flow from the hair dryer to heat up and dry the hair quickly," explains hairstylist Adam Bogucki, per Today. Remember, when brushing, to start at your ends and go up. However, your thinning hair might be the result of other hair care mistakes.

We have Ariana Grande to blame for why the ponytail is in everyone's hairstyle portfolio. Despite the cute do that lets your face shine, it can cause thinning hair. Tight ponytails, buns, and braids put tension on your scalp, resulting in broken or shedding hair strands. It is safe to wear these styles once in a while, but constant wear can damage the hair follicles. Even the practice of leaving hair curlers in overnight can weaken your mane.

Another loved experience that can be harmful is changing your hair color. Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in hair dyes. This chemical can erode the hair shaft leading to breakage and thinning. Peroxide diminishes hair's protein, so dyeing your hair to keep up with the latest trends might not work in your favor. Similar to sleek hairdos, coloring your hair is safe occasionally. It's all about balance. Just don't dye your hair and slick it back with a boar-bristle brush every day.