Everyone’s hair is a little different. For some, they have hair of a certain thickness and volume that is conducive to the styles they want to pursue. For others, unfortunately, hair thinning and loss can limit what they can do with their hair and go as far as impacting self-confidence… which could negatively impact other aspects of day-to-day life.
There are others still who may have thicker, fuller hair, but it does not naturally fit with the styles they want to pursue. For example, many people with wavy or curly hair want to pursue a hairstyle that requires straighter, more relaxed hair. Techniques including chemical hair straightening have been used to create the desired effect on hair. But can it cause hair loss?
Why Do I Lose So Much Hair When I Straighten It?
When it feels like excessive hair is being lost when straightening, it is worth examining. It is natural for hair to shed in the exogen phase, for example, and if you have not brushed your hair as much prior to straightening then more hair may appear to be shedding than usual as a result.
However, hair straightening techniques utilize chemicals that are often toxic and acidic – such as formaldehyde – alongside high heat which has the potential to damage the hair follicles. Your scalp may also have a bad reaction to one of the chemicals being used which could also cause damage to your hair follicles.
How Can I Straighten Hair Without Hair Loss?
There are a number of ways you can try to straighten your hair outside of chemical straightening. Blow-drying your hair using cold air may be able to help you straighten your hair without harsh heat and chemicals. There are also hair-wrapping techniques that may help to get your hair closer to a desired style as well.
Additionally, some hair products (such as shampoos and conditioners) may advertise that they can help straighten hair. In those instances, it is still important to read the ingredients and make sure that the chemicals you may be trying to avoid in hair straightening are also absent from them.
Does Straightening Hair Cause Permanent Damage?
Hair straightening is not likely to cause permanent damage to the hair follicle if done in moderation and your scalp does not have a poor reaction to the process. That said, using harsh chemicals on your scalp often could eventually do permanent damage to your hair follicles if you aren’t careful. If you find the treatment you are implementing to straighten your hair is leading to an uncomfortable amount of hair loss, you are best served by stopping those treatments and reevaluating.
RHRLI Can Help Restore Your Hairline & Keep It Thicker And Fuller For Longer
Even after stopping actions that could potentially damage your hair, over time the vast majority of us are at increasing risk of experiencing hair thinning and loss. Here at RHRLI, we can help you restore your hairline using a variety of non-surgical options in addition to the state of the art, minimally invasive ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant System and give you the lifestyle advice to help keep your hair healthy and strong. To learn more about your hair loss issues and available treatment options, contact us today and schedule a free consultation.