Save Your Hair By Giving It Care

Hair loss is partly genetic and partly linked to age, but professional stylists say there are ways to slow down the process:

• Dry gently. After washing your hair, pat it down with a soft towel rather than rubbing vigorously. Rough treatment can break off hair just as it emerges.
• Get the right brush. Choose one with soft bristles and brush gently, especially when your hair is wet and at its most fragile. 
• Use the right shampoo. Pick a mild product -- even a baby shampoo -- that has as few chemicals as possible. Rub your scalp gently as you wash to stimulate blood circulation. 
• Use a detangler. A cream rinse can spare you from having to use a comb or brush to break through tangles.
• Avoid hair dryers. Hot air can damage proteins in hair and make it more likely to break. If you do use a dryer, keep it on the lowest setting. 
• Keep it loose. Styles that put a lot of strain on hair, such as tight ponytails or cornrows, can make strands fall out faster. 
• Eat healthy. Nutritious foods such as fish, fruits, vegetables and nuts help nourish hair, unlike choices high in sugar and unhealthy fats. 
• Drink plenty of water. Water carries important nutrients throughout the body, including to the skin follicles that hold the roots of hair.

Originally published by staff and wire reports.

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