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Navigating the world of hair damage can be a tough journey, especially for men.
From overstyling to environmental conditions, numerous factors contribute to hair damage. Moreover, the frequent use of heated styling tools, harsh chemical treatments, and exposure to pollutants can weaken hair, leading to breakage and loss.
Adopting a gentle hair care routine, using nourishing products, and incorporating scalp massages are a must for maintaining hair health.
Understanding the signs and causes of hair damage allows men to make informed choices, ensuring their hair remains resilient and vibrant.
This article will cover all of these, so read on to learn more.
How Do You Know You Have Damaged Hair?
Here are some indications that your hair may be naturally damaged.
1. Losing more than 100 hairs per day
Losing hair daily is a natural part of the growth cycle and makes room for new strands. However, exceeding 100 strands of hair loss per day could indicate hair damage. (1)(2)
To address excessive hair loss, it’s crucial to identify potential root causes, such as underlying health issues including thyroid problems and nutritional deficiencies. (3)
So, if your hair loss is extreme, you should book a doctor’s appointment and get it checked.
2. Struggling with frizzies or split ends
Your hair has a natural protective shield called the cuticle, which guards it against environmental conditions.
If this shield gets damaged, split ends emerge, making the hair look messy. Moreover, split ends make your hair very prone to breakage. (4)
3. Dandruff flakes and itchy scalp
When dandruff flakes fall from your head, it’s a clear signal that your scalp is struggling to maintain its natural oil balance, resulting in dandruff. (5)(6)
This is a big issue for oily or dry hair types, and it brings the embarrassment of visible flakes and an itchy scalp, which can potentially inhibit hair growth and hamper overall hair health. (7)
4. Hair that lacks shine
If your hair looks dull and frizzy, it might be asking for some love. Lifeless and unruly hair often means it needs better care.
Bad hair habits and using too many harsh products can be the culprits. (8)(9)
What Causes Hair Damage in Men?
Hair damage in anyone can be due to a thousand reasons. It can stem from various factors, with androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) topping the list, which is driven by genetic and age-related hormonal changes. (10)
Stress, a common culprit, elevates cortisol levels, hindering hair follicle formation and exacerbating different alopecias. (11)
Telogen effluvium, triggered by stress, disease, or fasting, results in temporary hair loss. Hormonal imbalances that affect the thyroid hormones and other hormones disrupt the hair growth cycle. (10)(12)
Moreover, immune-mediated causes, such as alopecia areata, target the immune system and affect the growing hair follicles.
Nutrition, particularly deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium, also plays a crucial role in causing hair damage. (13)
Additionally, drug-induced issues, infections, and underlying health conditions can contribute to hair problems in men. (10)
Hair damage often also stems from daily routines. Overusing heat tools such as hairdryers and styling tools makes hair brittle. Aggressive shampoos with chemicals strip away natural oils, leaving the hair parched. Vigorous towel drying also causes breakage.
Furthermore, skipping trims allows split ends to escalate, causing more harm. Daily hair washing removes natural oils, leading to dryness. Excessive use of gels, dyes, relaxers, or perms weakens the hair, while prolonged sun exposure dries and makes hair brittle.
Home Remedies for Damaged Hair in Men
Men can bring life to their damaged hair with simple and effective home remedies.
For instance, a study showed that regular scalp massages over 24 weeks showed a notable increase in hair thickness due to positive gene expression changes. (14)
Also, fenugreek has been proven effective against fungal issues such as dandruff. A hair mask made with fenugreek powder and water or yogurt can be an herbal solution for this problem. (15)
Lastly, an egg mask is incredible, as certain elements in eggs enhance vascular endothelial growth factor production, which is crucial for hair growth. (16)
Lastly, the time-honored tradition of regular hair oiling with options such as coconut oil and argan oil can lead to strengthened, shiny, and voluminous hair. (17)
Most-Asked Questions
Can hair damage be hereditary?
Some aspects of hair damage may be hereditary, but most of them stem from poor lifestyle and hair care choices.
Is hair damage permanent?
In most cases, hair damage is not permanent, and you can win your hair back with proper care.
Final Word
Men’s hair faces a battle with damage from styling, environmental factors, and daily habits. Signs such as excessive hair loss or lack of shine indicate trouble. Causes range from genetics to stress.
Daily practices, such as using too much heat or harsh chemicals on the hair, worsen it. Fortunately, men can fight back using simple home remedies.
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