The process of male pattern baldness can start, as early as 21, and by 35, over two-thirds of men will show some signs of significant hair loss.
There are many everyday enemies that can exacerbate your hair loss. But it’s also important to note that there are plenty of allies willing to help you keep your previous locks too.
In this article we uncover the top 5 dos and don’ts for taking care of your hair for years to come. Read more on baldness dos and don’ts.
The ‘dos’ for looking after balding hair
1. Dry your hair gently
Using a rough towel and vigorous rubbing can cause serious damage to your hair. Physical force breaks off finer hairs, and newly emerging ones don’t even get the chance to survive.
Tip: Use a super soft cloth and pat rather than rub the hair to get rid of excess moisture after your shower
2. Keep hair short
As you get older, it becomes more difficult to keep the longhaired look stylish. You can’t get away with that surfer guy look forever unfortunately. Longer hairstyles only serve to accentuate what has already gone, but a closer crop will maximize coverage. If the hair situation isn’t looking good, we advise that you shave it off.
3. Opt for a healthy diet
The health of your hair is usually the first indicator that you may have a poor diet. Opt for a balanced diet that contains organic meats, fruits and vegetables, which will help to strengthen your hair, as well as the rest of you.
Tip: After the age of 20, it’s good to start looking into vitamins that contain iron and Vitamin B to promote natural hair growth.
4. Don’t stress!
Genetics aside (this is a whole different conversation), if you are stressed daily this will have a long last effect on your hair which could lead to your hair balding over time.
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5. Use a deep conditioning treatment
Use a deep conditioning mask at least once a week to keep your hair in healthy condition. This can also lead to promoting hair growth, as the hair follicles will be a lot healthier.
The don’ts for looking after balding hair
1. Avoid washing your hair everyday
This can be tricky if you have short hair because it’s easy to just put your hair under the shower whilst you wash. But you shouldn’t need to wash your hair everyday as too much shampoo and conditioner on a daily basis breaks down the natural structure of your hair.
We aren’t suggesting you skip showers though! Wet and soak your hair in your daily shower, just don’t use product every time.
2. Avoid too many styling products
Gels and hairsprays serve a purpose as they help to smooth hair and hold it in place. But nothing is worse for drawing unwanted attention to a balding scalp than too much shiny hair gel. Strands of hair end up clumping together to bare all for the world to see. Lay it on lightly to keep things covered, just don’t overdo it.
SEE ALSO: Top 10 myths about men’s hair
3. Hats, ponytails and bandanas
Don’t wear a hat unless you are protecting your head from the sun. A hat can increase the stress your hair experiences. Pushing your hair back or holding your hair back from your face in braids, with a bandana, or in a ponytail, will only put more stress on your hair and lead to further hair loss.
4. Avoid panicking
Shedding strands here and there is no reason to panic. In fact, it’s 100% normal to lose as many as 100 hairs per day. If you are really shedding, then chances are that it’s happening so slowly that you may not even notice it. Once you have noticed balding has begun, seek treatment – don’t let it take over your life!
5. Avoid combing too much
Using a comb or brush too much stresses out your hair. Use your hands and fingertips to shape your shorter hairstyle and groom it with the natural growth pattern on your scalp. If this means pushing it forward and getting a new cut, do it! You’ll look better and feel more confident too!
