Unfortunately, hair loss is an inevitable part of the ageing process. Each day you shed between 50 to 100 hairs, but when you notice bigger clumps in your brush and more and more hair on your clothes or pillow case, it may be time to take some action.

Hair loss is caused by a number of factors, the most common being genetics. Other causes could be your medication (like antidepressants, certain heart medication and birth control pills), certain diseases (such as diabetes and thyroid disease), the after-effects of general anesthesia, hair products that contain harmful chemicals, giving birth, stress, and malnutrition.

Six tips on how to prevent hair loss:

1. Protect your hair from the elements (sun, rain water and dust can all damage hair follicles) with regular washes and leave-in conditioners.
2. Hair dryers and straighteners leave hair brittle and weak, so be sure to use a heat protecting spray (we recommend Tresemme’s Heat Defense Spray) before-hand, and try to cut down on your heat-styling time.
3. Keep hydrated by drinking lots of water. Water is good for your skin, and that means it’s good for your scalp too!
4. A healthy diet could be just what your body needs to promote hair growth. Increase your intake of foods such as oats, eggs, green peas and carrots.
5. Reducing stress levels is easier said than done. Find healthy ways to deal with stress as well as ways to relax, such as yoga or reading.
6. Avoid hair products that contain harmful chemicals. Perms, relaxers and regular hair dyeing are very damaging and could be the cause of your excessive hair loss.

If your hair loss persists and is causing you to worry, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Tresemmé Heat Defense Spray

Read more:

Five ways to get bigger, thicker hair

Three ways to keep your hair shiny and healthy during winter