FINDING excess strands after a shower can be worrying, but one expert shared a solution that won’t break the bank.
Although most hair loss after washing is from loose strands that were ready to shed anyway, another culprit could be fixed with a simple swap.
Louise Bailey is a hair extensions expert at Beauty Club London.
She revealed four steps to keeping locks in place by preventing damage, starting with hair-washing.
Hard water from the shower can cause hair loss due to the mineral content.
The build-up eventually leads to clogged follicles on the scalp, resulting in excess shedding.
Bailey recommended a swap for healthier hair after washing.
“Ensure you wash your hair with clarifying shampoos to remove mineral and other hair product buildup,” she said.
“If you are unable to access this, choose sulfate-free shampoo to reduce the damage.”
She expert also weighed in on the most effective way to wash hair while keeping the integrity of the strands.
“Gently rinse your hair, then apply a protective oil designed for your hair type to your hair and scalp and leave for 30 minutes before washing,” she advised as a first step.
“The oil will prevent minerals from sticking, and provide moisturizing and softening benefits.”
She shared a specific way to rinse the hair to guarantee proper cleansing.
“After 30 minutes, gently rinse the oil and massage the clarifying shampoo thoroughly into the scalp and hair, to ensure that any leftover residue is lifted,” she said.
For the third step, she recommended using her method for conditioning the hair.
“Rinse and apply your conditioner, avoiding the scalp and the upper half of the hair strands.”
Hard water refers to a high content of minerals like calcium and magnesium in the water.
It typically leaves a residue behind, which can feel like a film on the skin.
Source: USGS
Finally, she recommended investing in a water filter or a water-softening shower head.
The US tends to use hard water for showers, which doesn’t only lead to hair loss but also stunts hair growth.
Soft water lacks the buildup of harsh minerals, allowing haircare products to penetrate the scalp and hair better.
With the right hair products, this can lead to a noticeable difference in tresses.
Bailey also advised a few lifestyle changes to keep hair looking good.
“Hair loss can drastically impact your self-esteem, but there are several things you can do to help, including practicing a healthy lifestyle,” she said.
“This includes paying extra attention to a healthy diet, a balanced sleep routine, and gentle hair care.”
