Three popular 'hair care habits' that could cause permanent hair loss - how to prevent

If hair sheds, the stem cell responsible usually survives, allowing for future regrowth. But if follicles scar, hair can't grow through.

Ironically, efforts to beautify hair can create scarring that hinders its return. In Alopecia Areata, the body's defences mistakenly assault hair follicles, leading to significant hair fall and patchy baldness.

Though often treatable, if alopecia progresses to scarring alopecia, the effects are lasting. The health platform Rich Feel notes: "Destruction of slow-cycling hair follicle stem cells is thought to be the main cause of scarring alopecia."

It adds: "The stem cells are responsible for the regrowth of the lower hair follicle during normal telogen-anagen cycling.

“Hair-care habits that include excessive use of hot combs, relaxants and excessive traction can also be responsible for scarring alopecia, especially in women.”

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The Australasian College of Dermatologists has explained that hot comb alopecia, also known as central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), begins at the centre of the scalp and expands over time. While the destruction of hair follicles is irreversible, the onset of hair loss can be prevented, reports the Express.

How to prevent hair loss

To prevent hair loss, the intake of several vitamins is recommended, but over-consumption can be harmful. Diets lacking in vitamin A can lead to hair shedding, yet consuming too much of this vitamin can have similar effects.

Selenium plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair, but an excess can cause nausea, skin rashes, and nervous system issues. In some reports detailing acute selenium toxicity outbreaks, 72 percent of sufferers experienced hair loss.

This key metal, along with vitamin E, has long been linked to hair shedding when consumed in excess.

Researchers at the University of Surrey suggest that overconsumption of these nutrients may create an excess of antioxidant enzymes. This surplus could lead the body to attack its own cells, including those in the hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in clumps.

Fortunately, in most cases where medication has induced hair loss, growth is typically restored within six months. However, one simple way to avoid over-supplementation is to obtain the necessary nutrients from food.

Nutrient-packed foods such as walnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, flax seeds and chia seeds are ideal for preventing hair loss. Additionally, exercise can help improve blood flow to the scalp and potentially prevent certain types of hair loss, unless you're genetically predisposed to hair shedding.