5 Everyday Habits That Can Affect Hair Growth (And What to Do Instead)
None of these mean your hair is doomed.
When we think about thinning hair, genetics usually gets the blame first. But genetics is only part of the story. More often than not, it's the small, everyday habits we don't think twice about that quietly chip away at hair density over time.
The good news: habits can change. Here are five worth a second look this Hair Loss Awareness Month, and what to do about each one.
1. Poor Nutrition
Hair is one of the last places your body prioritizes when nutrients run low, which means deficiencies often show up there first. Without enough of the right vitamins and minerals, hair can grow thinner, weaker, and more prone to shedding.
What helps: A diet rich in protein, iron, and biotin supports the follicle from the inside out. If your diet has gaps, a targeted supplement can help fill them.
Try our Hair Growth Vitamins →
2. Tight Hairstyles
Sleek ponytails, tight braids, and slicked-back buns look great, but the constant tension can pull on the follicle and, over time, lead to a condition called traction alopecia. It's one of the more preventable causes of thinning, since it comes down to styling, not biology.
What helps: Give your scalp regular breaks from tension. Loosen the pull, alternate your part, and let hair down when you can.
3. High Stress Levels
Chronic stress doesn't just affect your mood, it can affect your follicles too. Prolonged stress can push hair into a resting phase known as telogen effluvium, where more strands than usual stop growing and eventually shed.
What helps: Stress won't disappear overnight, but supporting your body's resilience to it can help protect your hair in the meantime.
Try our Stress-Relief Vitamins →
4. Inadequate Scalp Care
Healthy hair starts at the scalp. When buildup, oil, or product residue clog follicles, it creates an environment where growth struggles to keep up. An inflamed or congested scalp simply can't support hair the way a clean, balanced one can.
What helps: Keep the scalp clean, massage it regularly to encourage circulation, and watch for product buildup.
5. Excessive Heat Styling
Flat irons, curling wands, and daily blow-drying come with a cost. Repeated heat exposure weakens the hair shaft, leading to breakage, split ends, and, over time, hair that looks visibly thinner.
What helps: Dial back the heat when you can, and give strands extra support to counter the damage that's already been done.
It's Hair Loss Awareness Month
All month long, we're offering up to 30% off storewide so it's easier than ever to build a routine that supports fuller, healthier-looking hair.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you're experiencing significant or sudden hair loss, we recommend speaking with a healthcare provider.