A gentle hair care routine when you are losing hair

When you are losing hair, it is tempting to wash less, brush less or try every new product. Dermatologists suggest a different approach: keep hair clean, handle it gently and avoid things that add stress. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that hair that is thinning or falling out is fragile and easily damaged ¹.

A gentle routine is not a treatment for the cause of hair loss. But it helps you keep the hair you have in good condition, and it can make other treatments easier to stay with.

Why routine matters

A review on hair cosmetics for people with hair loss points out that rough grooming habits may harm hair follicle health, and that people sometimes give up prescribed treatments such as topical minoxidil because of how their hair looks or feels ². Using hair care products properly may help people stay with their treatment ².

Washing

• Use a gentle shampoo. The AAD notes that some shampoos can strip moisture from hair ¹.
• Wash as often as your scalp needs. If you have straight hair and an oily scalp, you may want to shampoo daily. Dry, curly, coarse or thick hair may need washing less often ³. In Malaysia's heat and humidity, many people find they need to wash more often, and that is fine.
• Focus shampoo on the scalp. The AAD suggests applying shampoo to the scalp rather than along the full length, to clean away oil and build-up without over-drying the hair ³.
• Do not fear the shed in the shower. Hairs that fall out during washing were already loose. Washing less often just means you see them all at once.

Conditioning

• Always condition. Conditioner moisturises and detangles hair, which reduces the pulling and snapping that happens when you comb ³.
• Match where you apply it to your hair type. If your hair is fine or straight, put conditioner on the ends. If your hair is dry or curly, apply it along the whole length ³.
• Choose lighter formulas for fine hair so it does not look flat.

Drying and combing

• Blot, do not rub. Wrap your hair in a towel or soft t-shirt to absorb water; rubbing hard can cause damage ³.
• Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair. Hair is delicate when wet, so a wide-tooth comb is gentler than a brush ³.
• Start at the ends. Comb the ends first, then work slowly up towards the roots ³.
• Air-dry when you can. If you use a hairdryer, keep it on a low or medium setting.

Heat and chemicals

• Limit heat tools. The AAD advises limiting blow-drying and flat or curling irons, using low or medium heat and a heat-protecting product ³.
• Space out colouring and straightening. A study of 94 women found more microscopic hair damage in those who had used blow-drying, straightening, irons or perming in the previous six months ⁴. See chemical straightening and the scalp.
• Patch-test new dyes and products if you have a sensitive scalp. Contact dermatitis is a known side effect of hair cosmetics ².

Styling

• Avoid tight styles. Tight buns, ponytails, braids and extensions can cause traction alopecia, which often shows at the hairline first ⁵.
• Loosen head coverings. The AAD notes that constant rubbing of a hat, scarf or other covering can contribute, especially if hair is pulled back tightly underneath ⁵. If you wear a tudung, a soft inner cap and a looser tie can help.
• Change your parting and hairstyle from time to time so the same area is not always under strain.
• Use soft hair ties without metal parts.

For styling ideas that make thin hair look fuller, see how to make thin hair look fuller.

Products and supplements

It is easy to spend a lot on products that promise thicker hair. A few points help:

• Read the label. A cosmetic product can make hair look fuller or feel better without changing how it grows. See how to read a hair tonic label.
• Introduce one new product at a time so you can tell what suits your scalp.
• Be careful with supplements. The AAD warns that getting too much of certain nutrients can actually worsen hair loss ¹.
• If you use a medicine on your scalp, follow the instructions on timing around washing and styling, or ask your pharmacist.

Keep track

Take photos in the same light every month so you can judge changes fairly. See how to track hair loss with photos. If you are not sure whether your hair is thinning or simply fine, see fine hair or thinning hair.

When a routine is not enough

A gentle routine supports your hair, but it does not treat the cause. The AAD recommends seeing a dermatologist, since the sooner you find the cause, the better your chance of getting the results you want ¹. See what to do when you first notice hair loss.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wash my hair less if it is falling out?

Not necessarily. Wash as often as your scalp needs, using a gentle shampoo ^{1 3}. Hairs that fall during washing were already loose.

Where should I put conditioner?

On the ends for fine or straight hair, and along the whole length for dry or curly hair ³.

Is it safe to brush wet hair?

Hair is delicate when wet, so use a wide-tooth comb and start at the ends ³.

Can a gentle routine fix hair loss?

No. It helps reduce breakage, but the cause still needs to be found and treated ¹.

Educational content. Not medical advice.