Temporary Hair Loss and Damage

Temporary hair damage and hair loss are most often the result of equally temporary health or lifestyle issues. As we already mentioned, your cracked, frizzy, or dull hair is probably a result of something you’re doing, or a product you’re using.

In the summer, this might mean that the protein in your hair is being damaged by repeated exposure to chlorine, bleaching agents, and sunlight. In the winter, your hair might be suffering from stress breaks after being shoved into a hat day in and day out.

Some other factors can affect your hair no matter what the time of year. Stress can make your hair fall out (and may cause you to quite literally tear it out!), as can some medications, particularly chemotherapy. These call for serious medical attention or lifestyle changes, and if your hair is falling out (beyond a few strands left behind in the shower drain), you should see a doctor.{relatedarticles}

However, hair will grow back so long as the hair follicle is still healthy and the hair shaft is not obstructed. Your hair should grow back at roughly its normal rate, giving you a second chance to practice healthy hair care.

There are also a number of treatments for damaged hair - products that claim to restore body, reduce frizz, you name it. Interestingly, a study entitled “Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage,” published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, suggests that coconut oil can help stave off protein loss for damaged hair as well as undamaged hair. That’s food for thought!