Did you know that you have approximately 100,000 hairs on your head?

“But I just lost like a hundred over shower this morning!” You might say.

Don’t worry – we’ve got some good news. First, you still have more than enough hair and you look amazing! Second, 100-150 strands of hair falling out every day is totally normal!

In fact, you’ll typically lose around 250 strands post-shampoo. [1]

But if you think you’re losing a whole ball of hair every time or seeing too many strands on your pillow or comb, maybe seeing big patches of scalp on your head too, then something may be off.

If you’re not sure whether you’re just shedding or already going bald, then you can check some signs that you should go see a medical professional.

Meanwhile, if you want to avoid this panic altogether, there are many ways to prevent hair loss. And they’re incredibly easy you don’t have to change from your pj’s and flip-flops – you can easily start doing them, at home, right now!

Be gentle to your hair.

Do you like the Kim Kardashian tight bun where no hair is out of place? We agree – it’s a classy look which gives that instant glam. But if you like doing this often – God forbid every day – then you may want to consider other styles.

This type of hairstyle puts on unnecessary stress and pressure on your hair and scalp, damaging and loosening the hold between them over time.

According to research, while hair is elastic, it can only be stretched so much. [2]

So before it’s too late, try to avoid tight ponytails, buns, braids, cornrows, and other hairstyles that pull on your hair.

In the same vein, steer clear of treatments that can break or harm your hair. We’re talking about those that apply direct heat on your glorious locks, like straightening irons, hot rollers, hot oil treatment, perms, frequent blow-dry, and bleach. 

Use a wide-toothed comb when brushing your hair. Shampoo your hair gently and with lots of tender loving care.

Scan your kitchen. Check your fridge. 

So what’s inside?

If you see more greens than chocolates, then congratulations. You’ve already been taking care of your hair. A healthy diet composed of dark green leafy vegetables, beans, and fortified cereals does a lot of good for preventing hair loss.

Also, include more oils, protein, and nutrients into your diet to keep your body, hair, and scalp in tip-top shape.

According to Anabel Kingsley, a leading Trichologist at the Philip Kingsley Clinic in London interviewed by Cosmopolitan, "Hair is made of protein, making adequate daily intake of protein-rich foods essential. Include at least a palm-sized portion of protein at breakfast and lunch (approx. 120g in weight)." [3]

She also adds that complex carbohydrates are just as equally important. "They provide our hair with the energy it needs to grow. Snack on healthy carbohydrates (i.e. fresh fruit, crudité or whole wheat crackers) if longer than four hours is left between meals; as energy available to hair cells drops after this amount of time." 

Supplement your diet with the right vitamins and minerals.

There are several nutrients that can help your crowning glory shine and grow luscious.

According to Anabel, "Being non-essential tissue, the hair's nutritional requirements are unique – and supplementation can be very helpful in boosting levels of vitamins and minerals available to your follicles. But, they must be taken alongside a healthy diet for full benefit."

Perhaps two of the more popular ones are biotin and collagen. Celebrities are known to take biotin and collagen supplements to prevent hair loss from putting their hair on too much stress.

But these aren’t the only vitamins and minerals you need for your locks. There’s a lot more, and there are supplements like VALI Hair Strong that combines biotin and collagen with other essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, herbs, nutrients, and nourishment it desperately needs to grow thicker and maintain vibrant healthy hair. You can buy one online at VALI Hair Strong.

Say adieu to bad habits.

Stop smoking. Some studies show an association between smoking and baldness in men. It also damages hair follicles and can speed up hair loss.

Avoid compulsive hair-tugging and scalp-scratching. 

And if you often go to the beach, proudly wearing your hair down, then give some love for your locks. Too much exposure to the sun can do more harm than good. Try protecting your hair from harsh UV rays and sunlight by wearing a nice hat every now and then.

Don’t panic and embrace it. 

If, by any chance, you find yourself losing too much hair, then don’t panic.

"If you notice excessive daily hair shedding for longer than 3 months, see a trichologist or your GP, there could be an underlying factor that needs to be addressed", Anabel advises. "Very importantly, try not to panic. Telogen effluvium (excessive shedding) is almost always self-eliminating and hair will start to grow back as usual once any internal imbalance is put right".

The key is to know what the root cause is. Check for signs and causes of hair loss, then see if anything can be changed. But to be sure, pay a visit to your dermatologist to find out what the real deal is.