It’s not just cosmetics or pollution; seemingly harmless daily habits can also be the “silent culprits” behind hair and skin deterioration. Recently, Dr. Suhail Alam from Aventus Clinic in the UK warned against certain behaviors, especially tight hairstyles, which are very popular among modern women.
Tight Hairstyles: Traction Alopecia and Hair Loss
According to Dr. Suhail, regularly wearing high ponytails or tight hairstyles can lead to hair loss due to traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by long-term damage to the hair follicles from continuous pressure.
“Hairstyles with strong pulling forces, such as tight styles close to the scalp, put stress on the hair follicles, leading to weakness and hair loss over time,” the doctor explained. “A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that for every three women who regularly wore their hair tightly pulled back, one experienced some degree of hair loss.”

Sleeping with Wet Hair: A Hazardous Habit
Besides hairstyles, Dr. Suhail also advises against sleeping with wet hair. Wet hair is weak and prone to breakage and tangles when it comes into contact with a pillow and with head movements during sleep. He recommends letting hair air dry or gently blow-drying it before going to bed.
Cotton Pillowcases: The Unexpected Cause of Split Ends and Wrinkles
Surprisingly, cotton pillowcases can cause split ends, creases on the face, and even long-term wrinkles. “Switch to silk or satin pillowcases,” suggests Dr. Suhail, “as their smooth surfaces reduce friction on hair and skin, better preserving the hair structure and skin integrity.”
Over-washing Hair and Hot Showers: Damaging to Skin and Hair
Another common mistake is over-washing hair. According to the expert, washing hair 2–3 times a week is sufficient for most people, as it prevents the removal of natural oils from the scalp and hair. Additionally, very hot water can disrupt the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased skin sensitivity.

Bacteria-laden Personal Items: A Serious Concern
Items like phones, makeup brushes, and hats can harbor bacteria, leading to acne, scalp inflammation, and even folliculitis. Dr. Suhail recommends daily cleaning of phones and deep cleaning of these items at least once a week.
Keep Your Hands Off Your Face and Hair
A common but dangerous habit is touching your face frequently. “Hands carry a lot of bacteria and excess oil,” says Dr. Suhail, “and if you constantly touch your face or play with your hair, bacteria can easily transfer to your skin, causing breakouts and making your hair more prone to breakage.”
SPF is a Must, Every Day
Lastly, the doctor emphasizes that daily sunscreen use is mandatory, even on cloudy days. “Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds, continuing to damage your skin,” he warns. “Applying sunscreen not only prevents aging and hyperpigmentation but also protects against the risk of skin cancer.”
3 Simple Habits for Thicker, Stronger Hair with Less Breakage
With just a few simple tweaks to your daily routine, you can transform your hair’s health and appearance. Let your hair down, embrace a consistent hair care routine, and add a scoop of collagen to your morning coffee. These small changes will leave you delighted with the results: stronger, shinier, and less shedding hair.
3 Foods That Cause Hair Loss: The First One May Surprise You
Hair loss is a common concern for many, but did you know that your diet could be a contributing factor? It’s true – what you eat can have a significant impact on the health and vitality of your locks. In fact, there are three common foods that, if not consumed in moderation, could lead to excessive hair shedding.