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Hair care products and hairstyles that may damage your hair

Hair care products that may damage hair and cause it to break or fall out include:

  • Curling irons.
  • Hot rollers.
  • Blow-dryers that overheat.
  • Chemical treatments, such as dyes, tints, bleaches, straighteners, and permanent waves.
    • These treatments cause less damage to hair if they are used correctly.
    • If any of these chemicals are used too often, the hair can become weak and break. Hair can also break if the chemicals are left on too long, if two procedures are done on the same day, or if bleach is applied to previously bleached hair.

Hairstyles that pull on the hair (like ponytails, braids, and cornrows) and elastic bands and ribbons used to hold hairstyles in place may cause hair loss. Avoid tight hairstyles, or alternate with looser hairstyles. Minimize use of elastic bands and ribbons in the hair.

Author Robin Parks, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Martin Gabica, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Randall D. Burr, MD
- Dermatology
Last Updated July 3, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 03, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.