7 Daily Mistakes That Are Making You Go Bald Faster: Hair Expert Insights

Hair loss affects millions worldwide, 6.5 million men and 8 million women in the UK alone, and an estimated 56 million globally. Despite this, many people unknowingly speed up thinning through everyday habits. Nate Abbott, hair growth expert and Chief Growth Officer at Lordhair, warns that even minor routines can quietly sabotage long-term hair health.

Saloni Anand, Co-Founder of Traya, adds that the body often sends out warning signs long before noticeable hair fall begins. "Waking up exhausted, low iron or B12 levels, irregular periods, unexpected facial hair, your body sends warnings long before your hair does. But we often overlook them. When hair fall finally shows up, we treat it like a cosmetic problem rather than asking what’s driving it and addressing the underlying root cause. And that surface-level approach is exactly why the hair fall never really stops and becomes a bigger concern."

Daily Mistakes That Are Making You Go Bald Faster

With this in mind, here are the daily mistakes most people don’t realise are worsening their hair loss.

Sleeping with Wet Hair

Going to bed with damp hair creates a warm, moist environment that encourages fungi and bacteria. This can trigger dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and general scalp inflammation. Since wet hair is weaker, tossing during sleep can cause breakage. If you’re exhausted, at least towel-dry or partially air-dry before bed.

Brushing Wet Hair Aggressively

Hair is at its most fragile when wet. Brushing it stretches the shaft beyond its limit, creating breakage that amplifies thinning. Use a wide-tooth comb and start detangling from the ends. Let straight hair partially dry before combing.

Using Heat Styling Tools Without Protection

Unprotected heat strips the hair shaft of moisture, making it brittle and prone to snapping. Always apply heat protectant, use low temperatures, and limit styling to once a week.

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Ignoring Scalp Buildup and Poor Hygiene

Product residue, excess oil, and dead skin can clog follicles and cause inflammation. Men who use gel or wax daily often accumulate hidden buildup. A weekly clarifying shampoo and proper scalp massage can prevent this.

Wearing Tight-Fitting Hats Constantly

Hats don’t cause baldness, but tight caps can create friction and reduce air circulation, contributing to traction alopecia. Studies on identical twins found a correlation between hat-wearing and hair loss in men. Choose looser hats and give your scalp breaks.

Rough Towel Drying and Aggressive Styling

Rubbing hair aggressively with a towel weakens strands, especially when wet. Press or squeeze hair instead, allowing it to air dry. Avoid tugging, pulling, or harsh brushing.

Tying Hair Too Tightly (Man Buns or Ponytails)

Constant tension from tight hairstyles can cause traction alopecia, a form of permanent hair loss. It often shows first at the temples and hairline. If you tie your hair, use soft bands, vary placement, and leave it loose at home.

Nate Abbott emphasises that while you cannot change genetics, your habits play a critical role in how quickly hair loss appears and progresses, "These mistakes won't make someone with perfect genetics go bald, but they absolutely make genetic hair loss look worse and happen faster. Early intervention is the most important factor in maintaining hair health. The men who maintain the healthiest-looking hair as they age are usually the ones who've been gentle and consistent with their daily habits. You can't fight genetics, but you don't have to make the situation worse through preventable daily damage, so take care of your hair while you still can."

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Image Courtesy: Freepik