Preventing hair loss can be difficult because the majority of hair loss is caused by factors out of your control -- namely, your genetics; however, there are some common sense rules you should follow:

• First, one should avoid harsh and frequent chemicals and treatments to the scalp. Processes like relaxing or straightening the hair and frequent coloring or bleaching of the hair can make the hair weak or unhealthy. If you have a genetic predisposition to hair loss, adding these harsh treatments could put you over the edge and cause premature hair loss. If your hair is healthy, however, and your genetics are strong, these treatments may never affect you. In the end, the decision is yours.
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• Mechanical trauma can also be hard on the hair and can lead to hair loss. Frequent tight braiding or pulling out of the hair can lead to permanent hair loss in some individuals.
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• Those with medical conditions such an anorexia nervosa or bulimia can suffer hair loss and treating these conditions early could prevent hair loss from occurring.
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• Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can help to prevent hair loss, as some hair loss is due to malnutrition. In general, a healthy lifestyle will not only help you be the best you can be, but it certainly can benefit your hair as well.