Change one thing at a time
Keep everything else the same for the next wash and change one of these: the amount of one product, which product goes where, how wet your hair is when you style it, or how you dry it. Then compare the result with the last wash. Changing three things at once tells you nothing about which one worked.
The usual causes
Too much or too little product, especially leave-in and styler. Styling on hair that is already half-dry. Touching, brushing or rubbing hair with a towel while it dries. Build-up from weeks of product, oils or hard water. And dryness from washing that strips the lengths or from water leaving the ends fast after washing.
When to see a dermatologist
Nothing on these pages diagnoses hair or scalp conditions. If your hair is thinning, falling out in patches, or your scalp is sore, flaking heavily or itching for weeks, the American Academy of Dermatology advises seeing a board-certified dermatologist, because earlier treatment works better.
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