Are you tired of finding strands of your hair in the sink, on the counter, or in the shower? No matter what age you are, no one likes to lose hair; everyone would rather keep it implanted on their scalps, where it belongs. Of course, if you have plenty to spare, you may not mind losing a few down the drain. But for those who are concerned about the exodus of their locks, here are some preventative measures to take before resorting to hair transplants or chemical processes.

1. Wash your hair every other day. Some people wash it daily, but as long as your hair remains manageable and not greasy, you can probably switch to alternative days. This will protect weak new hair follicles, giving them a chance to develop more fully. It also means you will be brushing or combing your hair less often, which means less stress on your scalp and strands.

2. Forget the 100 strokes a day. A generation or two ago, women taught their daughters to brush their hair 100 strokes daily. But professionals have come to realize that lengthy brushing may loosen hair strands and pull out excess hair. A dozen strokes or so ought to be enough for most heads of hair, but consult with your hair care stylist if you have questions or feel your hair needs more attention.

3. Use a detangle product. If your hair is long or thick, or for any reason is prone to tangles or split ends, apply a conditioner that defuses tangles or a detangling cream that smoothes them before combing. When you do comb or brush your hair, it will be easier to manage and result in less breakage.

4. Dont overuse hair care products. Too much spray, gel, or mousse, along with too much heat treatment can cause damage over time. Use products like these sensibly. Keep an eye on their effect. If your hair starts looking dry or greasy, or if the ends look dull or split, make an appointment with your hair stylist or try a deep conditioning product at home.

5. Protect your hair from the elements. Avoid too much sun on a hot day. Keep your head covered in pelting rain, cold, snow, or sleet. Humidify your home when the air gets dry. Steps like these will help to keep your hair strong and safe from potentially damaging elements.

6. Comb wet hair gently. Begin with the lower layers and gently comb in the direction the hair takes naturally. Work your way up to the scalp, carefully working through tangles or snarls. Dont use a brush on wet hair, as it can cause breakage.

7. Give your hair extra care after swimming in a chemically treated pool. You may have to wear a swimming cap or give your hair a conditioning treatment afterward.

Taking a few precautions like these can help to reduce the amount of lost hair and broken strands that you will find in the sink from now on.