Using the wrong gels, combs, or accessories can wreak havoc on your tresses, resulting in hair damage and loss. But simple steps including choosing the right product can add luster to your locks, says a dermatologist speaking at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

"Hair breakage is the most common cause of hair loss," says Zoe D. Draelos, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. "The first step is to recognize the factors responsible for lackluster hair in order to learn how you can change your hair-care regimen to improve it.

1- Don't Scratch:

"When people scratch their scalp, they also scratch their hair," she says. The average person with dandruff will scratch their head for 90 minutes a week, she says, and that can result in breakage and loss. If you've noticed dandruff -- white flakes from your scalp -- you can try a dandruff shampoo. Most of these are now formulated so that they are gentle enough to use every day. If that doesn't take care of it, talk to a dermatologist about what treatments may relieve the itch. READ MORE..

WHAT YOUR HAIR & SCALP SAY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

DOES BAD HAIR MEAN BAD HEALTH?

Is your hair trying to tell you something about your health? Maybe. Some conditions and medications affect your body as well as your hair. In other cases, you may just need to take better care of your hair or scalp. Use this pictorial guide to see what separates myth from fact when it comes to your health and your hair

WHITE FLAKES POSE NO HEALTH RISK:

Dandruff isn’t contagious. So how do you get it? Doctors aren’t sure, but one theory is that it may be due to an overgrowth of a fungus. Other possible triggers include skin that’s either too dry or too oily, shampooing either too often or not often enough, and having eczema or psoriasis. While it’s embarrassing – and the itching can be bothersome -- dandruff isn’t harmful

TIPS FOR DANDRUFF TREATMENT:

To decrease the buildup of dandruff’s dead skin cells, try using an anti-dandruff shampoo daily. Leave shampoo on for 5 minutes, then rinse well. You may need to try several dandruff shampoos to find one that works best for you. If one stops working, try another. If that doesn’t help, call your doctor. READ MORE..