“No! Look at the hair that I am losing. In this rate, I will be bald, soon,” hyperventilates my worried friend as she brushes her hair. Hair loss is common in our chemical-ridden world. “A human being can have upto 1,00,000 hair on their head and the life of each hair follicle varies from one to four years. It is normal to lose 50 to 100 hair strands daily. But, if the number is more than this, it can be a cause for concern and you should seek medical assistance,” says Dr Deepika Lunawat, Consultant Dermatologist, Fortis Malar Hospital and Mahi Clinic, Chennai. So what can be done to control hair fall? Here are a few suggestions.
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A nutritious diet is important for the overall well-being of a person. “An iron deficiency can leave the hair dry, lusterless and curb its growth,” says Dr Shireen Furtado, Consultant Dermatologist, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru. “Biotin is important for the hair. It is found in eggs, liver, meat, nuts, salmon ,dairy products and a few vegetables. Vitamin B12 and D are also important for hair growth,” adds Dr Lunawat. Drink a minimum of two litres of water. “It keeps our hair hydrated,” she says. Your dietician may recommend a few tests to check for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Check your hormone balance
“Hormonal imbalance is a very common reason for hairfall. Each hair follicle has hormone receptors (proteins that bind hormones). An increase in the amount of male hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the body can trigger these receptors, leading to hair loss,” says Dr Kiran Sethi, a dermatologist and medical director, Isya Aesthetics, Delhi. Conditions like PCOD and thyroid, pregnancy, and even stress can lead to a hormonal imbalance. “Exercise regularly and if you are someone with a family history of hormonal imbalance, get yourself checked,” says Dr Lunawat.
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Stay away from chemical treatments
The chemicals used for treatments like straightening and colouring can damage hair and cause hair fall, so it’s obviously best to avoid these if you are experiencing hair fall. Use a mild, sulphur and ammonia-free shampoo and hair products. “Wash the hair with shampoo once or twice a week. Remember to condition it before and after shampooing to prevent breakage. It is best if you can stay away from using hard water to wash your hair as it can deposit minerals on the strands, making it prone to damage,” says Dr Sethi. A light scalp massage helps too. “It stimulates blood flow through the scalp. This helps the hair follicle to receive more oxygen and nutrients, promoting hair growth,” adds Dr Lunawat.
Choose an appropriate hairstyle
Avoid pulling and tying the hair very tight. “This can lead to a receding hairline and can cause traction alopecia, a kind of hair loss, especially in children. Instead of this, go with loose ponytails, buns or braids,” suggests Dr Lunawat. After a shower, let the hair dry naturally instead of using a blow-dryer. “Heat can damage hair, leading to hair fall. Letting it dry naturally is an easy way to keep your hair healthy,” she adds. Dr Sethi says that weather also plays a role. “Winter can leave the scalp and hair dry, leading to breakage. Apply a small amount of coconut oil daily. Humidity can trigger dandruff and can lead to an oily scalp, leading to temporary hair loss. Using a shampoo with salicylic acid or glycolic acid can help in such weather.”