HAIR - THE BASICS TO KNOW
Hair is a strand made up of tough protein called keratin. Each hair strand is anchored to a hair follicle in the skin. Hair follicles cover all your skin, except the pair of your hands and soles of your feet.
There is a bulb shaped structure at the base of the hair follicle, called hair-bulb. In the hair bulb, living cells divide and grow to build the hair shaft.
HAIR GROWTH CYCLE
THERE ARE VARIOUS REASONS FOR HAIRFALL
Hair fall is caused due to various reasons, including lack of nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, aggressive weight loss, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, physical and mental stress, hereditary and improper intake of medication. Although hereditary patterns cannot be modified easily, most often, hair problems can be prevented. It is necessary to have a clear understanding about Hair and Hair fall if you need to know how to prevent it.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes are present in both men and women, especially after 35-40 years. They increase the sensitivity of hair follicles, weaken hair roots, and cause excess hair fall. Treatments are available to curtail the hair fall induced by hormonal changes.
Medications
Certain medical conditions call for treatments and surgeries that help to cure the ailment but often damage the hair follicles and cause rapid hair fall. Treatments like chemotherapy to treat cancer, steroids, and medication for typhoid, heart diseases, depression, etc.
Malnutrition
An imbalanced diet leads to poor hair nutrition which lead to hair loss. Lack of B- vitamins, minerals like Zinc, copper and also inadequate intake of proteins hampers the hair growth gradually leading to hair loss problems.
Crash dieting
Crash dieting is a form of physical stress, where the body is deprived of essential vitamins and nutrients. Hair follicles are starved without proper nutrition leading to hair fall.
Sedentary life style
Lack of physical activity leads to poor blood supply to hair follicles which lead to poor nutrition and hence hair loss. Sedentary lifestyle can be a major contributor to premature hair loss.
Stress
Stress can be physical or mental. Physical stress like any kind of surgery, accident, severe illness or drastic weight loss can cause temporary hair loss. Stressful events like these can shock the hair cycle and push more hair into the shedding phase.
Scalp Infection
Scalp damage due to dandruff, pollution, dirt, heat causes dry scalp and that may lead to hair fall. Scalp hygiene is critical for healthy hair. Shampoos and hair oils are useful in maintaining scalp hygiene.
Heredity hair fall
If your parents have a hair loss problem, there is a good chance its genetically passed on to you. Though it’s very prominent in men, women face the problems too.
Over Processing and Styling
Over styling, vagarious hair combing, use of chemical hair dyes, bleach, heat treatments and harsh synthetic shampoos over years play a vital role in damaging your hair and scalp causing hair fall.
HOW TO PREVENT HAIRFALL?
Understanding Hair growth and Hair fall is the first step in preventing Hair fall. Once the reason for hair fall is identified, the necessary step to neutralize the effects should be carried out. Reasons for Hairfall vary with age, sex & lifestyle. Attention need to be given on two major areas:
1
External Hygiene
Maintaining Scalp and Hair hygiene with proper use of oil, shampoo, moisturizers & combing are important to prevent hair damage. But seldom they are useful in impacting the hair growth or hair strength.
2
Internal Nutrition
Regular intake of food or supplements rich in Biotin with few more vitamins and minerals are important in strengthening hair from within. Proper nutrition and improved blood supply are critical for strong hairs.
TIPS TO PROMOTE HAIR GROWTH AND PREVENT HAIRFALL
I. EXTERNAL HYGIENE
a) Cleaning your hair
Hair should be cleaned with the right shampoo twice a week to get rid of dirt, oil and bacteria build up. One should also be careful not to use too much of shampoo in one time or not to shampoo more than thrice a week, which will dehydrate the hair making it more brittle and prone to breakage. Using a proper conditioner after shampooing is also important.
b) Choosing the right product
Choose a shampoo that is paraben, sulfate and silicone free to clean your scalp. This will avoid loading your scalp and hair with harsh chemicals, which can cause hair to become more brittle and lead to breakage.
c) Choosing the right hairstyle
Styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and hot rollers can damage hair. Instead, you can choose the plastic or foam rollers to achieve desired results. You can also set your damp hair in braids for a pretty and natural wavy look. Use minimum pins and clips while styling as it might create tension and weaken the hair from its roots.
d) Using the right comb, the right number of times.
A wide toothed comb should be used to untangle your hair. The regular brush can be used after it. Never comb a wet hair. Clean your comb at least once a week. Combing should be done maximum of twice every day. Regular combing will also inhibit hair fall.
e) Natural remedies
There are natural remedies for scalp hygiene, which can be done in home. External application includes coconut oil, Avocado oil, Yogurt, Egg white, Hibiscus, Aloevera, Amla, Fenugreek or onion juice. All this external application will help in maintaining a good scalp and Hair hygiene and appearance. But ensure to take adequate food rich in Biotin to strengthen hair from within.
II. INTERNAL NUTRITION
a) Active life style
Researches have proven that individuals with sedentary life style often have poor blood supply to the Hair follicle leaving it weak and fragile. An active life style and physical activities like outdoor sports, gym workouts have better blood supply to the Hair Bulb, which is critical for strong Hair growth. But do remember to have adequate intake of Vitamins and minerals to fulfill additional requirements on work outs or else your muscles would take the best and starve your Hair for Nutrition.
b) Hair supplements
As Hair is produced in the Hair bulb, it is critical to take vital Hair nutrients internally to reach the Hair bulb through the blood supply. Nutrients are not absorbed if applied topically on the dead hair cells. Biotin is a vital ingredient that improves your body’s keratin infrastructure, resulting in production of healthy and strong hair. It is found commonly in our diet but in small quantities. Using a good supplement like HeadzUp is the best alternative to meet the nutritional requirements for hair growth.
Oral supplements like HeadzUp are gaining popularity, owing to their direct impact on promoting Hair growth and in controlling hair loss. The supplements provide the body with the required vitamins and minerals that are essential for hair health.
Trichologists and doctors recommend biotin supplements for long-term consumption for a minimum of 90-180 days is important for promising results. When choosing a hair supplement, opt for one that contains the right dose of biotin with other B vitamins, vitamin C and minerals which complement hair growth. Women additionally require iron and folic acid.
Oral supplements like HeadzUp are gaining popularity, owing to their direct impact on promoting Hair growth and in controlling hair loss. The supplements provide the body with the required vitamins and minerals that are essential for hair health.
Trichologists and doctors recommend biotin supplements for long-term consumption for a minimum of 90-180 days is important for promising results. When choosing a hair supplement, opt for one that contains the right dose of biotin with other B vitamins, vitamin C and minerals which complement hair growth. Women additionally require iron and folic acid.
c) Natural remedies
Natural remedy for internal Nutrition includes taking those food that are rich in Biotin. Ensure to take adequate food rich in Biotin to strengthen hair from within.
Diet tips for Hair is given below.
DIETERY TIPS FOR HEALTHY OIL
Healthy and balanced diet is inevitable for healthy hair. Your hair texture only reflects the inner health of your body. Each hair strand is made up of tough proteins and needs persistent nourishment of vitamins and minerals that can only come from what you eat. So, let’s check what should fall on your plate that will lead you to healthy hair.
