We all desire luscious, healthy hair that exudes vitality and beauty. However, certain habits can unknowingly damage our precious tresses, leading to dryness, breakage and overall hair distress. In this article, we will explore some everyday hair-damaging habits outlined by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and provide practical tips on protecting your hair for healthy growth.
Let’s delve into these habits and learn how to give your hair the care it deserves.
1. Overwashing: Washing your hair with excessive shampoo and too frequently can strip away its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle and prone to breakage. Instead, aim for a balance by washing your hair every alternate day or as needed, depending on your hair type and lifestyle.
2. Vigorous Towel Drying: Rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel after washing can cause friction and lead to hair breakage. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water from your hair using a soft towel or an old cotton t-shirt. Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible to minimise heat damage from blow drying.
3. Using Hot Water: Washing your hair with hot water can strip away its natural oils, leaving it dehydrated and dull. Choose lukewarm or cool water while washing your hair to help retain moisture and maintain its natural shine.
4. Overusing Heat Styling Tools: Excessive use of heat-styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons and blow dryers can damage your hair shaft, leading to breakage and split ends. To minimise heat damage, embrace your natural hair texture or use heat protectant sprays or serums before styling.
5. Tight Hairstyles: Wearing tight ponytails, braids, buns or other hairstyles that pull your hair tightly can cause tension and lead to hair breakage, especially along the hairline. Opt for looser hairstyles and use hair accessories made from soft materials to minimise damage.
Also Read: How To Increase Melanin In Hair: A Research-Based Guide To Restoring Color Naturally
6. Chemical Overprocessing:h Frequent chemical treatments like perming, relaxing or colouring can weaken the hair structure over time. Give your hair enough time to recover between treatments and consult a professional stylist who can assess the present condition of your hair and recommend the most suitable and gentle approach.
7. Neglecting Sun Protection: Just like your skin, your hair can be damaged by the sun’s harmful UV rays. Protect your hair by wearing a hat or using hair products with built-in UV protection when spending time outdoors.
8. Rough Brushing: Brushing your hair aggressively, especially when it’s wet, can cause hair breakage and damage. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft bristles to detangle your hair gently, starting from the ends and working your way up.
9. Using Harsh Hair Accessories: Hair accessories with rough edges, metal clasps or tight elastics can cause friction and breakage. Opt for hair accessories made from soft materials, like fabric-covered elastics or scrunchies, to prevent unnecessary damage.
10. Ignoring Regular Trims: Avoiding regular hair trims can accumulate split ends, leading to further hair damage. Schedule regular appointments with your hairdresser in order to keep your hair healthy and maintain its overall appearance.
By being mindful of these hair-damaging habits and adopting healthier hair care practices, you can protect your tresses and promote healthy growth. Remember to nourish your hair from within by maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated and managing stress levels. You can enjoy the beautiful, vibrant hair you’ve always desired with proper care and attention.
Also Read: What is Botox for Hair: The Guide to Transformative Hair Care
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
References
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/habits-that-damage-hair
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513312/
Alopecia is a condition that affects millions of people around the world, causing hair loss and thinning. It can be a frustrating and emotionally challenging experience. This may sometimes impact a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
In this blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms and treatment options for alopecia and share tips and advice for coping with this condition. Whether you are experiencing alopecia or know someone who is, this blog is for you.
Alopecia is the partial or complete loss of hair on the scalp or other body parts. It can affect individuals of all ages, genders and ethnicities, varying from mild to severe. Alopecia can be categorised into different types, including:
1. Androgenetic Alopecia: This is the most common form of hair loss, often referred to as male or female pattern baldness. It typically follows a specific pattern, with thinning hair at the crown or a receding hairline in men and diffusing thinning in women.
2. Alopecia Areata: This type of alopecia manifests as patchy hair loss on the scalp or other body areas. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, losing hair.
3. Telogen Effluvium: Telogen effluvium is characterised by excessive hair shedding due to a disruption in the hair growth cycle. It is often triggered by factors such as stress, hormonal changes, medications, chronic illness or nutritional deficiencies.
4. Hair loss from Centre: Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is a form of hair loss that typically initiates as a circular area on the scalp. Commencing treatment promptly upon detecting this hair loss can potentially facilitate hair regrowth.
5. Tractional Alopecia: Hair loss due to the traction exerted on hair due to tightly done hairstyles. Make sure you don’t tie your hair very tightly.
The signs and symptoms of alopecia can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Here are some common indicators to look out for:
– Gradual thinning of hair on the scalp
– Receding hairline
– Circular or patchy bald spots
– Excessive hair shedding – can be noticed post-hair wash and while combing
– Complete loss of hair on the scalp or body (in severe cases)
The severity of symptoms depends on the type of alopecia.
While the exact causes of alopecia are not fully understood, several factors contribute to the development of this condition. Let’s explore some of the key causes:
1. Genetic Predisposition: Family history plays a significant role in androgenetic alopecia, indicating a genetic predisposition to hair loss. Certain genes inherited from both parents can make individuals more susceptible to this condition.
2. Autoimmune Disorders: Alopecia areata is believed to have an autoimmune component, where the immune system mistakenly targets the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Other autoimmune conditions like Lupus and scalp psoriasis may also present with hair loss.
3. Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menopause or thyroid disorders, can contribute to hair loss.
4. Medical Conditions and Treatments: Certain medical conditions, like scalp infections, fungal infections, dandruff or underlying systemic diseases, can trigger alopecia. Additionally, treatments such as iron supplements, chemotherapy or radiation therapy can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss.
5. Nutritional Deficiency: deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals, anaemia, inadequate protein intake or malnutrition also affect hair growth and quality.
6. Stress: Stress is a common cause of hair loss (alopecia), which often remains ignored. Excessive stress for long can adversely affect hair health leading to significant hair loss.
7. Frequent chemical/heat treatment: Styling, colouring and some other salon procedures for hair styling, if done too frequently, can impact hair health. Avoid hairstyles that pull hair tightly.
Management depends on the type and severity of the condition. There are ways to manage and cope with this condition. Here are some actionable tips:
1. Consult a Dermatologist: If you notice significant hair loss or any unusual changes in your hair, seek medical advice from a dermatologist or trichologist. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.
2. Hair Care Practices: Opt for gentle hair care routines to minimise damage to your hair. Avoid harsh chemical treatments, excessive heat styling or tight hairstyles that pull on the hair.
3. Balanced Diet: Ensure you have a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins, as nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair loss. Include foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains in your daily meals.
4. Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate hair loss, so incorporate stress-reducing techniques into your lifestyle. Engage in regular exercise, practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga and prioritise self-care activities.
5. Support Groups: Consider joining support groups or seeking counselling to connect with others facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and emotions with others can provide emotional support and helpful coping strategies.
6. Adequate sleep: A good sleep routine is significant for our body’s overall health, including hair health. No wonder why the term “beauty sleep” has gained popularity.
In cases where hair loss cannot be reversed through medications or other interventions, one may also opt for readily available wigs and hair toppers.
Remember, each case of alopecia is unique and treatment approaches may vary depending on individual circumstances. It’s essential to consult a dermatologist for personalised advice and guidance.
In a Nutshell, alopecia is a common hair loss disorder that may have a significant impact on an individual’s self-esteem and well-being. By understanding the signs, symptoms and causes of alopecia, you can take proactive steps to manage this condition effectively. Remember, you are not alone and with the right support and guidance, you can navigate the challenges of alopecia and embrace your unique beauty.
Also Read: What is Botox for Hair: The Guide to Transformative Hair Care
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
References –
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopecia
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/tips
https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/personal-hygiene/hair-scalp.html
Our hair can speak volumes when it comes to overall health and well-being. From time to time, our hair gives us many silent signs, and we should pay attention to these, as they could be underlying reasons for something big! In most cases, these symptoms can also indicate that you ought to change your diet and lifestyle.
Here’s a curated list of some of these symptoms that will allow you to better take care of your hair health.
Hair loss
Losing some amount of hair each day is a regular phenomenon. But if you start to notice significant strands of hair on the pillow and bathroom sink, don’t ignore it. In most cases, loss of hair is an indication of an underlying illness or stress. However, sometimes it may also indicate the early occurrence of a scalp infection. Many times, diabetes patients also experience the condition of hair loss and hair thinning. Speak to your doctor if you are facing any allergies to your medications. In some cases, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies and autoimmune disorders can also cause hair loss. However, do not self-medicate.
Read: Mintop Forte Hairfall Solution
Premature Greying of hair
Greying of hair doesn’t always mean that you are catching up on the age front. Many times, this condition can be caused due to thyroid issues, anaemia, vitamin deficiency, and early signs of vitiligo.
A healthy scalp should not have any redness or dryness and should be free of flakes or any signs of infection. Your scalp should look clean, smooth, and moisturized with no dryness on the surface. If you are experiencing any itchiness, irritation, or burning, this can indicate that your scalp is unhealthy.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Dry hair
Most of the time, dry hair can indicate that you are suffering from dehydration or a thyroid disorder. To counter this situation, it’s best to up your water intake immediately and avoid the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners. Addressing the underlying cause of the problem is the key.
Dull hair
Dull and frizzy hair can talk a lot about your health. This condition primarily occurs when your body is experiencing a shortage of iron, protein, zinc and other essential vitamins.
Hair shedding and hair thinning are very commonly seen but frequently ignored situations that are affected by dandruff and Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, which are reported to cause premature hair loss even though dandruff alone usually does not cause hair loss.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Your hair is not growing
Shunted and slow hair growth indicates a lack of protein. When this happens, it’s probably time to add some protein-rich food to your diet.
Nonetheless, we should not ignore these symptoms and consult a dermatologist or trichologist immediately to avoid any potential risk. You can also take these health checkups to further understand the cause of these signs. Avoid self-treatment and seek medical help.
Also Read: Peppermint Oil For Hair: A Research-Backed Guide To Benefits And Usage
This package includes important tests such as Iron Profile, Thyroid Profile, Serum Zinc, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D Total which help understand the causes of hair fall. People of all age groups can take both these tests once every 6 months.
To treat the problem of hair fall, it is essential to understand and address the underlying cause of it. In simple terms, hair fall indicates our body responding to a stressful event, illness, hormonal imbalance or medication. Some medicines may result in severe side effects and should be immediately brought to your doctor’s notice. It may be due to a nutritional deficiency of essential minerals and vitamins or hormonal imbalances. Focus on the root cause of the problems, and keep flaunting your hair.
The right foods can help your hair grow. Read more HERE.
