Hair Fall

The sight of hair circling the shower drain or bunches caught in a hairbrush has us all dreading - are we losing too much hair? Research says, some hair loss per day is healthy and normal – the question is how much hair fall should cause worry?

There are a few factors that affect hair:

• One of the key reasons for hair loss is stress. Take time to unwind and relax each day. Just 15 minutes of quiet focused meditation can do wonders for our health.
• Frequent washing of hair with strong abrasive shampoos and cleansers causes harm. Sulphur laden cleansers break the natural bond of the hair causing it to turn coarse.
• Washing one’s hair every 2-3 days is usually enough. Choose mild medicated hair care products that are soft on hair and scalp.
• The food we consume affects the quality of our hair. Including foods like eggs, spinach, seeds, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli in the diet help.
• Genes play an important role in the quality of our hair. If one has a family history of premature greying, alopecia or receding hairlines; the probability of it passing through generations is high.
• The way we groom our hair also affects hair loss and its texture in the long run. Using styling products and heat can deteriorate hair quality.
• Chemical treatments for hair should be kept to a minimum. When choosing to color hair, use products made of natural ingredients and ammonia-free.
• Certain hairstyles don’t strain the hair roots or cause them to break. Tying hair too tight in high ponytails can cause them to break when let loose. Use heat free hairstyles.
• Visit a trichologist occasionally to understand the changing needs of your hair. There are a multitude of vitamins (like biotin and Vit E) which help in improving hair conditions.