Experts talk about ways to tackle hair fall

Often considered as an inevitable march to baldness, hair fall can leave you worried. But now, with these tips, you may be able to stop your bad hair days from turning into bad hair weeks or even longer.

Dr Megha Shah, cosmetologist at Beauty and Curves Clinic, Surat, said: "Hair fall is an issue that most men and women are having nowadays. Problems like losing more and more hair, hair becoming thinner than it used to be, etc. are more prominent now."

"There are many factors which have been considered significant in hair loss and hair fall conditions presently. Hair loss occurs with the conditions called telogen effluvium, female pattern hormonal hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), lot of anxiety and profound distress. In males, it is called male pattern bladness or androgenetic alopecia. Stress has long been implicated as one of the casual factors involved in hair loss," Dr Shah added.

She further said that poor hair styling, excessive dying, iron deficiency, thyroid disease, chronic (long term) medical disease, low level of hemoglobin in blood, polycystic disease and endocrine imbalance lead to hair fall, hair loss and baldness. Sometimes, it is related to medicines usage, poor nutrition, weight loss, and condition called trichotillomania.

"Patient may have the combination of many different causes. One may see hair loss after some surgeries, with changes in diet, weight loss over 6-12 months, unusual emotional stress, or any change in hair care. Sometime, some scalp disease is also responsible. In this case, a scalp biopsy is also carried out to diagnose the condition. Blood, thyroid function tests, serum iron study, anti nuclear antibody, examination by gynecologist and endocrinologist also help to evaluate the underlying disease," she noted.

According to Shah, minoxidil solution, a local application on scalp, and finasteride tablets, which are FDA approved, can influence and increase the length and diameter of the existing hair.

Weighing in, Dr C. M. Guri, Dermatologist at Venus Clinic, Gurgaon, mentioned, "There are non-invasive multi-polar magnetic pulse treatments, which help to grow hair. Surgical options are hair transplantation."

He added, "Other good supportive modalities are good, balanced nutrition in form of good iron intake, eggs, milk intake, sprouts, salad, all different varieties of fruits, green leafy vegetables, proper water intake, help to build immunity of the body. Overall good immunity and good general health will help achieve good results."

According to Dr Guri, avoidance of chemicals, damaging agents and procedures can prevent damage. Simultaneous treatment of underlying disease helps a lot. Maintenance with some minoxidil lotions is necessary and regular follow up care will enhance and maintain the result.

He noted that monsoon can aggravate fungal infection, humidity dandruff, and itchy scalp easily as people tend to neglect wet hair in busy schedules and keep it tied for long. Usage of hair dryer may further damage the hair shaft and cuticle. Any hair gel, chemicals, harsh serums, which stick to hair and scalp, can cause dandruff.

"Runners, swimmers, athletes need special protection of hair in monsoon season to combat own perspiration during workout and humidity of rain water. They need to consult the specialist for this. Naturally scalp skin emits oil and it provides natural oiling, so especially in humid, rainy weather, extra oil application has to be avoided," Dr Guri continued.

Dr Rohit Batra, Dermatologist at Dermaworld Skin Clinic, explained, "Like skin, hair needs good, healthy protein, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. This can be achieved through planned, balanced diet nad food like dahi, dalia, fish, sprouts, milk, almonds, vegetables, dals, seasonal fruits. Healthy exercise or sports, or yoga or aerobics will make oxygenated blood available to each and every cell of the body. And there is no substitute of healthy exercise. Good sleep is a must to rest all the body cells, tissues, organs and make them function well."

He added, "Some people have a habit of using very strong hair lotions, shampoos and conditioners which in turn disturbs hair more. Washing hair with milder shampoos will keep scalp free form dandruff and scaly skin."