Longing for lustrous, black hair—the kind that those guys and gals shake and show off in shampoo ads? Well, it’s possible with regular care, say experts.HAIR GROWTH AND YOUHair growth in human beings can be divided into growth phase, transitional phase and resting stage. “The hair follicle grows for a certain period before entering the resting stage. It then starts shrinking and gets replaced by another strand growing in the same follicle,” says Dr S C Barija, senior consultant dermatologist at Delhi’s Ganga Ram Hospital.While the hair strands on the skin can grow for three-four months, those on the scalp can grow uncut for two-four years. At any given time, about 10 per cent of the hair on your scalp is in the rest-ing phase. In other words, about 80-85 per cent of your hair is always growing.DON’T LOSE IT OVER HAIR LOSSIt’s normal to lose some hair daily, say experts. “Losing about 50-60 strands a day is normal. But if your hair loss has increased by more than 15 per cent, it can be termed excessive and is a cause for worry,” says Dr Barija. Your comb is the best indi-cator. “It’s more if your comb shows it,” he adds.WHAT CAUSES HAIR LOSSSTRESS OR SUDDEN ILLNESS For about three-four months after an illness, major surgery or accident, you may lose a lot of hair because of the stress. This kind of hair loss is temporary. Emotional trauma and mental stress can also cause hair loss.HORMONAL PROBLEMS They are another major reason. Thyroid problems may cause your hair to fall. Hair loss may also occur because of imbal-ance in male or female hormones—androgens and estrogens, respectively. This kind of hair loss can be checked with proper medical attention.PREGNANCY Post-natal hair loss is very common. This kind of hair loss— which lasts for about three-four months—is also related to hormones. During pregnancy, high levels of certain hormones check hair loss. Once these hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, hair starts falling again.MEDICINES Some kind of medicines can also cause hair loss. They include blood thinners (called anti-coagulants), medicines used to treat gout, chemotherapy drugs, vitamin A (if taken in ex-cess), birth control pills and antidepressants.INFECTIONS Fungal infection of the scalp can cause hair loss in children. These can be easily treated.AILMENTS Diseases like lupus or diabetes are the other common causes. Since hair loss may be the early symptom of a disease, it is important to con-sult a doctor. Typhoid can also play the culprit.CRASH-DIETING Deficiency of nutrition can cause hair loss.UNKNOWN There are also many cases where doc-tors are unable to find the root of the problem. LACK OF CARE Excessive use of hair dyes, chemicals and tight hair-rollers can be harmful. “The pull on your hair triggers a type of hair loss called Traction Alopecia. Stop it before the scalp develops scars and your hair will grow back normally,” says Dr Barija. Hot oil hair treatments or chemicals used in permanents (also called ‘perms’) may cause inflammation (swelling) of the hair follicle, leading to scarring and hair loss.HAIR-RAISING TIPS• Proper care can check hair loss to a great extent, says Dr Barija.• Ensure a healthy, nutritious diet with proteins and greens.• Regular check-ups are a must since your hair is an important indicator of your good health.• Consult a doctor to correct hormonal imbalances or diseases.• Cleansing is crucial for proper hair growth. Toning and conditioning are also to be done regularly.• Washing your hair daily with a good shampoo is essential.• Don’t oil your hair if you have dandruff.• Proper cleaning is important after oiling.
