Scalp hair is a social and sexual display of feminity for women and masculinity for men.
About 30% of people have hair loss by the age of 30 years and about 50% of hair loss by 50 years of age. Loss of scalp hair causes anxiety in both men and women, while in women growth of facial hair and body hair is equally distressing.
People with hair loss are more likely to have a negative body image than those without hair loss. A study show that people affected with hair loss have low self esteem, heightened self consciousness and loss of self confidence.
On an average everyone will have one lakh hairs on scalp. At least 20 – 100 hairs will fall per day. For each hair fall, there will be equal number of hairs growing up. In teenage there will be lot of hairs and as age advances, hairs will become slightly less.
Hair loss or alopecia, results from diminution of visible hair. It may lead to baldness when the rate of shedding exceeds the rate of regrowth, when the new hair is thinner than hair shed or when hair comes out in patches.
Myths and facts:
Hair is a dead structure like the nail it is made up of dried up protein, with its growing root deep in the skin.
So most commercially available hair tonics and other hair growing products are not helpful as they cannot reach the hair root and nourish it. They are more of a conditioner giving luster to the hair, making the hair look better. Most of the advertisements regarding either the shampoo, oil etc, raching hair root , nourishing it and leading to hair growth are misleading and has not been proved scientifically.
Minoxidil is the only proved topical medicine available for hair growth, which has to be used under strict medical supervision.
Application of home remedies like menthe, or hibiscus flower or egg does not help in hair growth.
Threading, waxing, bleaching and shaving the hairs will not cause excessive hair growth.
Shaving the head many times will not lead to thick hairs.
Frequent shampooing does ot injure hairs; infact it keeps the ascalp free from dandruff and keeps the hair clean. Each individual has to find a shampoo, which suits him/her, which gives a soft and clean feeling of the hairs.
Shampoo does not cause hair loss or graying of hairs.
Dandruff does not cause hair fall. Neither psoriasis or allergic eczema of acalp causes permanent hair loss.
Hair texture , growth and colour are according to your genes; your hair growth will be like your mummy or daddy – either thick or thin, dark or grey hairs.
Massaging the scalp with oil does not prevent hair loss or graying of hairs and result in hair growth.
In fact people having dandruff or pimples on the face should not do oil massage as it blocks the pores causing more dandruff or pimples on forehead or back.
Tight braids , tight curlers, rollers etc, can cause permanent injury to the hair due to traction.
Use of very hot blow hair dryer can cause diffuse hair loss, but it is reversible on stopping the usage of the hair dryer.
Regular bleaching of the hair causes splitting and dryness of hairs.
Regular straightening, perming , ironing the hairs causes the hair damage leading to hair loss and split hairs.
Setting and permanent wave solution etc do not weaken the hair; however excessive application of inappropriately high concentration can lead to varying degree of injury to the hair, leading to split hairs and temporary hair loss.
Wearing helmet will not cause hair loss nor does it increase dandruff.
Fad diet, dieting without proper guidance (skipping a meal or eating only fruits and vegetables) can cause temporary hair loss, as hair requires proper protein and vitamins for growth.
Normal hair growth:
Hair goes through three phases of hair cycle
Growing phase(anagen): During this phase, hair grows continuosly for a period of three years or more. The growth rate is 0.5mm/day. Atleast 90% of scalp hair will be in growing phase.
Resting phase(telogen): During this phase, hair root degenerates slowly and becomes loose at the root. This period lasts for 1-6 months. Atleast 10% of scalp hair will be in resting phase.
Falling phase(catagen): During this phase, new hair starts growing from the hair root replacing the old hair. Naturally old hair falls off as the new hair pushes out the pold hair. The period lasts for 1-2 weeks. Atleast 1% of scalphair will be in falling phase at any time.
In a day atleast 20 -100 hairs will fall according to different phases of hair growth.
There are many diseases causing hair loss, which can be temporary or permanent hair loss. If excessive hair loss is seen, one should meet the skin specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Hair grooming techniques
Stop worrying about hair fall, mental stress can increase hair fall.
One should shampoo with any suitable shampoo atleast weekly twice to keep the hair free from dandruff. Avoid soapnut powder, as it can cause irritation of the scalp and does not give good relief from dandruff.
You can use any oil to condition the hair, that is to retain the luster and to help setting of hair. Avoid castor oil as it can cause irritation to scalp.
Comb the hairs with blunt bristle comb, having wide gap in between the bristles.
Combing has to be done meticulously without traumatizing the scalp and the hairs.
Keep the comb cleaned regularly.
Avoid tying of hairs too tight, avoid using curlers and avoid hot hair dryer.
Avoid sharing of comb as it can cause transmission of lice from one to another.
Regular cutting of hair for men and trimming of hairs for women will help in keeping the hair in good condition as lenghthy hairs get traumatized easily.
Well balanced nutritious food is important for a good hair growth. That is , you require two portion of raw vegetable salad, two fruits a day with lots of fluids. You also require protein in form of dry fruits, dhal, sprouts, non-veg etc and carbohydrates in form of cereals like ragi, wheat, jowar or rice.