The Mane Of Your Dreams

Stay Young Bureau | Oct 13, 2023, 18:45 IST

Don’t toss and turn with nightmares about hair loss. Dream of beautiful strong lustrous hair. Read on to know how to make this dream come true.

If you have looked in the mirror, spotted your scalp visible through the receding hairline, and blamed your genetics, you are not alone. But the most common reason does not lie in the family tree, even if it is one of the major reasons. Some of the leading causes of receding hairline and constant hair fall are due to our lifestyle and are often controllable. All that stands between you and a healthy, lustrous hair is the right knowledge.

Mane Matters

Apart from certain medical conditions like alopecia, stress and pollution are some of the leading causes of hair loss in men and women. Sudden or excessive weight loss, a severe physical or emotional shock, a constant stress-filled lifestyle, surgery, or even the simple flu could bring hair loss for several months.

Excessive hair treatments like heat application, straightening, curling, and blow drying may also cause hair breakage and hair fall by making the strands brittle. However, this does not lead to permanent damage as the myth persists. Hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, and pregnancy can also cause temporary or permanent hair loss.

Nutrient deficiency is one of the main reasons for the thinning volume of hair. In the rapidly growing culture of an on-the-go lifestyle filled with fast food, nutrient deficiency is an invisible culprit. Hair loss could just be the beginning. Men and women of all age groups struggle with hair loss, however, there are many ways to gain a beautiful mane of thick and shiny locks with simple lifestyle changes.

Men and women experience different types of hair loss called male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. It is, therefore, important to know the scientific cause behind your hair loss and work out a solution accordingly.

Channeling Rapunzel

For a Rapunzel-like mane, the most important thing to do is regulate the intake of proper nutrients, especially maintaining vitamin D levels. A protein-rich diet enhances hair growth and quality. A well-balanced diet complete with micronutrients can also help promote hair growth.

Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. The application of keratin-rich serum can breathe life into dull frail hair. Fruit and antioxidant-based hair masques also enhance hair quality, reducing the harmful chemical effects caused by excessive hair treatments, pollution, and other environmental factors. Treating hair with appropriate sunscreen (yes, hair sunscreen is a real thing!) and retaining moisture in the scalp are also important for healthy hair growth. It is, however, a good idea to consult dermatologists or trichologists to understand your unique hair requirements before treating it with random cosmetics and chemicals. Improper cosmetic treatment can do more harm than good.

People affected by hormonal or medical conditions that lead to non-reversible hair damage also have cosmetic or surgical options such as wigs or hair transplants available. It is advisable to consult certified doctors in case of hair transplantation. There are various criteria that a person must fit into before being eligible for such extensive measures. For minimally invasive treatments, you can ask your dermatologist about mesotherapy, which is a process that administers medicine into the scalp to encourage hair growth. Age, medications, underlying medical condition, and their effects are some of the factors worth considering before opting for this option.

Tried, Tested, and Accepted

There are many homemade remedies available to regain the lost shine of the hair. Regular application of hair oil and scalp massage strengthens the roots. Curry leaves are known to have enriching effects and promote hair growth. Rinsing the hair with rice water is also beneficial for hair health. Vitamin E, amino acids, vitamin B, and minerals in rice water may enhance hair quality. The application of onion and green tea is proven beneficial in hair quality enhancement and reduction of hair loss.

A well-balanced diet is extremely important to regain, maintain, and enhance hair growth and quality. A healthy diet is the key to a healthy life and a lustrous mane.

Know What ‘Not’ To Do

Most times, the secret of what NOT to do is more important than following a slew of treatments. Here’s a list you must stick to, no matter what.

Constant chemical hair treatments are a big NO
Heat treatments, if you have brittle hair
Skipping the protein-rich hair serum
Shampoo followed by conditioner is never an option, always an obligation
Do not underestimate the value of good haircare products

Hair loss, hair fall and hair thinning are different aspects of the same problem. By getting expert medical help, you can identify the cause and treat the condition effectively. So, don’t lose heart when you are losing hair.

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician or doctor. The Company does not vouch for or endorse any of the above content, and disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the same.