Navigation
Hair Loss News Archives
May 2006
A serious matter of concern for most people— hair loss can be treated.
No other treatment in modern times has aroused as much passion and controversy
as hair treatment.
An estimated 95 per cent of hair loss is genetic, but other
factors, such as nutrition, overall health, hormone deficiencies, overcoloring
of hair and emotional stress also contribute to the problem.
According to Dr Mukesh Batra, chairman and managing director of Dr Batra’s
Positive Health Clinic, "Hair loss is universally regarded as a negative trait
with a poor image of a bald man or woman.
The overall impression is that hair
and lots of it is good. And the loss of it, on the other hand is interpreted as
a sign of weakness and ageing."
In fact, a recent German study showed that when applying for jobs, 41 per cent
of men with an abundant crop of hair were selected for job interviews while only
27 per cent of men with bald pates were selected.
Another reason for controversy is that for every genuine treatment that exists
today, there are probably 10 more other treatments—which in the medical world
are politely described as ‘snake oil’ treatment.
Billions of dollars are spent
every year by research and development wings of various medical institutes in
searching for a safe and effective cure of hair loss.
Hair loss is medically termed as alopecia which means losing more than 100
strands every day. While it’s true that hair is not necessary for survival in
the way a heart or kidney is, "human life is more than survival," points out
Batra.
While most consider hair loss a cosmetic problem, very few realise its
underlying connection to any medical illness. Insists Batra, "Hair can be an
indicator not only for physical ailments but also for the emotional aspect of a
person."
For instance, if a patient comes with the problem of hair loss with ill defined
areas of hair loss and has a habit of pulling hair, then it could be a
psychiatric illness. Such a condition is called as Trichotillomania.
What you eat directly affects your brain. It can make you feel sleepy, jumpy, relaxed, impulsive or compulsive. When you are going through a period of stress, you need more of all nutrients, particularly the B vitamins, which affect the nervous system and calcium which is needed to counter the lactic acid your tense muscles produce.
Loss of hair with dry dull and limp hair can also be a sign of anaemia
or B-complex deficiency.
Tips for healthy hair
Wash your hair regularly in warm water. Use a deep conditionar.
Eat balanced diet with proper nutrition.
Chronic illness, high fevers and infections can contribute to hair loss.
Avoid hair colouring and perming as chemicals damage hair.
Avoid hairstyles like ponytails and cornrows, which stretch and pull hair.
It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day.
Consult your general physician or dermatologist regarding concerns about hair
loss.
Because of hormonal changes, nearly 50 per cent of women experience hair loss
after pregnancy. Normal hair production will eventually resume, though it can
take as long as six months.
Avoid mental stress and avoid smoking.
Exercise improves blood circulation to the scalp and stimulates the hair
follicles making them stronger. Sit cross legged on the floor.
Hold your hands
behind your back. Bend forward and touch your forehead to your right knee. Hold
until a count of 10. Slowly come back to your original position.