Let your hair down, girls
Varun Das
Are you tired of a bunch of your hair stuck in your comb each time you run it over your hair? It is not something unheard of. Many people face this, especially in the summer and fall. But worry not, as some tricity-based dermatologists dole out advice, explaining why it happens, and how this can be prevented. So you can finally let your hair down, and relish the season.
No conditioning agents
“Hair loss is not necessarily seasonal, but there are some factors which can aggravate the hair fall during summer,” says Dr Monica Mittal, a Chandigarh-based dermatologist. “Fungal infections in summer can worsen hair loss. People also tend to apply excessive conditioning agents to the scalp these days. They should refrain from doing so.”
No to hot ait treatments
“Avoid hot hair-treatments such as perming, straightening or colouring in the rainy season. When combined with wet weather, these treatments further tend to weaken the hair shaft and promote breakage and hairfall. Hair dryers or ironing the hair is not advisable either as the repeated flow of hot air can cause breakage, and split ends. Instead, decrease the heat. Avoid using your blow dryer every day. By giving your hair a break from the heat, you are reducing the potential damage it can do to your hair. Remember, the hotter the blow dryer, the more breakage it can cause, so try the low setting or air your hair dry. If you use heating tongs, you can actually boil the water in the hair shaft, which will cause the hair to break near the scalp. Keep your hair dryers at least 12 inches away from your hair, and use heating tongs on dry hair only,” advises Dr Vikas Sharma, a dermatologist and dermato-laser surgeon from the National Skin Hospital.
Keep scalp clean
Dr Vikas Sharma believes that keeping the scalp clean can reduce the risk of hair fall. “Make sure that your hair and scalp are always clean. It would help your hair grow faster. Dirt clogs the hair follicles, which makes it more difficult for the hair to grow. However, do not shampoo every day, as men’s hair gets easily damaged and excessive shampooing can dehydrate the hair and cause breakage. Shampoo twice a week while cleanse hair with a conditioner daily,” he says.
Stay hydrated
“Consume a minimum of 2 litres of water every day,” suggests Dr Pooja Mittal, a Panchkula-based dermatologist. “Dehydration hinders hair growth, as our hair needs moisture. Furthermore, hydrated hair roots also help solve issues like dandruff.”
Healthy diet
Dr Pooja Mittal further stresses on the importance of consuming a balanced diet. “To ensure a healthy scalp and hair, it is imperative to consume a healthy diet. Eat food materials that are rich in protein. Fish is a good example. Consuming food items rich in Vitamin C like oranges and tomatoes is also advisable.”
Apply onion juice
“Applying onion or garlic juice to your hair and scalp have many benefits. Not only do they foster hair growth, but also they restore the lustre of the hair,” shares Dr Mittal.
