Tress Stress

By Dr Madhuri on Monday, June 14, 2010 - 12:11

Hair loss can affect women of all ages, and is mostly related to the state of nutrition, the hormones, and stress. Despite getting the shampoo, oil and washing right, if the hairfall persists, how do we deal with it? Dr. Madhuri Vaidyeswar answers some common queries on health of the hair and haircare.

Is having hair loss normal?

Hair goes through a natural growth phase, followed by a resting phase after which it is shed. When hair is shed, new hair from the same follicle replaces it and the growing cycle starts again. Most hair shedding is due to the normal hair cycle, and losing up to 50 hairs per day need not be a cause for alarm. If this continues over a period of time, then the underlying cause has to be treated.

What can cause hair fall in women?

Anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia, can cause hair loss, and is a common cause in young women, and in women with heavy menstrual flow. An iron rich diet and adequate supplementation of iron treats this problem.

Hormonal imbalance and menstrual disorders can cause hair fall in women. During menopause many women lose significant amounts of hair. After childbirth a woman generally has hair fall, but this resolves completely in most cases. Treating the underlying condition can control the hair fall. Hormonal medicines can also cause hair loss. Conditions like PCOD also are accompanied by hair fall. 

In women, Stress is a major cause for hair fall. High mental or emotional stress can cause increased hair fall, and thinning or graying of the hair. Regular loss of sleep can also lead to stress and hairfall.

Thyroid disorders can cause hair loss. Both an over-active thyroid and an under-active thyroid can cause hair loss. Hair loss with tiredness and obesity or sudden weight loss can indicate a thyroid dysfunction.

Does what we eat make a difference to the hair?

Poor nutrition, sudden change in diet, a weight loss diet, or a low protein diet can affect the nutrition to the hair. Massive hair shedding can occur two to three months after a crash diet. Correcting the diet can control this within a few weeks.

Can we go wrong with our hair care routine?

Severe dandruff and some strong anti dandruff shampoos can damage the hair. Too frequent washing of the hair and strong shampoos can also cause hair loss. Chemical treatment including dyes, tints, bleaches, straighteners and permanent waves do not generally cause hair loss but the hair can become weak and break if any of these is done repeatedly. Diseases of the scalp like fungal infection (Ringworm) of the scalp, psoriasis etc can also cause hair fall, so taking care of hygiene of the scalp is important.
How do we care for the scalp and hair?

Oil regularly with almond or olive oil for dryness of scalp, massage on to the scalp, leave overnight and wash. Use a mild shampoo with natural or herbal ingredients.

Avoid repeated chemical or heat treatments to the hair. If there is a severe dandruff problem, do not use oil, and consult with a doctor to treat the dandruff.

What are the holistic treatments for this problem?

Diet

• Eat 2-3 almonds every morning, this is very rich in vitamin E and is very nutritious for the hair.
• Add greens, ragi and carrots in your daily diet.
• Drink a fresh fruit juice daily.
• Have green grams and sprouts, rich in protein, daily.

Homeopathy

The cause of the hairfall is treated, along with medicines to supplement the health of the hair and scalp. Dandruff comes down with the treatment; conditions like thyroid disorders and hormonal imbalance are treated, along with supplementing the hair growth with Homeopathic medicines.

Ayurveda

Shirodhara is excellent for the hairloss, and stress. Hair fall associated with chronic illness, or hormonal imbalance corrects itself with the treatment of the underlying condition.

Yoga

Surya namaskaras done regularly improve the circulation to the scalp and also improve the absorption of nutrients. Pranayama helps to destress.

Dr Madhuri Vaidyeshwar, is a Holistic Health Consultant. She runs Vaidya Health Centre in Bangalore.