Healthy Habits For Good Hair
Hairfall is a dreaded concern for almost every woman's health. Especially after 40, women start facing hair problems, and by the age of 50, the issues worsen. Everyone seems to have their explanations when it comes to hair problems. Most of them think it might be only dandruff, hormones, or maybe a side-effect of ageing or lack of biotin reproduction in hair. But there are some other aspects to hair problems. Ultimately the goal should be to get healthy and happy hair. But, before that, let's take a look at-
different kinds of hair problems that we face:
Dry hair:
Sometimes, applying shampoo too frequently can cause dry hair. It's always good to shampoo your hair on alternative days. Over-washing your hair might strip away all the natural oils from your hair.
Dullness:
There could be a lot of reasons to have dull hair. Especially heating your hair with artificial instruments can make your hair dull and sticky. Also, curling, straightening, spa heat can decrease the smoothness of your hair strands.
Split ends:
Split ends is one of the most common hair problems. Over-brushing your hair, too much heat, perming, or lack of good conditioner or shampoo can cause split ends in your hair.
Oily hair:
If your scalp produces too much natural oil (sebum), it can cause greasy hair. The sebum secretion happens through the sebaceous gland that sometimes secretes excessive oil.
Dandruff:
Dandruff can be a problematic issue for most people. It can happen due to many reasons, like poor diet, genetic problems, season change, using the wrong shampoo or maybe some side effects of medications.
Seasonal hairfall:
We all know that hairfall and winter winds go hand in hand. Before winter arrives, most of us start prepping up for our winter hair care. In winter, the dry weather sucks out all your moisture from the scalp. A dry scalp leads you to hairfall, dullness, and even severe hair damage. The winter season can also cause frizzy hair because the moisture level drops below average.
Issues related to chemical reactions:
Colouring or styling your hair too much can cause chemical reactions on your scalp. It makes the hair strands weaker from the roots and results in hair loss.
Grey hair:
Studies have shown that grey hair could also happen even at a young age. There is no particular reason behind it. Sometimes it's the gene, or sometimes due to stomach issues, we also see grey hairs.
Reasons for hairfall:
Genetic hair loss:
The reason for hair loss depends on the individual. Genes could be one of the common roots of hair loss. Sometimes it depends on the climate of your native place and also your food habits. Sometimes you have inherited genes that cause shrinking hair follicles and prevent hair growth. Sometimes hereditary hair loss can also start in your early teenage life. Especially in women, the first sign of hereditary hair loss is the overall thinning of hair strands. Sometimes this genetic hair loss is also referred to as Alopecia Areata. It is a disease that happens when your body's immune system attacks your hair follicles and causes hair loss.
Medication and treatments:
Especially in cancer treatments, you can lose hair within a few weeks of starting the treatments. Chemotherapy or radiation is not beneficial for your hair, and the chemical reaction makes the hair loose and prone to breakage. Your hair growth resumes within a few months of finishing all your chemo sessions. Sometimes wearing a cooling cap during the session can prevent hairfall.
Childbirth or stress:
A few months after childbirth, the new mom might see hairfall. Postpartum anxiety or stress is also one of the reasons for hairloss. Stress can push the hair follicles into a resting phase, preventing the production of new hair strands. When the excessive shedding stops, the hair regains fullness within 6 to 9 months.
Poor hair care:
Sometimes, we use many chemical products that don't even suit our scalp's skin. Also, if you colour, style, or perm your hair, it can lead you to permanent hair damage with ageing. Even if you continuously pull your hair back tightly, it can cause hairfall.
Hormonal imbalance:
PCOS is one of the common causes of hairloss on the scalp. In this condition, the Androgen secretion increases that Estrogen secretion and causes hair thinning and male pattern baldness.
Scalp infection:
Sometimes, we see bald spots or scaly areas in your hair. These are one of the signs of scalp infection. In addition, these infections can make your hair strands prone to breakage.
Tips for maintaining a healthy hair:
- -> Don't use warm water.
- -> Wash your scalp properly.
- -> Try to use natural shampoo rather than chemical substances.
- -> Try to consult with a doctor and understand your hair type.
- -> Don't forget to oil your hair.
- -> Protect your hair while swimming.
- -> Eat a protein-rich diet. Include lean meat, fish, beans, low-fat dairy products in your healthy diet.
- -> Zinc deficiency can also cause hairfall. So, try to eat vegetables, leafy salads, fruits, and plenty of filtered water.
- -> Omega 3 fatty acid stimulates hair follicles and sebaceous glands. It helps to improve scalp health. Try to have yoghurt, flax seeds, cereal, cottage cheese, and fatty fish.
- -> Don't blow-dry or style your hair frequently, and even if it's necessary, start on the lowest heat setting.
- -> Do not tie wet hair.
- -> Avoid colouring your hair or opt for natural colour.
- -> Massage your scalp to increase blood circulation.
- -> Get your hair cut frequently to avoid split-ends.
- -> Avoid drinking and smoking.
- -> Try to avoid unhealthy fats and carbs or even frozen food. Maintain a low-calorie diet.
- -> Monitor your thyroid hormone.
- -> Don't take excessive stress.
- -> Avoid blood thinners.
- -> Try to improve Biotin consumption for your hair. If needed, you can also use natural biotin supplements like andMe's plant-based Biotin drink. This drink consists of many beneficial Ayurvedic herbs and no chemical substances.
Why is Biotin necessary for hair growth?
Biotin or Vitamin B7 is necessary for your hair growth, especially while ageing. This is a water-soluble vitamin, so it is tough for your body to restore Biotin in cells. Most of the time, the Biotin level increases through our regular diet. Biotin stimulates hair follicle growth and prevents hairfall. Biotin also helps to increase hair shine, volume and scalp coverage. Also, Biotin is necessary to hydrate and smoothen the skin of your scalp.
Some mandatory food in your diet to enrich Biotin level:
- -> Legumes
- -> Nuts and seeds
- -> Egg yolks
- -> Mushrooms
- -> Sweet potatoes
- -> Chicken liver
- -> Bananas
- -> Broccoli
- -> Avocado
- -> Yeast