Hair fall getting out of control? Your hot shower might be to blame

Hair fall getting out of control? Your hot shower might be to blame

Hair fall getting out of control?

This can be caused by a number of factors that can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, such as chemotherapy, medical conditions, medications, nutritional, and also stress factors. These can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss.

A normal person loses from a range of 50 to 200 strands of hairs a day (out of 80,000 to 120,000 hairs on the head). So don't get a shock if you see a small clump of hair stuck in the drain after rinsing your hair.

I have thick, curly unmanageable hair due to my strong Indian genes. I have been using some straightening regimen for years and often get questioned by my family and friends on how I keep my hair strong and healthy.

Here are a few simple things I do to keep my mane healthy.

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Eat for healthy hair

Similar to our skin, healthy shiny hair is a reflection of our health. Healthy fats and proteins are crucial to prevent hair breakage. Protein is the building block for hair thus insufficient protein intake causes dry, brittle and breakage of hair. Extremely low intake of protein can result in hair loss.

Healthy fats provide the essential oils that keep our scalp and hair hydrated. One of the most important healthy fats is Omega-3 fatty acids that can only be obtained from food such as salmon.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some dietitians claim that the more popular B vitamins - such as B-12 (also called cobalamin), biotin, and niacin can help strengthen and condition hair. B-vitamin complex can be found in whole grains, cauliflower, carrots, dark-leafy greens, beef liver, poultry, eggs, soybeans, nuts, avocados, and legumes.

Beware of heat

Direct heat on your hair is as damaging as heat on skin. If you use straightening irons, use one where the heat can be adjusted, as heat above 400 degrees Fahrenheit can fry your hair. Spray heat protectant spray on your hair before applying heat on your hair; it will act as a protective barrier. Heat protectant spray, serum or cream acts like sunscreen on our skin. They replenish moisture and act as a defence against frying your hair strands.

Pamper your hair at least once a month

Your hair is as important as your skin. Nourish your hair with strengthening hair oils and treatments to keep your locks looking healthy.

This is even more vital if you regularly style or colour your hair. The best thing that you can do for your hair is to regularly use natural treatments or masks to prevent brittle and dry hair.

Pop some pills

Take some extra daily supplements of zinc, B-vitamin complex, fish oil pills to make hair stronger. Not every nutrient can be obtained from our diet, hence some vitamins and supplements will help to keep your locks healthy and strong.

Moisturise your hair

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to ignore your frizzy hair. Frizzy hair makes your hair vulnerable to pollutants, sunlight and heat. Washing your hair regularly is important for healthy-looking hair, and applying conditioner after shampooing is crucial to keep the hair keratins strong. One thing you should add to your haircare regimen is to apply hair moisturising oil, serum or cream after a good hair wash.

Coconut oil is one the best natural hair moisturising agents. Apply some coconut oil and wrap your hair in a shower cap for at least 15-20 minutes before you hit the shower. It is an excellent remedy for keeping hair shiny, strong and healthy.

Sleep with hair in a loose pony tail

Yes! This will reduce hair fall by 30 per cent. Tossing and turning while you sleep can cause friction and lead to small strands of your hair breaking off on your pillow. It also helps if you use silk or satin pillowcases as your hair will be less likely to get tangled or damaged.

Gently dry your wet hair

Towel dry your hair by squeezing out the water and dabbing instead of rubbing vigorously. This will prevent hair breakage.

Use a wide-toothed comb to separate tangled hair and let your hair dry naturally. If you use a leave-in conditioner, use the comb to ensure that the conditioner is distributed evenly. Some leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz oil will tame your hair.

Brush your hair before bed to stimulate hair follicles

Brush your hair from the bottom to the roots ie layer by layer. Separate your hair into three or four horizontal sections and start with the bottom layer, moving to the next layer once detangled and smooth. Brushing also promotes blood flow to your scalp for healthy hair growth.

A Big-NO to hot shower for your scalp

A hot shower after a long, rough day is hard to resist, especially to get the gunk out of greasy hair. As therapeutic as it can be, hot showers are damaging to the scalp. It weakens your hair follicles and causes dry and flaky scalp. Hair loss is the unavoidable consequence of hot showers. Wash your hair with cold or lukewarm water instead.

Also read: 6 things you need to know about hair loss

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