Hair Worries

With the nip in the air, our hair turns dry and brittle. Hair fall, thinning, a persistent itch and dandruff are commonly heard complaints. According to a survey almost 50% of women suffer from hair loss. This is due to the changes in weather conditions. Some other factors that can also trigger hair loss are perming, straightening, colouring etc. Chemical treatments and cold weather breaks the protective coating of the scalp, disturbing the hair’s chemical bond and leading to breakage. Another cause of hair fall is excessive dieting and minimum consumption of proteins.

Milk, cheese, sprouts and paneer are protein rich foods and should be consumed in moderation. At times, you may notice a sudden hair fall, this is due to frequent flying, since there are no humidifiers in the flight hair tends to turn lustreless.

A sudden fall in temperature also leaves you feeling cold and aggravates hair fall. It causes your scalp to itch constantly. Many people assume that these flakes are dandruff but actually they are pityriasis sicca. Indiscriminate use of anti-dandruff shampoos worsens the condition. Try some home remedies to cure the condition.

1) Take a little warm olive oil and gently massage it into your hair using your finger tips.

2) Curd applied weekly, especially on dry hair acts as a cleanser and is a natural conditioner. It helps in reducing flaky scalp condition.

3) Avoid applying vinegar, beer and alcohol based hair gels and sprays, as these tend to make the scalp flaky and hasten the greying process. Instead use aloe vera gel.

4) Avoid frequent use of henna during winter to prevent dryness and hair loss. Instead apply honey diluted in water, use it as a final rinse after shampooing. It will add the much needed shine to dry brittle, lack lustre hair.

5) Mix curd with fenugreek seeds and apply for 15 minutes, then wash off.