Hair Loss || Dr. Abida Sultana

What is Hair Loss?

Hair is made of a type of protein called Keratin. Hair contains 97% protein and 3% water. The only hair which is visible is dead cells. Because there are no sensitive cells in it. Hair grows half an inch every month. A hair normally grows for two to four years. Then the growth slows down. Hair grows faster in summer but less in winter. The average lifespan of a hair is two to eight years. So some hair falls naturally every day.

Why does Hair fall occur?

There are two main reasons for hair loss at an abnormal rate. One is genetic and the other is age-related. Hormones are responsible for hereditary or genetic hair loss. Also, with age, the hair follicles shrink or the hair growth cycle shortens. As a result, the rate of hair fall increases than the rate of hair growth. Hair loss is usually caused by dandruff, androgenic hormones, anxiety and using various types of cosmetics on the hair.

Ways for prevention of Hair Loss:

* Hair should be kept clean and free from dandruff.

* Live a worry free life.

* Hair color changes with age, it must be accepted. Artificial colors should be avoided as much as possible.

* Avoid trying to straighten curly hair.

* It is not right to pull the hair. Comb gently and do not over comb wet hair. Fix hair to stay soft. A fine-toothed comb is better than a brush.

* Shampoo should be used according to hair type.

* Consult a doctor before taking any medication.

Foods that are most effective in preventing Hair Loss:

* Different types of nuts like cashew nuts, Chinese nuts, peanuts contain healthy fats. Especially omega fats. Which helps in strengthening the hair roots and making the hair grow longer. This fat cannot be produced by the body on its own. To be taken from food. Due to its lack, hair fall occur, hair color becomes lighter. So you can keep some almond in your breakfast.

* Yellow, orange colored vegetables and fruits like sweet potato, carrot, mango, papaya, sweet pumpkin are rich in vitamin A. The hair follicle, from which the hair grows, needs vitamin A to function properly. And a very good source of it is these yellow and orange colored vegetables and fruits. For example, half of the daily vitamin requirement for hair is fulfilled in just half a cup of carrots.

* Eat eggs regularly. Eggs are very essential for hair. Our hair is made entirely of protein. Lack of protein causes hair loss. So eating eggs regularly will reduce your hair loss.

* Spinach is very beneficial for thick black hair. It contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron which will help your hair to become thick and black.

* You can keep pulses in your regular diet. Pulses are rich in protein and iron. Iron helps blood supply to our scalp to reach the roots of the hair with oxygen.

* Practice eating chickpeas. Chickpeas contain iron, zinc and protein. Deficiency of any of these three can cause hair loss. So you can keep chickpeas in your diet for beautiful hair.

* Various sour fruits like Orange, Malta, Lemon and all kinds of sour fruits and sour yogurt will help in preventing your hair loss.

Treatment

2-5 percent Minoxidil is very beneficial. The most commonly used drug for age-related hair loss or baldness is Minoxidil. It is available in cream, foam or spray form. If used properly, it reduces the rate of hair loss and also helps in new hair growth. Both men and women can use it.The best treatment for hair loss is PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy with Minoxidil topical solution. Recently hair transplantation is done, but it is expensive. But everything should be done according to the advice of the expert doctor.