DDo you dream of having beautiful, healthy hair and keep experimenting to get the desired results? There are a myriad of myths surrounding this topic, and it’s important to dispel them, or else you’ll end up damaging your hair.
Shaving hair to change its thickness, color, or growth rate is pointless — right from the start. Hair grows in a natural cycle that is unaffected by shaving. Although the hair that grows back after shaving may appear thicker and coarser due to the blunt tip, the thickness remains unchanged. To the naked eye, the blunt tip of the hair shaft reflects more light, creating the illusion of thickness.
Additionally, it may appear that baby hairs or fine hairs have turned darker after shaving, but once it is exposed to sun and chemicals, it will eventually return to its natural color.
Before we get into the details of how to promote thick hair, let us understand what is the purpose of hair on our body. Hair, similar to fingernails, is a bodily excrement, which protects us from harsh weather, acts as an innate cap that regulates our body temperature, and prevents overheating. However, when we shave our body hair, we remove this natural protection which leads to headaches and other problems like heat stroke. That’s why those who prefer to be bald should wear a hat outside.
I am often asked about effective ways to increase hair growth naturally. Here are a few tips.
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a ‘child lifestyle’
Hair growth is affected by a wide variety of factors, and stress is a particularly important reason for poor growth. Chronic stress can disrupt the growth cycle of our hair, resulting in hair loss and thinning. To keep stress at bay, you can practice relaxation techniques, get enough sleep, and engage in physical activity.
Also, a nutritious and healthy diet is essential to encourage good hair growth. Biotin, an essential component for hair health, is found in a variety of foods, including eggs, almonds and whole grains. Protein is also essential as it supplies the building blocks for strong, shiny hair and hence, you should try to include lean meats, fish and beans in your regular diet. Don’t overlook the need for iron and vitamin D, which are also essential for good hair growth.
water quality
Do you know that the water you use to wash your hair has a great impact on your health? Washing your hair with hard water can strip it of its natural oils, making it dry and brittle. However, using cool water can help keep your hair moisturized and prevent damage and breakage. You should also pay attention to your shampoo and hair conditioner – try to choose mild, sulfate-free products.
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oiling
Oiling hair is a ritual that has been passed down through generations. However, applying excessive oil can actually harm your hair and scalp. If you live in a polluted city like Delhi, the extra oil on your scalp can attract more dust, which can lead to dandruff. Whenever you oil your hair, make sure you wash it within 30 minutes and don’t do it more than once a month. You can apply bhringraj, coconut or mustard oil.
Steam treatment is another way to promote hair growth. Steaming the scalp can be a great way to stimulate hair growth, but don’t overdo it. Taking a steam bath once or twice a week can be beneficial depending on your age, height, weight and other health issues.
shampoo and massage
Using gentle shampoos free of harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, silicones, fragrances, and dyes will help maintain the pH balance of the scalp, helping hair health and growth. However, depending on only one brand of shampoo can lead to unwanted side effects like hair fall, graying, allergies etc. Avoid this by changing brands of shampoo every few weeks. A gentle scalp massage while shampooing can stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, providing essential nutrients for healthy growth. By incorporating this technique into your hair care routine, you can have healthy hair.
aversive conditioning
If you live in a humid climate and struggle with frizzy or oily hair, one simple trick may be the answer to all your hair woes. Instead of the standard shampoo-then-conditioner process, consider applying conditioner before you shampoo. It will protect and condition your hair without the harsh chemicals and softening agents. Final result? Your hair will appear healthier, more manageable and less prone to dandruff. Additionally, you must deep condition your hair regularly to keep it healthy and shiny.
avoid the use of heat
It is important to minimize exposure to harsh chemicals, heat, and hair products like gels, smoothing, and coloring agents as they can damage your delicate hair. While drying hair at home, choose cool air instead of heat. Avoid vigorous towel drying and rubbing or pulling. If you’re experiencing hair loss, don’t pluck out stray hairs.
Sometimes applying aloe vera gel or yogurt overnight is an excellent remedy for hair growth; Washing with amla and shikakai can be another.
use a wide tooth comb
If you’re experiencing excessive hair loss — shedding more than 100 hairs per day — it becomes even more important to be gentle with your hair when washing and drying it. I suggest avoiding baths and bucket showers – baths can put pressure on your scalp, which can lead to more hair loss. Keep your head straight when washing and drying it, especially if you have long hair. You can use a wide-tooth comb, which is gentler and reduces the risk of breakage.
correct your shortcomings
Loss of 50 to 100 hairs per day is considered normal. But excessive hair fall can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies in your body. Keep a close eye on the amount of hair you’re losing, and get your vitamin K levels checked if it persists for more than 10 days. Deficiency of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Iron, Ferritin, Calcium can contribute to hair loss. If that doesn’t improve the condition of your hair, more serious underlying health problems may be the culprit.
From maintaining a healthy diet to using the right products and styling tools, taking good care of your hair can do wonders for enhancing its appearance. With proper care and attention, your hair can enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Dermatologist, Anti-allergy specialist, Laser Surgeon and Internationally trained Esthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Thoughts are personal.
(Edited by Hamra Like)