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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, a renowned dermatologist and laser surgeon, shares some simple at-home hair care tips to help us maintain our crowing glory.
While it is important to focus on a healthy body and mind, it is equally important that we take care of our hair too. Maintaining a healthy hair habit will help us maintain healthier hair.
A healthy hair care regime will ensure that our hair stays nourished, frizz-free, and strong, and it will also maintain its shine. Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, a renowned dermatologist and laser surgeon, shares some simple at-home hair care tips to help us maintain our crowing glory.
1. Do not use an over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo on a regular basis. It can cause premature greying and damage to the hair root and shaft. Do not comb wet hair rigorously. I am sure most readers would know the reason, but still many do! But patience is the key for these tresses and also, wet hair will shed more, so please avoid it.
2. Do not keep artificial colour in your hair all year. Once it runs out, let your hair be the colour it is – at least for 2-3 months before you go for that streaking or global colouring treatment again. Also, do not get multiple treatments like colouring and straightening at or around the same time. Give your hair some rest; either go for one or give a gap of four weeks so that the hair cycle can change. You can also boost the immunity of your hair by eating vitamin H–biotin, which is an important hair building structure. Also, pantothenic acid will help in the same.
3. Do not use hair styling gels and straightening gels ever! Also, using hair sunscreens is not important, but a leave-on conditioner can be applied to dry, damaged hair 2-3 times a week. Use a wide-toothed comb if hair fall is present. Do not use a combing brush or small comb. Also avoid sharing your comb with others, especially when you do not know their scalp condition.
4. If you have scalp psoriasis and also dandruff, then please do not oil your hair. As oil is like a meal for Malassezia yeast, which is the causative organism for dandruff.
5. Do not keep your tresses in a bun if you have long hair all the time, as it can lead to traction alopecia and hair fall. If you tie a ponytail, do not keep it very tight. And definitely avoid tying your hair during sleep.
6. Do not use the same shampoo for months at a time. It is always a good idea to keep changing the brand, even in one week. Use 2 shampoos alternatively to prevent resistance and excess chemical damage.
7. Do not ever tumble dry your hair and put your head down to clean it, as that causes more root damage to the hair and can lead to excessive loss of follicles.
8. Do not pick up hair serums from the market without a dermatologist’s opinion, as sometimes you may not need them and, sometimes, they can cause more damage.
9.Do not keep your hair tied up for a full 24 hours. Always allow breathing time daily and let it open at least for a short while daily.
10. Do not use the same brand of hair dye every month, and alternate only ammonia-free dyes on a regular basis. If you can switch to vegetable hair dyes, that is best.
11. Do not go for a hair transplant at a very early age as you will lose the donor area. But if you feel the need for a transplant, then maybe just go for a hairline restoration and also go for PRP-stem cell infusions.
12. Do not cut your hair once a year, but every 3 months. At least go for a trim to have healthy hair growth and to get rid of the split ends.
13. Do not tie wet hair as they are weak shafts of hair and traction by tying and during styling can lead to hair fall.
14. Post-pregnancy hair loss is a common issue. Those tresses will grow back, and this shedding is normal. You can visit your dermatologist and choose a treatment regimen for yourself.
15. Do not use a home hair straightening iron more than twice a month. Also, never start the iron pressing from the bottom to the top; always go from the top to the bottom. Remember not to leave the head rollers in your hair overnight, or at least not for more than 3-4 hours.
16. A milder form of trichotillomania is very common in teenagers and young adults – especially during times of stress. Do not pull your hair out. But that does not mean one should switch to nail-biting! Better yet, try to maintain peace of mind and avoid stress.
17. Do not wear jewellery in the ears that extends into the hair regularly. But if you do, especially during various functions, then apply a bit of cream on the hook of the attachment before putting it into the hair.
18. Do not go for oil or powder head massages if you are suffering from hair fall, as this can lead to more root damage and hair fall. According to medical science, most hair oils are only like an external conditioner and cannot get absorbed into the scalp.
19. Do not waste time on self-medication if you are having a hair fall. Visit your dermatologist for an opinion.
Always remember that losing up to 100 hairs a day is normal, owing to our hair cycle. It is a normal process of shedding and should not be considered as hair fall.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is an acclaimed dermatologist and a laser surgeon. She is also a visiting faculty at AIIMS, Rishikesh.
Disclaimer: Views expressed above are the author’s own.
