Having bad hair days often? Here is when you should be worried.
With winter creeping in, our hair is often the first thing to suffer the effects of the cold weather. But if your concerns are more severe than a bit of extra frizz, it could mean something more sinister. Here are a list of symptoms that will manifest on your locks if you suffer from a condition that warrants a visit to the doc.
Dry brittle hair
Regular use of hair straighteners and curling irons will naturally affect the quality of your mane.But very often what robs your hair of lustre and shine and results in excessive hairfall is actually dehydration. Hair experts recommend downing an additional two litres of water in a day and avoid alcohol, sugar and caffeine. If this doesn't repair the condition, and hair continues to remain extremely brittle, it could also be a sign of a thyroid problem. A GP or a trichologist would be in a position to recommend tests to verify this. A mild imbalance can be corrected by lifestyle and diet changes and by avoiding stress and eating healthy.HAIR CARE: Take a daily supplement rich in vitamin D, minerals, Omega 3 and copper.
Dandruff scaly scalp
Almost every second person suffers from dandruff and pays little note of what could be causing it.While mild dandruff may not be of concern, severe and repeated dandruff could hint at a weak immune system. One should get enough rest and avoid tension and check if it reduces the occurrence. Other conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema can also cause the problem but these will affect other parts of the body too.HAIR CARE: Wash your hair with a medicated dandruff shampoo that contains salicylic acid.
Hair thinning
Statistics say that 30 percent of women suffer from hair thinning post-menopause. This is said to be a result of hormonal imbalances which can also result in hair loss. The good new that for 50 percent of women suffering from this condition, this can be corrected through hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Only catch is that hair lost during menopause may not grow back for women for whom HRT was ineffective. The only permanent treatment, in which case, would be hair transplant.HAIR CARE: If you notice hair thinning along with menopausal symptoms, visit a GP and discuss options of HRT.
Premature greying
Greying in your 20s can be embarrassing and is mostly genetic. But stress (which uses up the vitamin B), nutritional and hormonal factors can also influence hair colour. In a few cases certain, diabetes and thyroid problems can also cause premature greying. If early greying is accompanied by excessive thirst and extreme fatigue, visit a GP.
Hair care:
Take vitamin B supplements for stress. Avoid smoking or alcohol.
Short layers on top
If you've noticed that the length of your hair is shorter on top because of break age, it's likely that your diet lacks protein. This could also render your locks less resistant to heat and chemicals. Sugary foods can affect absorption of proteins and must be avoided.
Hair care:
Include a palm-sized portion of proteins to your diet.
Bald spots
Sometimes the way you wear your hair could be reason for your receding hairline. Tying your hair up in a high ponytail by pulling the hair back too tightly could permanently damage the follicles.
Hair care:
Try to spot the signs early and stop whatever was causing it.
Receding hairline
While one associates receding hairline with ageing, chances are, they're usually triggered by lack of diet nutrients. Crash diets and PCOS can also cause this condition among women.Women who could be suffering from PCOS will also display other signs like facial hair and hair on arms, chest and buttocks.
Hair care:
If you have PCOS, accompanied by symptoms like irregular period and weight gain, consult a GP and a dietician to acquire a more balanced diet.
BDST: 1419 HRS, Nov-27, 2014
