You have about 100,000 hairs on your scalp. Each hair shaft has three layers. The cuticle; the outside layer protects the two inner layers. The natural oil – sebum on the hair makes your hair look shiny. “Taking proper care of your hair can make your look wonderful. And this depends upon the type of hair you have, your lifestyle and how you style your hair”, says Pune-based practicing dermatologist Dr Meena Sawla.

Speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology’s meet, dermatologist Dr Zoe D. Draelos, from High Point, North Carolina, USA, mentioned, “Safeguarding your hair from unnecessary chemical damage is a worthwhile investment, as the result will be hair that maintains its texture and radiance over the long term”.

Dealing with ‘bad’ hair days

Dandruff – flakes of dead skin can be embarrassing although not contagious. Recent studies reveal that it may be caused by a type of fungus. “For both the fine powdery type and the wet itchy type, washing your hair better, helps. But if after shampooing you get more dandruff then it could be because of a skin problem on your scalp or that the shampoo is irritating your scalp”, informs Dr Nina Madnani, Department co-ordinator, Dermatology, P D Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai. Stubborn cases of dandruff often respond to medicated shampoos containing zinc, selenium sulphide, salicylic acid or tars.

For greying and dandruff, Anar Shah, Manager, Wellspring Fitness Centre, Mumbai recommends a diet rich in anti-oxidants and vitamin A,C,E and minerals such as selenium and zinc can help. “You can get these from green leafy veggies, citrus fruits, red and yellow vegetables, fish, wheat germ, whole grains, vegetable oils etc”, she says.

Hair breakage can be worrisome. Dr Madnani blames it on hair procedures such as straightening, bonding relaxing, ironing, excessive hair drying and most importantly bad grooming habits, and using hair dyes often or getting drastic hair colour changes. Hyperthyroidism or an eating disorder can also cause dry, brittle hair that break.

More than breakage, hair loss can be frightening. “It is normal for you to lose some hair; about 100 hairs each day. But the problem with hair loss is that it thins at a rate, which cannot be replaced” explains Dr Sawla. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent. Men generally have hair loss (alopaecia) giving rise to baldness.

“Using wide toothed combs and using conditioners can help reduce hair breakage”, avers Dr Madnani. Medications, creams, ointments, and steroid injections – all help in treating hair loss and baldness. Over-the-counter medication minoxidil (Rogaine) promotes new hair growth and prevents further hair loss in some people. Hair transplants and scalp reduction surgery are available for treating baldness. If you do not respond to treatment, you may want to consider wearing a wig or hairpiece.

Caring for your hair

Hair requires to be treated gently; curly and dry hair is more fragile than straight hair. Skin experts say that it is not necessary to wash your hair daily. Also, if you have dry hair, you may want to wash it less frequently. It is safer to use a mild shampoo if you wish to wash your hair often. You may want to wash your hair after a rigorous workout. Sun, saltwater or the chlorine in swimming pool water can dry your hair out, no matter what your hair type is. It is a good idea to wear a cap to protect your hair when you are out in the sun.

Says Dr. Madnani, “The only way to improve your hair is through proper nutrition. Use of oil on the scalp cannot nourish the roots of your hair as it is unable to penetrate the skin. It conditions and smoothens the hair but is bad for people with greasy dandruff and those with acne”.

For healthy hair and controlling hair fall, Ms Shah suggests a diet rich in protein, iron and B group vitamins such as pulses, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, eggs, soybeans, dairy products, nuts and seeds.

Healthy hair tips

• Eat a healthy nutritious diet
• Handle your hair gently. Avoid compulsive pulling, twisting or rubbing of hair
• Allow your hair to air-dry naturally
• Regular trimming of hair helps protect your hair from splitting and damage
• Semi- permanent colours such as henna are fairly safe. Permanent colours with para-phenylenediamine (PPD) are bad for hair. Colours and hair dyes may cause allergic reactions
• Relaxers or straighteners and perms can cause scalp skin irritation and hair breakage
• Be careful about your hair pieces or styling techniques

Pic: Thiago Martins