IF you have started to notice more hair fall than normal when combing or after shampooing, it's best to take a look at your diet. While hair loss can be triggered by many conditions, including the use of harsh styling products and stress, the primary cause is a deficient diet. Reversing hair loss starts with what's on your plate.
Eat right and practise a good hair care routine that cleanses, and nourishes the scalp to boost hair growth and strengthen hair follicles.
Simple, everyday ingredients play a key role in hair health. Here are some examples:
Amla/Indian gooseberry
This tiny fruit packs quite a punch when it comes to nutrients. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, it has all the right ingredients to boost hair growth and reduce hair loss.
It has been used in the traditional Indian healing practice of ayurveda for centuries.
Curry leaves
Widely used in Indian and Southeast Asian cooking, this kitchen ingredient is a good source of amino acids and can help strengthen hair. Nutrients like calcium, iron and phosphorus provide additional benefits to the hair and scalp. Curry leaves are also traditionally believed to slow down premature greying.
Oysters
A highly potent source of zinc, which is crucial for hair health and growth. In fact, people with a lack of zinc in their diet may experience hair loss. Shrimp, mussels and crabs are also good sources of zinc so dip into seafood to give hair a nutrient boost.
Guava
This common tropical fruit has a very high vitamin C content. If you have hair that breaks or snaps easily when combing or brushing, you need to consume more vitamin C-rich food to strengthen hair.
Sweet potatoes
A good source of beat carotene, sweet potato does wonders for your crowning glory. It helps combat the signs of dry, dull hair. Adding sweet potatoes and other beta-carotene foods, such as carrots, to your daily diet helps maintain healthy hair.
Chickpeas
Iron is an important nutrient for hair health. Iron deficiency can cause hair loss. If you're vegetarian, it's important to add adequate iron-rich ingredients to your meals on a daily basis and chickpeas are a good source. Whether added to salads or used in curries and stews, they offer multiple benefits and are also a good source of protein.
Eggs
Hair growth comes from consuming an adequate amount of the right nutrients, and protein and biotin are essential elements. Eggs provide both these nutrients easily. Given that eggs can be consumed at any time of the day, it's an easy way to boost hair health.
Leafy greens
There's a reason your mum told you to finish your greens. Leafy green vegetables, especially spinach, contain iron, folate, and vitamins A and C, all essential nutrients for hair growth and healthy hair. Leafy green vegetables also have keratin which helps strengthen hair follicles, so load up on salads and stir fries whenever possible.
HAIR CARE — GO GENTLE
•Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle wet hair and prevent breakage after shampooing.
•Massage the scalp gently during each shampoo to promote better blood circulation. Avoid scratching the scalp aggressively during cleansing.
• Don't over style — the use of heat styling tools such as hair dryers and hair straighteners can cause hair to become dry and brittle, and snap easily.
• If styling is called for, apply a protective serum on hair before proceeding with heat styling. Whenever possible, allow hair to dry naturally after a wash.
•Do away with high ponytails or other constricting styles such as tight buns which add stress to the roots and can result in hair loss.
•A regular trim at the edges helps hair grow. The general rule is to have a trim every six to eight weeks.