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HomeOpinionMundan or oiling won't give you thicker hair. This is what you...

Mundan or oiling won’t give you thicker hair. This is what you can do

Right off the bat — hair grows in natural cycles that remain unaffected by shaving. But taking good care of your hair can work wonders in enhancing its appearance.

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Do you dream of having luscious, healthy hair and keep experimenting to get the desired results? One comes across a myriad of myths around this topic, and it’s important to debunk them lest you end up damaging your hair.

Right off the bat — shaving hair to alter its thickness, colour, or growth rate is futile. Hair grows in natural cycles that remain unaffected by shaving. Although the hair that grows back after shaving may appear coarser and thicker due to the blunt tip, the thickness remains unchanged. To the naked eye, the blunt tip of the hair shaft reflects more light, creating an illusion of thickness.

Additionally, it may seem like baby hair or fine hair has turned darker after shaving, but once it is exposed to the sun and chemicals, it will eventually return to its natural colour.

Before we get into the details of promoting thick hair, let’s understand the purpose of hair on our bodies. Hair, akin to nails, is a bodily excretion, which safeguards us from harsh weather, serves as an innate headgear that regulates our body temperature, and averts overheating. However, when we shave our body hair, we remove this natural protection become prone to headaches and other issues like heat strokes. That’s why those who choose to go bald, must wear a cap outdoors.

I am often asked about effective ways to enhance hair growth naturally. Here are a few tips.


Also read: No dye or colour, here is what you can do to avoid the grey…


A ‘hair lifestyle’

Hair growth is influenced by a variety of factors, and stress is a particularly important cause for poor growth. Chronic stress can be disrupt our hair growth cycle, which, in turn, can result in hair loss and thinning. To keep stress at bay, you can practise relaxation techniques, getting sufficient sleep, and engaging in physical activity.

In addition to that, a nutritious and healthy diet is essential for encouraging good hair development. Biotin, an essential ingredient for hair health, is found in a variety of foods, including eggs, almonds, and whole grains. Protein is also essential since it supplies the building blocks for strong, lustrous hair strands and therefore, you must try integrating lean meats, fish, and beans into your regular diet. Don’t overlook the need for iron and Vitamin D, which are also necessary for good hair development.

Quality of water

Did you know that the water you use to wash your hair has a significant influence on its health? Washing your hair with hard water can rob it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Using soft water, though, can help keep your hair moisturised and avoid damage and breakage. You must also pay attention to your shampoos and hair conditioners — try opting for mild, sulfate-free products.


Also read: Young Indian men are battling a chronic hair fall problem. Here’s how they can…


Oiling

Oiling hair is a ritual that has passed down through generations. However, excessive oiling can actually harm your hair and scalp. If you live in a polluted city like Delhi, the excess oil on your scalp can attract more dust, leading to dandruff. Whenever you oil hair, make sure you wash it off within 30 minutes and not do it more than once a month. You can apply bhringraj, coconut, or mustard oils.

Another way to promote hair growth is steam treatments. Taking steam on the scalp can be a great way to induce hair growth, but it should not be done excessively. Depending on your age, height, weight, and other health issues, taking steam once or twice a week can be beneficial.

Shampoo and massaging

Using gentle shampoos, free of harsh chemicals such as sulphates, parabens, silicones, fragrances, and dyes, will help preserve the scalp’s pH balance, supporting hair health and development. However, relying solely on one brand of shampoo may result in unwanted side effects such as hair fall, greying, allergies. Avoid this by changing shampoo brands every few weeks. A gentle scalp massage while shampooing can stimulate blood flow to hair follicles, delivering essential nutrients for healthy growth. By incorporating this technique into your hair care routine, you can have healthy locks.

Reverse conditioning

If you live in a place with humid climate and struggle with frizzy or oily hair, a simple trick could be the answer to all of your hair woes. Instead of the standard shampoo-then-conditioner process, consider applying conditioner before shampooing. This will protect and condition your hair without weighing it down with harsh chemicals and softening agents. The end result? Your hair will appear healthier, more manageable, and less prone to dandruff. Additionally, you must deep condition your hair on a regular basis to keep it healthy and lustrous.

Avoid using heat

It’s important to minimise exposure to harsh chemicals, heat, and steer clear of hair products such as gels, smoothing, and colouring agents as they can damage your delicate tresses. When drying your hair at home, opt for cold air instead of heat. Avoid vigorous towel-drying and rubbing or pulling. If you’re experiencing hair fall, don’t pull stray hair out.

Occasionally applying aloe vera gel or curd overnight is an excellent remedy for hair growth; washing with amla and shikakai can be another.

Use broad-toothed combs

If you are experiencing excessive hair loss — losing more than 100 strands per day — it becomes even more crucial to be gentle on your hair while washing and drying it. I suggest avoiding showers and opting for bucket baths — showering can create pressure on your scalp, leading to more hair fall. Keep your head straight while washing and drying it, especially if you have long hair. You can use a broad-toothed comb, which is gentle and reduces the risk of breakage.

Correct your deficiencies

Hair loss of 50 to 100 hairs each day is considered normal. But excessive hair fall could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency in your body. Keep a close eye on the amount of hair you’re losing, and if it persists for more than 10 days, get your vitamin levels tested. Deficiencies of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, iron, ferritin, calcium, can contribute to hair fall. If that doesn’t improve the condition of your hair, a more serious underlying health issues could be the culprit.

From maintaining a healthy diet to using the right products and styling tools, taking good care of your hair can work wonders in 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 aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.

(Edited by Humra Laeeq)

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