LOSING hair? Don’t lose your head!

 The strands that line your washbasin or clog the drain-covers are evidence of a natural phenomenon, so long as it’s moderate. Adequate nutrition and proper hygiene are generally all that’s required to keep your mane healthy—and your hair on! 
Why does hair fall?
Hair fall is a part of the normal cyclic growth of hair. ‘‘Once it emerges from the roots (follicles), hair can keep growing for upto three years. After this comes the rest phase, during which the growth ceases and another hair comes out of the same follicle. The older strand then becomes loose and falls off,’’ says Dr SC Bharija, senior consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. ‘‘At every stage of our lives, 10 to15 per cent of the hair is in the resting stage, and thus prone to fall. So losing 50 to 100 strands a day can be regarded as moderate and completely natural.’’ 
The catch word, of course, is moderate.
Right. If you lose more than 100 strands—think a clump of hair thicker than the circle formed by your thumb and forefinger—the loss is classified as chronic hair fall, which will eventually lead to baldness.” There are two kinds of chronic hair fall: diffuse and patchy. 
What is diffuse hair fall?
It indicates hair loss from all over the scalp. The hair itself is likely to be dry and lustreless, with a high possibility of split ends. ‘‘This is usually the result of nutritional deficiency, the lack of proteins, iron, zinc and vitamins,’’ says Dr Bharija. ‘‘Hormonal problems like hypothyroidism and use of anti-cancer drugs are also causative factors. Stress, child birth, surgical conditions and chronic illnesses like typhoid also trigger diffuse hair fall.’’ 
And patchy hair loss?
This is hair loss from particular areas of the scalp, usually because of fungal infections. Dandruff, interestingly, does not cause hair loss per se, but it is usually associated with fungal infections, which do. Alopecia areata is the name given to hair loss in round patches, usually on the head, Alopecia totalis refers to hair loss on the arms, eyebrows and eyelashes, while Alopecia universalis indicates hair loss all over the body. The good news, says Dr Bharija, is that patchy hair loss can be cured in the early stages with proper treatment. 
What is hereditary baldness?
This condition is most commonly seen in men and is medically referred to as male pattern baldness. It usually combines hormonal problems with genetic influences. 
My hair seems to fall even as I think about it!
‘‘Hair loss can also be psychological and is usually seen in people who worry about hair fall. The worry itself results in further loss,” says Dr Bharija. 
I don’t fall in any category, but I’m still losing hair.
Welcome to the majority. ‘‘Most of the people who complain about hair loss have no apparent cause for the condition. In that case, we give them nutritional supplements like vitamins, iron and zinc and emphasise that there’s no cause for worry,’’ says Dr Bharija.
STRAND-ALONE 
• Load up on foods big on protein (fish, soya, eggs), iron (lean red meats, spinach, tofu, rajma) vitamins and zinc (poultry, nuts).
• Have a pre-shampoo massage with warm olive/coconut oil.
• Wash hair regularly, daily if required, with a mild, pH-balanced shampoo.
• Condition your hair if it feels frizzy.
• Wear a hat or carry an umbrella in the sun.
• Drink lots of water.