TREATMENT: Keratin in progress.
Shalinee Bhardwaj talks to experts and learns that with safer hair treatments now available, you can always let your hair down, in style
Have you ever felt those pangs of jealously while watching the luxuriant mane of the pretty model in that TV commercial? Or looked in the mirror and tried to cover the thinning patch on your scalp? Then, welcome to the tribe. Yes, you are not the only one!
A receding hairline and vanishing tresses are a matter of grave concern to all, irrespective of the gender. While it is not easy to digest the idea of losing your ‘crowning glory’, do we really have a solution?
“Genetics and health are factors in healthy hair. Proper nutrition is important for hair health”, says Preethy Mary Jacob, a practicing Dietician in Doha. “The living part of hair is under the scalp skin where the hair root is housed in the hair follicle. The entire follicle and root are fed by a vein, and blood carries nutrients to the follicle/root. Any time an individual has any kind of health concern from stress, trauma, medications of various sorts, chronic medical conditions or medical conditions that come and then wane, heavy metals in waters and food, smoking etc. these and more can affect the hair, its growth, and its appearance”, Preethy explains. In order to dig in for a better understanding of the role of diet in hair growth, Preethy elaborates it scientifically.
As she puts it, “Generally, eating a full diet that contains protein, fruits, vegetables, fat, and carbohydrates is important (several vitamins and minerals require fat in order to be delivered or absorbed by the body). Any deficiency will typically show first in the hair. A mild case of anemia can cause shedding and hair loss. Among others, the B groups of vitamins are the most important for healthy hair, especially biotin. B5 (pantothenic acid) gives hair flexibility, strength and shine and helps prevent hair loss and graying. B6 helps prevent dandruff and can be found in cereals, egg yolk and liver. Vitamin B12 helps prevent the loss of hair and can be found in fish, eggs, chicken and milk.”
“The speed of hair growth varies based upon genetics, gender, age, hormones, and may be reduced by nutrient deficiency (i.e., anorexia, anemia, zinc deficiency) and hormonal fluctuations (i.e., menopause, polycystic ovaries, thyroid disease)”, she adds.
Continuing further she says, “The essential omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B12, and iron, found in fish sources, prevent a dry scalp and dull hair colour. Dark green vegetables contain high amounts of vitamins A and C, which help with production of sebum and provide a natural hair conditioner. Legumes provide protein to promote hair growth and also contain iron, zinc, and biotin. A deficiency in biotin intake can cause brittle hair and can lead to hair loss. In order to avoid this, individuals can find sources of biotin in cereal-grain products, liver, egg yolk, soy flour, and yeast. Protein deficiencies or low-quality protein can produce weak and brittle hair, and can eventually result in loss of hair colour.”
A balanced diet and proper nutrition are indeed the best bet for a healthier and longer lasting hair; nevertheless, looking at the wish list of the fashion conscious consumers, can the world of cosmetics be left behind? So, for those who also wish to keep their hair trendy at all times, a good number of hair care products and services are proving to be a worthy respite from that thin hair look!
Bidya, Hair expert from Habibs Hair & Beauty Salon n Spa, Doha has more to add. “Damaged hair can be treated by the deep conditioning or ‘micro mist’ and power dose treatment. Micro mist focuses on providing intensive nourishment deep down to the cuticle of the hair in order to repair the hair. In the latter, molecules contained in ampoules strengthen the core of the hair fibre.”
“We mostly advise clients to seek Aminexil Advance treatment in order to reduce hair fall and induce hair growth”, informs Bidya, “This is facilitated by the essential nutrients that help stimulate root activity and help protect the density of hair from roots to tip. The frequency of treatment depends on the client, looking at how her hair is responding to it. Latest in the line of treatments is the LO’real Fiberceutic hair filling serum treatment, even referred to as the “Botox for Hair”!”
Harbeer Kaur, who was taking the ‘Keratin’ hair treatment at Habib’s, a salon that has earned a high repute for its hair care and beauty treatments; shares her experience. “This is my second time and Keratin has given positive results with my hair, making them smoother with reduced hair loss. The non-frizzy, natural blow dry look lasts for over three months without damaging my hair.”
Maintaining your hair at healthy levels can be a difficult task when your day starts with blow dry, iron or styling products.
Bidya suggests “taking a break whenever possible from excessive cleansing, heat styling and chemical processing.”
“Our hair gets damaged if we continuously blow dry or iron without using adequate protection or with continuous hair coloring. Always put the protective product first before styling, as then the heat will be absorbed by the product and not hair.”
She advises a handful of general hair care tips. “Use a good wide tooth comb; pick on your fingers to detangle your hair as you dry it. Allow hair to air dry as far as possible. Choose the correct shampoo according to your hair texture. Shampoo every alternate day unless required otherwise. If you have dry hair, do not miss applying oil for half an hour before shampooing.”
Some food products can also work wonders with your hair when applied externally. Bidya says, “Eggs are rich in proteins, fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. This makes them excellent nutrient for hair besides having a cleansing and conditioning affect. For this, collect the white of a single egg and mix in 3 tablespoons of water. Apply this to your hair and leave for about 30 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly. Aloe Vera is not only a great moisturizer for the skin but it also works equally well on hair, especially dry hair. Aloe Vera treatment can help give a shine and soft texture, making frizzy hair manageable. For this, mix 4 tablespoons of Aloe Vera juice with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Leave on hair for half an hour before rinsing”.
In this incessant quest to fuller, shinier and healthier locks, impact of the ‘golden hand’ of your hair dresser, too, holds as much significance. From her experience, Bidya is prompt to answer this, “Clients with thin hair are constantly looking for hair styles that make their hair look thicker. With few standard hair rules and cutting techniques your fine hair can be well on its way to voluminous style, in routine. The right product and styling method are great tools to help your hair look fuller. There is really no perfect hairstyle, as many aspects need to be considered e.g. the length of your hair, its texture and weight, your age and life style requirement.”
There are probably as many solutions as there are problems concerning ‘hairy’ issues. While a balanced control on diet and ‘what you eat’ lays the foundation for a healthy and strong mane; with safer hair treatments now available, you can always let your hair down, in style!
Yet, if nothing is working out, there’s always more help around. Did we hear hair implants…?
*All hair treatments should be taken after consultation with your hair specialist
BELOW:
SLICK: A satisfied customer with smooth, shinier hair. Right: The non-frizzy, blow dry look.