Expert decodes common hair troubles: A complete guide for a healthy mane
Hair is more than a style statement; it’s a mirror of our health. For both men and women, hair-related challenges – ranging from thinning strands to stubborn scalp issues – can be disturbing and dent their self-esteem. But thankfully, scientific advancements now intersect with self-care practices, offering effective solutions.
This article delves into the most common and severe hair issues faced by men and women, providing tailored remedies and practical tips to restore vitality.
Hair loss: A shared struggle
Hair loss or androgenetic alopecia tops the list of concerns for both genders though it manifests differently.
In men, it is marked by a receding hairline and a thinning crown and vertex. It is caused by genetics and DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) hormone which causes shrinking of the hair follicles. It affects men in age ranging from 20-50 years of age. Stress, smoking, poor nutrition, and scalp issues can worsen the issue.
In women, hair loss can manifest in different forms ranging from:
1. Telogen effluvium (hair fall due to nutritional deficiencies, stress, postpartum, salon treatments for the texture of hair, etc.
2. Female pattern baldness: hormonal hair loss linked to PCOS, Thyroid disorders, postpartum changes or menopause.
3. Traction alopecia: due to tight hairstyles.
What are the solutions?
Men: FDA-approved options like minoxidil, and finasteride (prescribed by your dermatologist) can slow hair loss and help regrowth in early stages.
Women: Targeting the root cause is important. Nutritional supplements, hormone therapy, topical serums containing procapil, redensyl, anagain, etc. gentle handling – reducing heat, chemical treatments, opting for a gentler hairstyle.
For both: Treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy which uses one’s own growth factors from blood, low-level laser therapy for increasing follicular activity, mesotherapy for infusing vitamins, minerals and other hair nutrients with the help of microneedling, etc can help improve the growth and texture of the thinning hair to a great extent. In later stages where the hair loss is extensive, hair transplants or wigs can be opted for.
Diet plays an important role in deciding the health of the hair. A diet rich in protein, biotin, zinc and iron can improve the health, texture and longevity of the growth phase of the hair cycle.
Handling stress effectively with yoga, meditation or any destressing activity like listening to music, dancing, swimming, etc.
Scalp health:
A healthy scalp provides a healthy environment for the hair to grow. Scalp free of infections, inflammation, dandruff, flakes, etc. can bear the best hair. Dandruff is a fungal infection caused by Malassezia.
The solution:
Having the correct hair wash routine. Wash your hair at least 3 times a week if you have an oily scalp and 2 times a week if you have a dry scalp.
If your scalp is dandruff-prone, include an anti-dandruff shampoo having ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine, etc.
Severe hair-related issues:
Severe hair-related issues can deeply affect confidence and well-being.
1. Alopecia includes autoimmune-driven areata (patchy loss), which may progress to totalis (scalp loss) or universalis (body loss), and scarring alopecia (permanent loss from inflammation). Psoriasis, and lichen planus of the scalp are some other autoimmune issues affecting scalp skin and hair growth.
Treatments involve corticosteroid injections, JAK inhibitors (e.g., tofacitinib), or anti-inflammatory drugs; hair transplants suit stable scarring cases.
2. Trichotillomania, a stress-triggered hair-pulling disorder, is managed with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), including habit-reversal training, and occasionally medications like SSRIs.
3. Scalp conditions—fungal ringworm, inflammatory folliculitis decalvans, and seborrheic dermatitis—require oral antifungals, antibiotics, or prescription shampoos.
Solution:
It's best to consult a dermatologist or a trichologist for the issues that require specific medical attention and follow the medications and applications to maintain a healthy scalp. With consistent management, these conditions can improve, restoring hair health and self-esteem.
Self-care is vital
Use gentle, fragrance-free products; protect scalps with sunscreen or hats; practice mindfulness or use fidget toys to curb pulling; and maintain hygiene to prevent infection spread.
Avoiding shared items (combs, hats) and scratching reduces worsening. The emotional toll—distress from rapid loss or compulsive habits—benefits from counselling or support groups.
The author Dr Viral Desai is a board certified super specialist, cosmetic plastic and hair transplant surgeon and Medical Director – DHI India.
Health