We all wish for long, thick, smooth, shiny locks. But incase unmanageable and rough hair is what you deal with on a daily basis, it’s easy to get swayed by various TV commercial which promise to change the shine and texture of the hair. The result? We get carried away and try several hair products just to get the promised thick and shiny locks.

Besides blaming the ineffectiveness of products, the truth is that all of us go through bad hair days or maybe bad hair weeks or months due various unhealthy lifestyle habits.
 

According to Dr. D.M. Mahajan – Dermatologist at Apollo Hospital Delhi, "Hair problems are becoming common these days as we have noticed an increase of 10-12 percent in patients coming with such problems every year. Similarly, the demand for hair transplants has also increased over the last five years."


One of the biggest hair problem faced by many women and young males is hair loss. Dandruff stands seconds in the list of woes. The main causes for this problem can be climate change, water, soap, shampoo and food, says – Dr. Mohan Thomas – Cosmetic Surgeon at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai.


He further adds – “Men suffer from hair loss at an earlier stage and the hair loss usually starts as early as in their 20’s. The reason for hair loss can be bad lifestyle, poor diet, pollution and genes, but stress is one of the biggest culprits behind hair problems.”


Dr Mahajan says – “Hair is the fastest growing organ in the human body but has less stability. So when there is a change in season or an exam coming up, it is generally accompanied with hair loss. Plus, there are other factors, like not enough exposure to sun and vitamin D deficiency or anxiety."


Whereas Dr. Nitin Walia – Dermatology Consultant at Max Hospital Delhi says – “The reason for hair loss in women can be menopause, hormonal imbalance, post pregnancy and menstrual cycle.”


To prevent hair problems among both the sexes, it is important that awareness is created at an early age, so that timely detection can prevent the occurrence of major problems. Besides, random use of hair care products should be avoided.


Also, everyone should give a second thought before trying any new hair product. Even if it’s a home therapy by your hairdresser, rethink before trying it. Instead of trying hair care products, go in for a medical analysis to treat your hair problems.


Dr. Thomas says – “People should use medicated products which is prescribed by the doctor. Shampoos should ideally have a pH of 4.5-5; otherwise it makes your hair alkaline and dry."