The Stronghold

If waking up with a pillow case full of fallen hair gives you nightmares, fear not—we got the experts to draw up three contingency plans for you.

- Chandni Sehgal

Short, long or buzzed, your hairdo can make you feel happy, beautiful and powerful, it can help you make a statement (feminists traditionally shaved their heads to challenge archaic concepts of femininity) and an impact. You can choose how your mane makes you feel but for people who suffer from hair loss and thinning, it’s a helpless feeling—debilitating and disheartening. So, we called in the cavalry to give you the three-point guide to prevent and remedy hair loss so your tresses can no longer be the cause of your stresses.

THE CLINICAL COURSE

BY DR GEETIKA MITTAL GUPTA, MEDICAL DIRECTOR, ISAAC

Dr Gupta highlights everything from hereditary factors; mechanical causes, like traction alopecia, caused by tight hairstyles; hormonal issues (factors range from PCOD to thyroid imbalances); stress; deficiencies (iron, Vitamin D, protein); illnesses (dengue, scalp infections and the like) and certain medications as the reasons behind unexplained hair loss. Your first move? Don’t panic (because, stress) and find a dermatologist/ trichologist for a diagnosis.

How much is too much?

“Fifty-100 strands falling per day is normal. Noticing more hair on your brush or leaving a hair trail is cause for concern. Women tend to lose hair post-pregnancy, and it’s problematic only if it doesn’t return to normal levels in 3-4 months.”

Doctor’s orders

“Follow a multi-pronged system of topical applications, supplements, and treatments. Opt for phthalates and sulfate-free, mild shampoos. Turn to a diet of biotin, and Omega 3-6-9-rich foods and gooseberries with a combination of biotin, amino acids (like lysine), vitamins and natural-extract supplements. Topical applications, like Minoxidil, help on a temporary basis.”

The Minoxidil myth