Can scratching your head lead to hair loss? (and how to banish that nagging itch without scratching)

Yes! scratching your head actually leads to hair loss so you should avoid doing it.

Scratching your head with your fingernails for as little as 90 minutes is enough to remove all your cuticular scale. A cuticular scale is a protective covering on every individual strand of hair. The loss of this covering leaves your hair shaft weak and damaged and hence leaves your hair susceptible to easy breakage and hair loss.

There are several ways you can deal with itchiness in your scalp that does not include scratching your head. These alternative ways will help ensure you don't suffer from any hair loss.

These include

1. Instead of scratching, pat or rub the sensitive area with the flat of your fingers.

2. Having a dry scalp can also increase itchiness. It would bee a good idea to use natural oil on your hair before you wash it if that's the reason behind your itch.

3. Sensitivity to a new product may be causing a sudden itchiness in your scalp. So, if you have switched to a new shampoo, mousse or anything else, do try abstaining from applying it for a few days to see if the itchiness subsides.

4. When your scalp feels itchy, try and distract yourself. The more you think about how itchy your scalp is, the more it will itch.

While scratching your hair does lead to hair loss, the good news is your hair will grow back because the damage is not permanent. However, it is not advisable to keep scratching your head because you'll just lose more hair.

If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on 'consult'.
Related Tip: Should You Oil Hair When You Have Dandruff Problem?

Can scratching your head lead to hair loss? (And how to banish that nagging itch without scratching)

All ayurvedic treatments have their roots in hundreds of years of research and thus are extensive. The philosophy followed by these treatments is that every human being in governed by three doshas of forces - vata (air), pitta (fire) and kapha (earth). Depending on the force that is in highest proportion in an individual, all his psychological and physical attributes are determined. Hair loss is attributed to the pitta dosha which is concentrates on metabolism and digestion. The various methods to treat premature loss of hair, according to ayurvedic principles are:


	Balancing the pitta dosha:&nbsp;pitta dosha can be managed by eating less salty, fried and spicy food, consuming limited amount of alcohol, coffee and meat and reducing smoking habits. Certain herbs can curb excess pitta like shatavari or asparagus and bitter vegetables.
	Ayurvedic oil and shampoo: an effective remedy is oil made by boiling a cup of neem (margosa) leaves in 4 cups of water. The mixture is then strained and stored. If applied at night and rinsed off in the morning, hair loss can be prevented and your hair gets healthier. An ayurvedic shampoo can be made at home by preparing a mixture of methi (fenugreek), green bean (mung dal), soapberries, lemon juice and curry leaves which need to grinded well together before applying on the scalp.
	Ayurvedic diet plan:&nbsp;ayurveda believes that a well-balanced diet is the preventive measure to most ailments, including hair loss. Consuming vegetables with high protein and iron content like cauliflower, kale, pumpkin leaves, spinach, salsify, lentils, beet greens, string beans, dandelion greens, raisins, soybeans etc. Proves to be helpful in this regard. This diet can also help to combat systemic diseases like alopecia which may causes loss of hair and sizeable bald spots.
	Ayurvedic medicines:&nbsp;four ayurvedic medicines are used extensively for the purpose of combatting hair loss. These are thikthakam kashayam, thikthakam grisham (regulates metabolism), chyavana prasam and narasimha rasayanam, which improves the strength and quality of hair).
	Combating other problems that cause hair loss:&nbsp;using herbs like brahmi (to manage stress), shilajita and jatamansi (for thyroid imbalance), cardamom (for chronic problems) and ashwagandha (for immune system disorders) can indirectly help when hair loss is a symptom or side effect of another disease.



Combating Hair Loss And Ayurveda

Your hair are a defining factor towards how you look. A receding hairline is a common problem in men of all ages as it attacks youth in their twenties itself. Although it is rare in women, it may happen because of ageing, menopause, pregnancy or illness.

Follow these simple ways to stop baldness or at least prolong it, while you still can.

1) see what you eat - if your protein intake is less, it is a good idea to increase it. Include egg, fish, bean sprouts, raisins, soy protein, walnuts, oats, green peas, and green leafy vegetables in your diet. Minerals also help reduce temporary baldness (esp. In women). Add copper, iron, potassium and magnesium to your diet through spinach, eggs, seeds and nuts. Vitamins a, b, c and e are essential for healthy hair. B complex vitamins present in cereals, potatoes, cod etc and b12 present in dairy products should be a part of your daily diet.

2) massage your hair - when hair dries, our scalp dries eventually. The dry hair follicles become inactive which weakens your hair and causes hair fall. Massaging your hair is advisable as it restores blood circulation in your scalp and ensures that your hair gets ample nutrition to be active and strong. Canola oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, olive oil as well as mustard oil are said to be beneficial for your hair.

3) take care of your hair - your hair needs as much care as the rest of your body does. Most hair styling products make your hair look good in the present moment, they will only make your hair go weak and brittle in the long run. This will lead to hair fall. Use hair products recommended by dermatologists, when needed.

If you have any further questions on hair fall, ask me by clicking on'consult.

From lybrate: if you found this tip useful, please thank the doctor by clicking on the heart icon below. Also, spread good health by sharing this tip with your loved ones over whatsapp, facebook and other media.

Excessive Hair Loss - 3 Ways To Curb It

Hair loss often starts as a problem we tend to brush aside until it actually starts showing up in worrying quantities on the hair brush. Suddenly, we observe our scalp to be more visible, there is more hair in the shower drain, on our shoulders and on our seats. It is common to shed around 50 hairs in a day but when this dramatically changes to 150+ a day, you need to take action as quickly as possible.&nbsp;

Hair loss can occur in men and women at any age. It can be a temporary phenomenon or an ongoing one and be caused by a range of reasons like change of environment, shampoo, genetic problems, health problems and more. The main thing is to first identify the reason for the hair fall before treating it for long term solutions. Here are some of the common ways to deal with hair loss:


	Wash it right: detangle your hair fully and slowly before you get into the shower. That way it won't get tangled and messy when wet. Next, use cold water to wash your hair. If the water is too hot, it may dry your hair and add to your woes. The most important step here is to use the right products for your hair wash. Use a mild shampoo as much as possible and take time out to deep condition your hair. Be sure to use products that you have tried and tested before only. Last but not the least, use a hair serum after your wash to strengthen it and prevent breakage. Refrain from combing wet hair.
	Get to the root of the cause: the most common reason for hair loss in both men and women is androgenetic alopecia, also called pattern baldness. The most common occurrence happens around menopause. The other causes can be side effects of brief illness, stress and reaction to drugs. Once you catch the cause, the course of treatment can chart an effective path.
	Try medication: there are several medicines out there that promise to revitalize your locks and enhance new hair growth. These include massage oils, scalp creams and oral pills all of which can be taken individually or in combination to promote hair growth. Be sure to consult a doctor before you start on this.
	Improve your diet: eating iron rich food with a copious quantity of protein and zinc can also work wonders to internally strengthen your hair. Pumpkin seeds, eggs, shellfish, wheat germ are some of the items you can include in your daily diet to improve your hair quality.
	5. Hairstyle with care: women can start with the simple hairstyling trick of adding layers which gives a sense of volume and bounce. Couple it with large curls and you have a perfect illusion of lush healthy hair. But limit the parlor to only haircuts. Avoid the blow dry or colouring, straightening or ironing that can cause further damage.&nbsp;


If you are losing sleep over losing your hair, it's time you consult a professional.&nbsp;


5 Ways To Deal With Hair Loss

Aloe Vera Stops Hair Fall And Helps in Hair Growth

Water and air pollution are the biggest causes of hair fall. And, Aloe vera is the biggest cure for hair fall!  Not just hair fall control it also promotes hair growth. Alkalizing properties of aloe vera improves the pH levels of hair which help in hair growth. Its application also reduces dandruff and itching. 

Take an aloe vera leaf, extract the gel and apply this gel to the hair. Leave it for hours and wash the hair with warm water. Follow this procedure for 3   4 times a week for better results. You can also use aloe gel easily available in markets.

If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on 'Consult'.


Hair Fall Due To Pollution? Here s the only home remedy that will stop it.

*Most of the times try to protect your hair from rains, but that’s something impossible as we get caught in rains at least once in a while.
*As you reach home better wash your hair with mild shampoos and let it dry.
*Always apply shampoos in a gentle manner and do not forget to use a conditioner in this season after every wash.
*At night times, massage your hair with warm coconut oil and comb your hair for the even distribution of oil on your scalp and hair.
*You can also try applying warm oil mixed with curry leaves for your hair to remain thick and black.
*Usually in this season you invite itchy scalp because of dandruff or some other reasons. For such irritating scalp applying neem oil is the best remedy.
*Replacing herbal products in place of heavy organic shampoos and conditioners to maintain the natural glossy look of the hair would be best suggestible.
*Hair coloring is not a good idea in this season as it takes very long to wash your hair and dry. Keep it as natural as possible.
*Beer is a good conditioner. Initially wash your hair with beer and after few minutes wash it off with cold water. This tip helps your hair in adding glow to your hair.
*Use of hair dryers though necessary it is better suggested if you limit its usage. Instead opt for dry towels to remove moist from your hair.
*Till the end of this season it is better suggested to keep your hair as simple as possible and avoid elaborate hairstyles. Nothing can beat the natural beauty.

Simple Hair Care Tips for Monsoon

Don't wait any longer, manage your Trichologist online with a Lybrate doctor today

Consult for Trichologist - Online and Easy!

FilterClear All

COMMON SPECIALITIES

COMMON ISSUES