Hair Health Tips

Spotting the very first strand of grey hair in your 20s can be an intimidating sight. We usually expect our hair to turn grey by the time we are 30s or 40s, but having grey hair in your early age shows that you are a victim of premature graying. Although one or two strands of grey hair is not unusual, too much greying can cause you to panic.

Ayurveda and grey hair-
According to Ayurveda, any dosha imbalance in the body or disequilibrium in the mind-body constitution causes premature hair graying. Losing of hair is called khalitya and premature graying of hair is called palitya. They are pure paitik disorders or ones arising from our pitta dosha imbalances.

The pitta aggravation in the body is usually caused by-

1. Oily and spicy food
2. Acidity
3. Over exposure and intolerance to heat
4. Excess sweating

Nasyam or Nyasa is a Panchakarma treatment, an Ayurvedic variant of detoxification therapy, which applies herbal oils, juices and powders through the nostrils. Medicated oils / powders / juices stimulate the important points of the brain to cure specific diseases. The nose is considered to be the gateway to the human brain, this procedure is used to cure several ailments related to the head. It effectively treats diseases related to migranes, sinuses, throat, nose, ear and all organs above the neck.

Nasyam treatment and greying of hair
Nasyam treatment can be categorised into five forms-

1. Pradhamana Nasya
2. Brumhana Nasya
3. Shamana Nasya
4. Navana Nasya
5. Marshya Nasya

Navana is a part of nyasa treatment meant for shodhana or snehana. It is widely used to treat excess hair fall. Nasyam is a proven ayurvedic treatment meant to improve hair texture and strength.

Procedure

1. Poorvakarma or pre purificatory measures: It Includes facial oil massaging or application of steam to the face, forehead, head, ears and neck. This helps to loosen and eliminate the Doshas.
2. Pradhanakarma or main procedure of Nasya: This is the main step of Nasya and includes application of luke warm medication through the nostrils, alternately, with the help of a dropper. The sole, shoulder, neck, ear and palm are gently massaged along with the administration of this drug.
3. Paschatkarma or post therapeutic measures: The patients clean their mouth by gargling with lukewarm water and then medicated smoke is given to them to inhale.

How does the treatment work?
The oils used for Nasya therapy are shadbindu, neem, or yashtimadhu. The medicines applied through the nostrils pervade into the venous system (Blood circulation) and nervous system (Brain) present in and around the nostrils, which then relives the blockage of the channels. This has a large impact on graying of hair and works to control it. It also makes the hair quality better.

Nasya treatment does not cause any serious side effect, although it is recommended only after heavy meals or Shirodhara. Hence, to control hair graying, the nasyam treatment has been a proven Ayurvedic treatment with effective and healthy results that is being availed by more and more people.

Darunak or commonly known as dandruff, is a disorder that affects the scalp. Dandruff causes white, dry flakes of dead skin cells to shed from the scalp. Although dandruff rarely causes baldness and hair loss, the itchiness of this condition may most certainly be a cause of concern. If white flakes persist for a long time, the person may experience symptoms of seborrhea, psoriasis, or eczema. According to Ayurveda, Darunak is a Vatakapha predominant tridoshaj disease. According to Acharya ‘Sushrut’, Madhav’ and Yogratnakar’, Darunak have symptoms like Itching, White scales like structures, Dryness in the scalp. Along with aforesaid symptoms of Acharya Vagbhatta also considered Hair loss and Numbness of scalp. The Adhisthan (place of origin) of this disease is the keshbhumi (Scalp). 

Over time, proponents of Ayurveda have conducted various researches on this disease, trying to find out an effective solution when it comes to dandruff related problems. 

Prolonged Treatment for Wet or Oily dandruff: 

The scalp skin produces sebum (Kapha), which is an oily substance. This sebum helps in keeping your scalp and hair hydrated. It is a natural process, without which your hair may turn dry and frizzy. However, when this sebum (kapha) is over produced due to certain reasons, you may suffer from problems of the scalp. Over production of sebum (kapha) causes oily scales to appear on the scalp, which may cause severe itching and may also result in infection. Therefore, wet dandruff requires prolonged treatment, whereas it is easier to treat dry dandruff. 

Impurity in the blood: 

According to Ayurvedic system of medicine, dry dandruff is caused because of ‘Vata Pradhan Kapha dosha’. On the other hand, wet dandruff is caused because of ‘Kapha Pradhan Vata dosha’. As per Acharya Videha Pitta and Kapha are involved in causing darunak i.e. Dandruff. The vitiation of Vata and Pitta in the body leads to vitiation of Raktadhatu(blood) thus giving rise to impurities in the blood. This in turn leads to poor nourishment of the scalp. In such cases, detoxification of blood is also required to get rid of dandruff. 

Ayurvedic View

Ayurveda places the problem of dandruff in the category of Shudra Roga, which appears due to an imbalance of all three doshas (Ayurvedic humor). The primary doshas involved are Kapha and Vata.Kapha is an Ayurvedic humor which symbolizes Softness, Stickiness, provides nourishment & lubrication. Vata is dry and rough in nature. In an aggravated state, both doshas as per their predominance cause the production of specific impurities in scalp, which are dry and sticky in nature. These impurities accumulate in the deep tissues of the scalp and contaminate them. Contamination of the deep tissues and aggravated Vata-Kapha Dosha causes itching and flaky patches on the scalp. Due to these factors, the scalp sheds larger than normal amounts of dead epidermal cells, which leads to the problem of dandruff. 

The Ayurvedic line of treatment is to generally pacify Kapha and Vata through herbal medicines, as well as a tailor-made diet and lifestyle plan.349813 Also, special herbs are administered to cleanse the body of accumulated digestive impurities. 

The Ayurvedic system of treatment for wet or oily dandruff, in particular, is briefly mentioned here: 

1. According to Ayurveda, dandruff could be caused due to prolonged intake of cold water, Excessive usage of foods that taste salty, Chronic Rhinitis,  Irregular Sleeping Habits, Excessive Exposure to UV of sun, Suppressing Natural Urges, Excessive consumption of alcohol, Excessive sweating , Improper maintenance of Hair and using very less or no hair oil for massaging Head and Scalp.
2. Ayurveda suggests both topical and internal medicines for the treatment of wet or oily dandruff. The topical medicines are intended to manage dandruff and also provide relief from itching and infection, if any. The internal medicines are intended to detox the blood and also improve immunity, nourish the skin and thereby help in improving the quality of hair.
3. If dandruff is caused due to psoriasis and eczema, then there are exclusive medicines to combat the infection, detox the body and nourish the skin and hair.
4. Ayurveda suggests that foods like coconut, Indian gooseberry ( Amla), Raisins etc. help in preventing dandruff.
5. In addition to these, Ayurveda also suggests various home remedies for effective management of both wet and dry dandruff, like washing your hair with decoction prepared with Neem Leaves or Take powder of Mustard seeds and licorice, make them into paste by adding milk to it and leave it on head for 20min and wash later with water.
6. Taking Panchkarama detoxification procedures like Nasyam, Raktamokshnam, Shirobasti, Abhyanga Swedanam under the guidance of expert can also play very important role in the management of both the types of dandruff. 
7. Accumulated hair and dandruff scales can be made returned to the healthy scalp from unclean combs and brushes. This may irritate the scalp and causes flare of dandruff again. Combs and brushes are the tools for the care of your hair; they should be properly made and well cared to accomplish this purpose. Neem wood combs can work wonder but they should also be regularly cleaned and changed every six months. It can be easily deduced that wet dandruff can be effectively managed and treated by undergoing treatment under Ayurvedic system of medicines. 

However, you should avail such treatment under the supervision of an experienced doctor specialised in Ayurvedic medical science.

A head full of shiny and healthy hair remains a dream for most of us. Hair loss is one of the problems caused not only by cosmetic impact but also by major psychological effects like low self-esteem, reduced confidence, and other personality issues. Ways to restore hair are always in demand; however, what is more important is to reduce hair fall. Read on to know some of the common ways of preventing hair fall.

Environmental factors
Emotional stress
Ageing
Genetics
Nutritional deficiency
Excessive smoking
Hormonal imbalances like thyroid
Anemia
Unhealthy hair products
Infections of the scalp
Chronic medical conditions like diabetes
Chemotherapy

This list can go on and on, however, when seeking treatment for hair loss, the doctor will be able to identify the underlying cause and suggest an appropriate treatment.

Hair oil massage: coconut oil, almondoil, castor oil, gooseberry oil, rishi grow hair oil and olive oil can all be used to provide nourishment to the hair. These restore moisture and nourish the scalp and help in restoring hair growth. For best results, use lukewarm oil and apply slight pressure on the scalp. Repeating this process weekly will ensure best results.

Gooseberry: vitamin c deficiency is one of the main causes of hair fall, and gooseberry is rich in vitamin c. Not just that, it also has high anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and exfoliating properties, which promotes hair growth and a healthy scalp. Amla powder or paste is available easily and can be mixed with water or lemon juice and left on the scalp for about an hour before washing it off.

Fenugreek: this is rich in ingredients and is highly useful in preventing hair loss. Fenugreek seeds contain hormone antecedents that enhance hair growth and help in rebuilding hair follicles. The seeds can be soaked in water overnight and ground to a smooth paste which can be applied for about an hour and then washed off.

Aloe vera: the alkaline property of aloe vera reduces the scalp ph, which promotes hair growth. It also has enzymes essential for promoting hair growth, reducing scalp inflammation, improving luster, and relieving scalp itching. A spoonful of aloe vera juice in the morning has multiple benefits on the body.

Eggs: eggs are rich in proteins and minerals and are one of the best conditioners for hair. They also help in hair growth. It can be mixed with olive oil and applied on the hair and washed off after an hour.

Losing hair can lead to bald spots and eventual baldness, which can be easily controlled in a timely manner using the above measures.
 

Witnessing broken strands of hair on the towel or on the comb after having a bath is certainly not a pleasant sight. Every other person these days is exposed to hair fall problems, irrespective of age and gender. Studies reveal that 40% of women and 40% of men experience hair fall by the ages of 50 years and 35 years respectively.

Causes-
Some of the common causes of hair fall include-

• Genetic/family history
• Hormonal changes during PCOS, menopause or pregnancy
• Nutritional deficiency
• Stress/depression
• Critical illness treatment like chemotherapy
• Underlying conditions such as thyroid or lupus
• Certain medications like antidepressants
• Poor lifestyle choice

Apart from these, other factors may also cause hair fall.

Many people fall for hair styling techniques including blow drying, straightening and smoothening. They certainly make you look good, but frequent use of such hair care techniques and chemical products damage your hair follicles. This eventually leads to hair fall.

How is the condition diagnosed?
Persistent loss of hair usually indicates a repressed health issue. In that case, it is important to determine the actual cause of the condition. For that, your doctor may use any of the following techniques-

1. Physical examination of your overall health
2. Biopsy of the scalp (if he suspects an autoimmune skin disease)

Treating hair fall with Homeopathy-
Millions of people including doctors claim that Homeopathy is an effective treatment method of curing both chronic and acute health conditions.

1. Unlike conventional methods that only focus on treating the symptoms of a condition, Homeopathy works to identify the root cause of the condition and eliminates it from within, thereby preventing its recurrence.
2. Homeopathy attempts to improve your metabolism and correct your digestive system, thereby promoting healthy hormones. Healthy hormones play a vital role in reducing hair fall problem.
3. Homeopathic remedies are extracted from different plants, herbs and natural substances. Medications or supplements prepared from the extracts of shellfish and oyster are rich in zinc, which helps in hair keratin synthesis. Fish oil and Flaxseed oil rich in omega-3 nourish your hair follicles and prevent hair fall and breakage.

The benefits of homeopathic treatment are manifold- it is effective, long lasting and safe, which is why one should consider placing their faith in Homeopathy.

1 get frequent trims it may seem counterproductive but getting trims get rid of spilt ends 
2. Resist the urge to get your hair lightened as the bleach that is used damages the hair 
3. Distribute the hairs natural oils never go to bed without brushing your hair it distributes the scalps oil evenly into the hair and keeps it moisturized 
4. Eat the right food. Try increasing your protein intake by eating nuts, fish beans abd whole grains 
5. Skip daily shampoo as it removes the natural oils of hair 
6 don't use too hot water to wash your hair rinse it with cool water 
7. Be careful when you brush wet hair as wet hair is more to break 
8. Start using minoxdil for hair fall and hair growth

Hair are the most adjustable feature of your face and you can easily transform healthy hair into whatever style you prefer. However, healthy, shiny hair requires nourishment which can easily be achieved by adding foods with necessary nutrients to your diet.

Listed below are a few food items you need to add to your diet for healthy hair:

1. Fish oil: Fish oil is present in fatty fishes and is high in omega-3 fats which are important requisites for healthy hair. Almost 3per cent of your hair strand is made up of this oil and it can also be found in the cell membranes of the scalp. Hence, loading up on omega-3 fatty acids is a great way to provide nourishment to your hair shaft and the scalp.
2. Coconuts: Coconuts are fruits brimming with potassium, which is an essential electrolyte and provides nourishment to the nutrients already present in the cells. Coconuts consist of Vitamins A and K along with essential fats which can be used for cooking instead of vegetable oil because of its high smoke point (the temperature at which cooking oils begin breaking down).
3. Greek yoghurt: It is packed with protein which is the fundamental unit of a hair strand, this delicious food item is a must-add to your diet. Greek yogurt also contains pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) which boosts blood flow to your scalp and combats hair thinning and hair fall.
4. Spinach: Adding Popeye’s favourite vegetable to your diet is always a good idea as it is packed with essential nutrients. It is an excellent item to battle brittle hair as it boasts of vitamin A and C, iron, beta carotene and folate (essential nutrients for hair growth). These ingredients together moisturise your hair to keep the strands stronger.
5. Sweet potatoes: With age and constant exposure to pollution, your locks lose their natural shine. To recover the lost radiance, add sweet potatoes to your meals as they are packed with beta carotene which changes into Vitamin A in your body and revitalises the release of sebum in your scalp. Sebum forestalls your strands from drying out.

We all desire for long, voluminous, lustrous hair and often crib about our hair not growing long enough or taking ample time to grow. But, we tend to forget that the secret behind beautiful hair is healthy hair. To maintain a long and healthy hair you must follow a rigorous regime. The following are a few tips to keep your hair long and healthy.

1. Get to know your hair- This is the primary step to attain your goal of having a long and beautiful hair. Knowing your hair type (dry or oily; fizzy or straight etc.) and figuring out a meticulous hair care routine is of utmost importance. You may also consider professional help.
2. Choose the correct products- This step needs attention. Make sure you do not get lured by advertisements. Choose products that suit your hair type. Once again for this step too, if you are unable to decide for yourself, do seek professional help.    
3. Learn to clean your hair in a proper manner- Message the shampoo on your scalp and rinse it properly with sufficient water. Remember to use a conditioner every time after applying shampoo, as it helps to seal the hair cuticles and restore protein and lipids. Use a towel gently to dry your hair.
4. Pamper your hair with an oil message at regular intervals- Massaging your hair with oil will help it to grow faster. It also prevents your hair from dryness and being frizzy. You may also consider massaging your hair with hot oils the night before a shampoo. 
5. Go for regular trimmings- Trimming your hair at regular intervals will prevent your hair from split ends. Split ends hinder hair growth. So by avoiding split ends, you can make your hair grow longer.
6. Avoid dryers and use a proper comb- Dryers may turn out to be very harmful for your hair. Using a dryer at close proximity to your hair may damage your hair. Try to dry your hair naturally. Also, use a proper comb that will not hurt your scalp. Combing in the right direction is also essential. Start combing from the tips to the roots.
7. Use hair revitalizers- Revitalizers, Vitamin E capsules and other essential oils may also boost your hair to a desirable length. But, make sure you consult an expert to find out the needs of your hair.
8. Eat a healthy diet, exercise and have a good night's sleep- These are the key factors necessary to maintain healthy and long hair. Incorporate Vitamins such as Vitamin A, B Complex and vitamin G in your diet as these will help your hair to grow long. Exercising and sleeping will is also crucial for maintaining healthy hair.

Hair transplant is a surgical, in which hair follicles are extracted from the donor site, usually back or side of the hair, where there is hair growth and moved to the recipient site or the bald area. Follicular unit hair transplants (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) are two of the common methods that are adopted for hair transplant.

FUT hair transplant is the method in which a strip of hair follicles is extracted  from the area where their is good hair growth and is then inserted into the recipient area. This method has few advantages like it is less expensive as it requires few sessions. The number of follicular units transplanted are more. In FUE individual follicular units are removed and are placed at the recipient area. This method is time consuming and proves to be beneficial in small areas like beard, eyebrow, eyelashes. 

Hair Transplantation Cost in Bangalore:

Bangalore is considered as one of the popular destination for hair transplantation, because there are number of clinics that are available and use the latest technologies. The price may start from Rs 20 per graft and go upto 150 rupees. An average cost of hair transplant may come out to be Rs 35,000, but it is not the final cost. The final cost depends on various factors like the area of baldness, number of follicles required and experience of doctor operating.

Here is list of few clinics that have a high success rate in hair transplant:

1. Fortis La Femme - Richmond Town, Bangalore

The Department of Dermatology at Fortis La Femme, aims to deliver the highest quality of care to patients with skin & hair disorders under the leadership of Dr. Rohini Krishnamoorthy, one of the top dermatologist in Bangalore.

Consultation fees: ₹400 - ₹2000

2. Aster CMI Hospital - Sahakara Nagar, Bangalore

Aster CMI is a multispeciality hospital and dermatology department is considered one of the best. Dermatologist here use the best an advanced facilities available to take care of your problems. They offer different treatments depending upon the age and condition. Different services provided here include wart removal, molluscum extraction, mole evaluation and removal, PRP for hair loss, active acne therapy & patchy hair loss therapy.

Consultation fees: ₹500 - ₹1000

3. Motherhood - Indiranagar, Bangalore

Motherhood is known for its care and understanding for woman needs. Basis the need they have various cosmetological and dermatological solutions, provided at their multiple centers. 

Consultation fees: ₹500 - ₹750

4. Contura Cosmetic Clinic - Kammanahalli, Bangalore

Contura Cosmetic Clinic is known for their medical care facility and offers a variety of treatments like abdominoplasty, botox, breast treatments, cheek augmentation, cosmetic & plastic surgeries and hair transplant. They have some of the most reputed doctors like  Dr. Sreekar Harinatha, associated with them.

Consultation fees: ₹500

5. Hairline International- Jayanagar, Bangalore

Hairline International has some of the best dermatologists & trichologists on board who have years of experience and are experts in hair & scalp treatments. Hair restoration hair transplant & treatment for grey hair is amongst the best and most successful treatments provided here. The use of advanced technology makes the treatment pain free and reduces the chances of scar as well.

Consultation fees: ₹500

6. Kaya Skin Clinic - HRBR Layout, Bangalore

Kaya Ltd is more than 15 years old and has centers all across India as well as in the Middle East. Kaya offers a number of services and when it comes to hair transplant in Bangalore, it is considered as one of the best.

Consultation fees: ₹500
 
7. Healios Cosmoderma - Bangalore 

Healios Cosmoderma clinic offers a wide range of treatment in clinical & pediatric dermatology along with many cosmetology services. They are also known for their process of restoration of hair through different procedures like following prescribed drugs, low level laser therapy (LLLT), mesotherapy, PRP( Platelet-rich plasma) and hair transplant. 

Consultation fees: ₹300

8. Dr Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology- Koramangala, Bangalore

Dr. Rasya Dixit, a well known dermatologist from Bangalore heads Dr. Dixit cosmetic dermatology clinic. She has many years of experience and has conducted many type of cosmetological & dermatological procedures successfully. 

Consultation fees: ₹500

9. Vitalife Health Care - Whitefield, Bangalore

Vitalife has a network of multi specialty clinics offering comprehensive primary care services under one roof. It has multiple centers in South India, it is known for its cosmetological service and success in hair transplantation

Consultation fees: ₹400
 
10. Healios Wound And Plastic Surgery Clinic - Jayanagar, Bangalore

Healios wound and plastic surgery clinic is a specialized center for wound and plastic surgery, It offers wide range of treatment for management of diabetic foot and other related issues. In plastic surgery procedures they offer treatment to congenital deformities correction, burns, scars they are also known for their success in hair transplant.

Consulting fees: ₹300

Benefits of walnuts-

1 cup of walnuts (30 grams) contains-

Energy: 200 calories

Carbohydrates 3.89 grams (g)

Sugar: 1 g

Fiber: 2 g

Protein: 5 g

Fat: 20 g

Calcium: 20 milligrams (mg)

Iron: 0.72 mg

Sodium: 0 mg

Walnuts are also a good source of:

Manganese

-rich in antioxidants
-decrease inflammation
-promotes a healthy gut
-reduce risk of some cancers
-support weight control
-benefical in management of diabetes
-helpful in low bp and relieves stress
-support healthy aging
-supports good brain function
-improves blood fat
-prevents from skin damage
-improves immunity
-useful in bone health
-benefical for hairs

 

It is natural to get overwhelmed and bewildered while walking down the aisle containing a dizzying variety of hair brushes. Most get confused when it comes to choosing the right one. It is a fact that the right type of hair brush can help a lot in keeping up the natural texture of the hair as well as the look you are willing to achieve. Here is a brief guide that can help you get hold of the hair brush you had been longing for.

How important is the bristles type of the hair brush?
When it comes to the bristles of the hair brush, some are synthetic while some are natural or a combination of both these variants. The natural bristles are acquired from boars, and they can help in the cleaning of the scalp and the hair. They are easy and trouble free on the scalp and cause minimal breakage. Many people are of the opinion that the hair brush with natural bristles lasts longer than the synthetic ones.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to natural brushes, then you can go for the synthetic ones made from nylon. This type of hair brushes functions by sliding through the fine hair. Hence, people with thick hair should put in considerable research properly before opting for synthetic bristles. Also, you must make sure that the bristles don’t melt under excessive heat.

What are the different types of hair brushes?

There are several types of hair brushes available and here are some of them:

1. Vent brush: This type of brush is efficient for taming frizziness and detangling your hair. It is absolutely a must-have for short to medium length hair and can also be used as a tool for blow-drying. The vent brushes allow faster drying. They can also add volume to the hair.
2. Round metal brush: A go-to brush for big bouncy hair, round metal brush, can be your best choice if you are looking to add volume while blow drying. There is an extensive range of shapes and sizes available, and you should choose one as per your needs and brush features. With the advent of newer technologies, you can also get a ceramic and ionic brush.
3. Paddle brush: This one is also available in various shapes and sizes. You can go for the smaller ones that you may carry on the go while the large ones are best pieces to style at home. They are typically available in square or round shape, and they can smooth and detangle rough, frizzy hair effortlessly. If you have medium length fine hair, they can be a great aid while blow drying.

With this information, it will be easier for you to prioritize your needs and settle for the best hair brush within your budget.