Hair Health Tips

A hair analysis or hair mineral analysis is carried to analyse the diseases and health symptoms as these are they are responsible for nutritional deficiencies, mineral imbalances and chemical toxicity.
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) tests are done as hair is one of the places where the body eliminates minerals and heavy metals. The levels and pattern of various minerals deposited in the hair can reveal a lot of information about your body chemistry and health.

Scientific basis for HTMA
When new hair cells form in the hair follicle, they absorb traces of substance going through the bloodstream of the person. Each hair has a life of about 5-6 years the after which it falls off the scalp, thus keeping a long lasting record all that passes through the body of an individual.

How is hair analysis carried out?
The hair closest to the scalp, like from the region around the nape of the neck is taken (a spoonful quantity) as it is the area where most recent growth is expected.
Hair analysis cannot show very recent changes in the body of a person, it can show changes that have occurred three months earlier or older than that.

Reasons why you should go for hair analysis:

1. It can measure the levels of a host of minerals like calcium, magnesium, copper, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, etc. The amount of these and the ratio in which they are present helps understand and pre-empt certain diseases like Syndrome X and certain types of cancer.
2. It guides about the mineral deficiencies so that we can take the appropriate mineral supplement.
3. It can show if certain ingredients in your personal care items like deodorants, perfumes, hair care products are being absorbed to an abnormal extent by the body.
4. It can even help determine levels of heavy metal that are toxic like arsenic, uranium, beryllium, mercury, cadmium, lead, that are present as environmental pollutants in the soil, water, food, air of the people undergoing the hair analysis.
5. It can measure appropriate thyroid function by measuring the appropriate ratio of calcium and potassium levels.
6. It can measure the level of adrenal stress by measuring the ratio of sodium to magnesium.
7. It can provide information about your energy levels by determining your metabolic type ( slow oxidizer or fast oxidizer)
8. It can determine our body’s level of hidden inflammation. Certain mineral deficiency can lead to increase in free radicals in the body which can lead to a state of increased inflammatory markers.
9. It can help in determining the right mineral supplement can lead to better cognitive function and emotional stability by improving nerve function.
10. It can help determine carbohydrate tolerance and blood sugar imbalance like diabetes and insulin resistance.

11. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

A hair analysis or hair mineral analysis is carried to analyse the diseases and health symptoms as these are they are responsible for nutritional deficiencies, mineral imbalances and chemical toxicity.
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) tests are done as hair is one of the places where the body eliminates minerals and heavy metals. The levels and pattern of various minerals deposited in the hair can reveal a lot of information about your body chemistry and health.

Scientific basis for HTMA
When new hair cells form in the hair follicle, they absorb traces of substance going through the bloodstream of the person. Each hair has a life of about 5-6 years the after which it falls off the scalp, thus keeping a long lasting record all that passes through the body of an individual.

How is hair analysis carried out?
The hair closest to the scalp, like from the region around the nape of the neck is taken (a spoonful quantity) as it is the area where most recent growth is expected.
Hair analysis cannot show very recent changes in the body of a person, it can show changes that have occurred three months earlier or older than that.

Reasons why you should go for hair analysis:

1. It can measure the levels of a host of minerals like calcium, magnesium, copper, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, etc. The amount of these and the ratio in which they are present helps understand and pre-empt certain diseases like Syndrome X and certain types of cancer.
2. It guides about the mineral deficiencies so that we can take the appropriate mineral supplement.
3. It can show if certain ingredients in your personal care items like deodorants, perfumes, hair care products are being absorbed to an abnormal extent by the body.
4. It can even help determine levels of heavy metal that are toxic like arsenic, uranium, beryllium, mercury, cadmium, lead, that are present as environmental pollutants in the soil, water, food, air of the people undergoing the hair analysis.
5. It can measure appropriate thyroid function by measuring the appropriate ratio of calcium and potassium levels.
6. It can measure the level of adrenal stress by measuring the ratio of sodium to magnesium.
7. It can provide information about your energy levels by determining your metabolic type ( slow oxidizer or fast oxidizer)
8. It can determine our body’s level of hidden inflammation. Certain mineral deficiency can lead to increase in free radicals in the body which can lead to a state of increased inflammatory markers.
9. It can help in determining the right mineral supplement can lead to better cognitive function and emotional stability by improving nerve function.
10. It can help determine carbohydrate tolerance and blood sugar imbalance like diabetes and insulin resistance.

11. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Wash oily hair more frequently. How often you wash your hair should be based on how much oil your scalp produces.

If your scalp is oily, you may need to wash it as often as once a day.

If you have chemically treated hair, your hair may be drier, so you may want to wash it less frequently.

As you get older, your scalp makes less oil, so you may not need to shampoo as often. But if you see flakes in your hair, you may not be shampooing enough. This can lead to dandruff and other scalp diseases.

Concentrate shampoo on the scalp. When washing your hair, concentrate on cleaning primarily the scalp, rather than washing the entire length of hair. Washing only your hair can create flyaway hair that is dull and coarse.

Use conditioner after every shampoo unless you use a “2-in-1” shampoo, which cleans and conditions hair. Using a conditioner can significantly improve the look of damaged or weathered hair by increasing shine, decreasing static electricity, improving strength and offering some protection from harmful uv rays.

Concentrate conditioner on the tips of the hair. Because conditioners can make fine hair look limp, they only should be used on the tips of the hair and not on the scalp or length of the hair.

Choose a shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for your hair type. For example, if you color your hair, use a shampoo designed for color-treated hair. If your hair is damaged or chemically treated, consider a “2-in-1” shampoo. Regardless of cost, many shampoo and conditioner brands provide the same benefits.

Protect hair when swimming. Protect your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine by wetting and conditioning your hair before swimming. Wear a tight-fitting swim cap and use a specially formulated swimmers shampoo and deep conditioner after swimming to replace lost moisture.

Avoid perming, crimping, straightening, curling and bleaching or repeatedly colouring your hair is possible. Although doing it once in a while won't be of too much harm.

Hair loss can be harrowing for both men and women, especially if it tends to be above normal for extended periods of time. Losing more hair than that can signify problems within the body such as hormonal changes, ageing, lifestyle-related issues etc. 

Lifestyle change tips to avoid hair fall

Even before getting into ayurvedic remedies to control the loss of hair, it is important to reduce the problems which may be contributing to the problem in the first place. Some of the things that you may be required to do are:

1. Maintain or start of on a healthy diet and cut fatty, oily and processed foods from your diet.
2. Start exercising to ensure that your body is in the best shape it possibly can be and thus everything within, is functioning optimally.
3. Start doing yoga, breathing exercises and other meditative techniques to ensure that your stress levels are kept under control.
4. Get head massages regularly as they improve blood circulation within the scalp 
5. Quit smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and inculcate good sleep habits which help prevent hair loss problems. 

Controlling hair loss with ayurvedic tips

1. Indian gooseberry or amla - A pack of amla, bramhi and henna powder can be made with curd and water. Apply it and keep it for a couple of hours and then wash it off. Amla juice mixed with lemon juice can be massaged on the scalp after the wash. This will make the follicles on your scalp stronger. 

2. Ritha- An age-old solution to hair problems, Ritha is also known as soapberry as it contains naturally foamy and cleansing agents. Crush the Ritha seeds and keep them soaked in water overnight. Wash your hair with the mixture in the morning and continue for a month to see visible results.

3. Aloe vera with cumin seeds - Mix about one-third cup of aloe vera juice with a little bit of cumin or Jeera powder. Use this mixture at least twice a day, for a few months to see results in the prevention of hair thinning.

4. Bhringaraaj - One of the most effective ayurvedic herbs used in many medicines, it can be taken internally to help the system repair the hair related problems, or applied externally as Bhringaraaj oil to encourage hair growth and stopping hair loss.

5. Brahmi oil - Considered brain food in its herb form, Brahmi oil is known to be very good for hair related ailments and is very effective at stopping hair loss and help new hair growth.

Everyone has a desire for good and healthy hair. In Ayurveda, you have various simple steps to make your hair healthy, strong and beautiful. These are all power-packed cures that are likely to work out more than any other alternative. All your hair issues are solved from inside to make your hair perfect.

Here are a few Ayurvedic solutions for healthy hair -

• Methi or fenugreek: Methi is incredible for advancing hair growth. It is an extremely normal herb found in each home and is easily accessible. Take some methi and roast it. After that, grind it well. Take some warm water and make a paste of methi in water. Apply it on your hair and let it stay for 20 minutes, and after that wash off with water.
   
• Jatamansi, the aromatic herb: This herb is called Muskroot or the Indian Spikenard sometimes. This herb is valuable for expelling all infections in the blood and makes your skin sparkle. Apply this herb specifically on your scalp to advance the growth of hair. Make sure not to take more than 6 mg.
   
• Rosemary essential oil: This hair oil works efficiently on your hair and enhances hair regrowth. Rubbing the head delicately with Rosemary oil thrice a week improves the working of your sensory system, stops untimely greying of hair and decreases hair fall. For best and quick results use it overnight.
   
• Aloe vera: It makes your system clean. It is regularly used as a part of Ayurveda for its various properties that are useful for your well-being. Take 2 tablespoons of the Aloe Vera leaf and either drink or swallow it. This is useful for improving the functioning of your metabolism too.

More and more people are falling back on Ayurvedic solutions for every single issue. The above-mentioned ayurvedic remedies have been used for long and are naturally available. These remedies have no side-effects, so try them without any worry.

While most of us consider it as a staple food, honey is equally good for hair. This sweet nectar not just promotes a healthy lifestyle but profoundly nourishes your scalp and increases hair growth. Honey benefits hair in many ways. There are quite a few ways to incorporate honey into your hair care regime, considering the wonders it does to hair.

Is honey good for hair?

• It has plentiful antioxidants and helps to keep the scalp and hair healthy.
• Honey controls hair fall and breakage by strengthening the hair follicles.
• Rich in antibacterial and antiseptic properties, honey combats scalp infections including dandruff, psoriasis and eczema.
• A great hair care ingredient, honey promotes hair growth.

Honey acts as a natural emollient and locks the moisture in your hair.

Benefits Of Honey For Hair

Honey can be used as a home remedies for various hair related issues.

• Honey For Hair Growth

  Honey has the ability to promote the growth of epithelial cells present in the scalp. These cells are very important for hair follicles and for overall hair growth.

• Honey for Hair Conditioning

  Rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other essential nutrients, honey conditions the hair and restore moisture for healthy hair.

• Honey For Hair Shine

  A natural emollient, honey makes a great hair moisturizer and adds shine to dull and lifeless hair, thus restoring the luster in your hair.

• Honey For Hair Breakage

  Honey contains protein and hence adds strength to your hair. It also adds structure to hair by treating weak hair strands.

• Honey For Hair Loss

  Honey cleanses both hair and scalp and keeps them moisturized by restoring nutrients. It helps against hair loss caused due to external factors including dirt and pollution.

How To Use Honey For Hair Growth

If you are wondering how to use honey for hair growth, there are numerous hair masks you can make at home to bid adieu to hair problems.

1. Olive oil And Honey Hair Mask

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Honey

Procedure:

• Mix together honey and olive oil in a bowl and blend it.
• You can add buttermilk to the mixture to get a nice consistency.
• Apply the paste all over your hair and leave it for about 1 hour.
• Thereafter, rinse it out with water and shampoo.
• Repeat it 2-4 times a month for the best results.

Benefits:

Honey promotes hair growth and olive oil is a natural conditioner, overall they improve hair health.

2. Banana And Honey Hair Mask

Ingredients:

• Banana
• Honey

Procedure:

• Blend both the ingredients together till you get a smooth mixture.
• Add some essential oil in it for the perfect consistency.
• Apply the mask on your hair and scalp.
• Leave it for about 30 minutes.
• Then, rinse it off nicely to get rid of banana and shampoo.
• Repeat the procedure 3-4 times a month for effective results.

Benefits:

A great source of vitamins and potassium, Banana when used in combination with honey help hair grow.

3. Egg And Honey Hair Mask

Ingredients:

• Egg
• Honey

Procedure:

• Take two eggs and beat them followed by the addition of honey into it.
• Mix the ingredients nicely for a smooth texture.
• Apply the mixture on your hair evenly, from roots to tips.
• Rinse it off after 30 minutes and shampoo.
• Use this mask for at least 2-3 times a month.

Benefits:

Hair needs protein to grow and eggs are power-packed with it. Honey, when combined with eggs, provides nourishment to hair follicles.

4. Yogurt And Honey Hair Mask

Ingredients:

• Yogurt
• Honey

Procedure:

• Take a cup of sour yogurt and add about half a cup of honey to it.
• Blend both the ingredients together till you get a perfect consistency.
• Apply the mask on your hair and leave it for 30 minutes.
• Thereafter, rinse with water and shampoo.
• Use this hair mask once a week for the best results.

Benefits:

Yogurt is great for your hair; it helps treat dandruff and adds shine to your hair. Honey thickens your hair and both the ingredients together improves hair health.

5. Coconut Oil And Honey Hair Mask

Ingredients:

• Coconut Oil
• Honey

Procedure:

• Take coconut oil and honey in equal proportion and mix them well.
• Adjust the quantity as per your hair length.
• Massage your hair with this mixture and leave for 30 minutes.
• Rinse it off with water and shampoo.
• You can use this mask up to twice a week for visible results.

Benefits:

Rich in fats, proteins and essential nutrients, coconut oil strengthens your hair and honey adds a natural shine to them.

Best Honey For Hair

Raw honey works better for Hair. Raw Honey should be bought only from the local beekeepers who don’t process their honey in any way.You can buy raw honey from the local farmers or online. Among the different types of honey available, here are a few suggestions:

• Clove Infused Wild Forest Honey : Buy it here!
• Organic Forest Honey : Buy it here!

Summary:

Managing hair problems is not an easy task. If you want to improve the health of your hair and save money at the same time, forget those high-end products and use honey to nourish your hair and grow them quickly. Also, cherry-pick organic and unprocessed honey for healthier hair.

Ayurveda, translated into science of life and longevity, has been practised in India for more than 5000 years old and has gained worldwide popularity. It uses noninvasive and natural methods and produces minimal side effects and therefore is being widely accepted.

Ayurveda believes that the body is made of pitta, vata, and kapha doshas. Any disease is the result of imbalance between these or predominance of one over the others. Hair loss or alopecia is believed to be imbalance in the pitta dosha. This leads to slower hair growth, weak hair, and greater hair fall rate.

Something that affects image and self-esteem, many would like to cure or at least halt baldness. There are various treatment options that have a dual effect on baldness - reduce hair fall and promote hair growth, thereby providing a holistic treatment for baldness.

Bhringraj Oil (Eclipta Elba): Used since centuries ago, it promotes the normal hair growth cycle in an accelerated way.  It activates a large number of hair follicles and therefore regular application is believed to help prevent alopecia (baldness).

Amla (Phyllanthus Emblica): While baldness has many reasons, dandruff is one of the most important and common causes. Amla is added to many hair oil formulations because of its proven effective to reduce dandruff. It acts on the fungi that thrive on the scalp and reduces inflammation of the scalp.

Shikakai (Acacia Concinna): Another very popular herb is the Shikakai. Used as a hair cleansing agent by many people, it is devoid of the chemical effect that shampoos carry. The pods are proven to prevent dandruff and promote hair growth. 

Tectona Grandis: Another active ingredient of Ayurvedic formulations, the seeds of Tectona promote growth and development of hair follicles. A large number of follicles are activated, thereby producing thicker, fuller hair. 

Cuscuta Reflexa: Another reason for baldness is hormonal imbalance, especially in males. Abnormalities with androgen, the male hormone, can trigger abnormal hair loss. Adding cuscuta has been proven to reverse baldness by promoting a better anagen/telogen ratio where hair follicle maturation happens.  In baldness cases, maturation happens only in about 20% of the follicles. Cuscuta activates the follicles and increases follicular density.  It also manages the hormonal imbalance by preventing the conversion of testosterone into a variant called dihydrotestestone that is believed to cause the damage.

While these and various other substances are believed to reduce baldness and promote hair growth, it is always important to remember that each body will respond differently to these substances. Thorough physical examination and a detailed history should be done before starting any of these products. 
 

Maintaining your hair is probably one of the most tiresome things because hair needs a lot of attention and if you choose to ignore the same, it gets completely messy and scruffy. This makes the maintenance of hair all the more difficult. There may be many gels and lotions in the market that promise you the best and most shiny hair, but you know better because all of us have been there.

The moment you stop using the gels, your hair turn into a larger version of a swallow's nest and you are left with the eternally perplexing question, what should you do to your hair to maintain their health? Well, here are some hacks that could help in maintaining healthy hair.

• Comb wet hair with a lot of care and as much time as they require. The reason for this is that wet hairs are very fragile and are prone to damage. They can break pretty easily. So experts suggest you to comb them from their roots with a comb that has widely spaced teeth.

• Every 6 to 8 weeks, trim the outermost edges of your hair. This will help you avoid split-ends and also keep your hair in fairly good shape. Also trimming may help you cut out the grey hair that is likely to show itself distinctly if not taken care of.

• If you use conditioners for your hair, make sure that you wash it off using cold water. Cold water helps your hair avoid shocks that can otherwise be felt because of the hot water. Thus it is safe to say that cold water helps your hair maintain its strength in such conditions.

• Sulphate shampoos have made their way in the markets recently and their popularity has surged to quite an extent. Sulphates clean your scalp of all the dirt, but at the same time they also wash off all the essential oils in your hair, so experts suggest that sulphate free shampoos should be used as much as possible.

• If you have dry hair, it is suggested that you avoid colouring your hair. The reason for this is the fact that dry hairs are likely to get damaged to a great extent if you dye them.

Finally, do not do anything that would impart heat to your hair, like straightening or ironing them. Heat damages your hair in the worst manner. If you follow these simple tricks and tips, there is a good chance that your hair may seem to be all the more wonderful and better than ever, and make every day of yours a good hair day!

In case you have a concern or query regarding skincare consult doctor online, you can always consult the best dermatologist online & get the answers to your questions.

4-5 hours prior to washing your hair, apply almond, castor, olive, coconut and lavender oil in a mixed proportion will provide moisture to your hair.