Finally, there’s a nip in the air. And hair is turning dry and brittle. Hair fall, thinning, a persistent itch and dandruff are the commonly heard complaints.
According to a survey conducted by Parachute Oil, 47 per cent of women suffer from hair loss in Mumbai. Dermatologist Shrilata Trasi attributes this to changes in the weather. “Perming, straightening and colouring also cause the protection coat on the scalp to break, disturbing the hair’s chemical bond and leading it to break easily,” she cautions.
Dry spell
Excessive dieting and minimum consumption of proteins too add to the problem. Milk, cheese, sprouts and paneer are protein rich foods. “At times, typhoid and dengue followed by a prolonged course in antibiotics can leave the hair looking dry and dull,” explains Trasi, adding that regular conditioning helps.
Sudden fall
Frequent fliers are badly hit. Since there are no humidifiers in a flight, hair tends to turn lustreless. A sudden fall in temperature also leaves you feeling cold and aggravates hair falling. “It causes your scalp to itch constantly. Many people presume these flakes are dandruff but they are actually pityriasis sicca. Indiscriminate use of anti-dandruff shampoos worsens the condition,” says Trasi.
Trasi offers a home remedy that usually works: Mix fenugreek seeds with curd and apply for 15 minutes, then wash off.