Losing about 100 hairs a day is normal; doctors advise caution when shedding is heavier

Almost everyone wants beautiful, thick and strong hair. But wrong daily habits, mental stress, unhealthy eating and inadequate care leave many people suffering from hair fall and breakage, according to doctors.

Doctors say a person is born with a fixed number of hair follicles on the scalp, usually between 80,000 and 120,000. A follicle is the tiny pouch under the skin from which hair grows. Blood circulation at the root of the follicle supplies the hair with oxygen and nutrients, which helps maintain its growth and health.

Shedding an average of about 100 hairs a day is normal. Losing more than that, hair becoming thin, or hair breaking easily can be caused by hereditary traits, nutritional deficiency, mental stress and an uncontrolled lifestyle.

Dr Lindsey Bordone, a dermatologist at Columbia University, says harsh dieting is harmful to hair. When the body comes under mental or physical stress from lack of nutrition, it blocks hair growth to preserve its energy reserves. Sudden weight loss can also cause temporary heavy shedding, known in medical science as telogen effluvium.

Hair is mainly made of protein. If the diet does not contain enough protein, hair fall increases. Experts advise taking at least 50 grams of protein a day. If needed, a good-quality protein powder or supplement can be taken on an expert's advice.

Research has also found caffeine effective for hair growth. A 2020 study found that using caffeine-based shampoo or conditioner increases stimulation of scalp cells, which can prevent hair fall as effectively as medicated treatment.

Various natural essential oils help hair growth. In particular, pumpkin seed oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, jojoba and lavender oil help strengthen hair roots and support new growth.

A deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals also harms hair structure. Shortages of iron, zinc, fatty acids, vitamins D, E and A and folic acid are among the main causes of hair fall. Research has found that omega-3 and omega-6 supplements play an important role in reducing hair fall.

Massaging the scalp with the fingers every day dilates the blood capillaries. That increases blood circulation in the scalp, making hair strong and thick from the root, so it does not break easily.

Specialist doctors also mention platelet-rich plasma, or PRP therapy, in modern hair treatment. According to them, platelets taken from the patient's own blood are injected into the scalp, where they work like stem cells and accelerate hair growth.

Excessive use of curling irons, straighteners or hair dryers destroys the hair's moisture, leaving it dry and broken. Heat-styling tools should therefore be kept at a low temperature and a heat-protectant spray used. Similarly, permanent hair dye or chemical colour destroys the hair's natural fatty acids, making it thin and weak, so chemical colour is best avoided.

Minoxidil, a widely used medicine to stop hair fall and regrow hair, requires patience, because the desired result can take up to 12 months. Antioxidant shampoo or leave-in scalp treatment, on the other hand, builds the scalp's natural protective barrier, keeps the scalp healthy and prevents thinning.

Trimming the ends every few months removes split ends. It does not directly make hair grow faster, because hair grows only about half an inch a month on average. Trimming stops the ends from breaking, so the hair looks thicker and healthier.

Sleeping seven to nine hours a night helps the release of the hormone melatonin. Using a silk or satin pillowcase instead of cotton reduces friction on the hair. One should never go to sleep with wet hair, because the roots are soft and fragile when wet. Under prolonged mental stress, hair enters a resting phase and starts shedding quickly instead of growing; light daily exercise, meditation and a balanced diet are essential to reduce stress.

There is no miraculous way to grow hair overnight. But a balanced and nutritious diet, enough protein, good sleep, stress control and proper hair care can keep hair healthy. If hair fall is heavy, or hair has not grown for a long time, consulting a doctor is essential.