Monday, 27 February 2012

10 Steps to get a Healthier and More Beautiful Skin

Nothing is more beautiful than a healthy glow! Try these simple tips to make sure your natural beauty shines through.



A Healthy Diet Means Healthy Beauty


We can get as creative as we like with our makeup, but there's one thing it can never bring us: the glow of good health. A healthy dietkeeps your body in tip-top shape — and that means your skin, hair, and nails too! Diets rich in a variety of vitamins and nutrients have plenty of beauty benefits. Hair is about 90 percent protein, so to promote hair growth, try a diet rich in lean proteins. To slow the signs of aging, be sure to get plenty of vitamins C and E. And don't forget about water! Staying hydrated is vital to maintaining a healthy glow. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and make skin look plump and healthy.

Not used to drinking up? Here are some simple tips for adding more water to your day:
Set a goal. Tell yourself you can't have that soda/Frappuccino/whatever your liquid guilty pleasure is until you reach your water-intake goal. Aim for at least 4 cups of water a day.
Mix it up. Add fruit, sugar-free drink mix, or ice cubes made from fruit juice to your glass for a refreshing flavor.
Tea time. Instead of your afternoon cup of coffee, try tea. It's more hydrating but still contains caffeine if you're looking for a little boost.

Reveal Healthy Hands

Your hands are one accessory you expose to the world daily, so why not dress them up, show them some love, and share something beautiful! But no cute, colorful polish can hide peeling, poorly cared for cuticles. "Cuticle oil is a miracle in a bottle," says Elle, a New York City–based celebrity manicurist. "It's key to softening up cuticles right away and making you feel put together — especially in those months when your skin is dry." Cuticle oil is also great for fighting daily nail aggressors like hand washing, being in the pool, and salt water.

Another great backup for cuticle oil is olive oil. That's right, the kind you'd find in your kitchen cupboard. Elle describes it as "quick and amazing." Read more nail care advice from Elle in our Essential Nail Care Kit.

Sunless Tanning Basics


While sunless tanners are a great way to keep a glow year-round, many of us have experienced the same horrible outcome: streaks, splotches, and orangy tones! Fear no more. According to Dr. Jessica Wu, dermatologist and beauty expert, there is a surprisingly simple fix to these sunless tanning disasters. The key to an even sunless tan is exfoliation, she says. Dead skin cells pick up more of the darkening ingredients of self-tanning products, which is why elbows, knees, and other areas of dry skin get darker than the rest of you, creating streaks and spots. Dr. Wu recommends that you begin exfoliating about a week before you plan to apply self-tanner, paying special attention to dry patches. And of course, don't forget to give any tanning product a test run before the day of a special event!




Get Your Beauty Sleep

There's a reason why you feel so good when you're well rested — it's good for your body! When you give your body the recommended eight hours of sleep a night, you're giving it the rest it needs to repair and build muscles and cells. Research shows that sleep deprivation is also directly related to skin rashes such as eczema, obesity and weight gain, and of course, those bags under your eyes you've been concealing with makeup. Here are a few tips to help you wind down after a long day, so you can start the next one fresh-faced and fabulous:
Drink up. Enjoy a cup of caffeine-free herbal tea.
Shut down. Turn off the distractions — that means the TV and Facebook!
Start a routine. Get into a bedtime routine that will help your body ease into sleep. Perhaps read for an hour or meditate for a few minutes just before bed. Waking up and going to bed at the same time every day also helps put your body into a steady sleep rhythm.
Think ahead. Make preparations for the next day so there will be nothing weighing on your mind when you should be snoozing.

Have a Fresh Face

Let's be real: Sweat happens. And when it does, it makes your makeup run and clogs your pores. So your best bet is to keep the layers of products on your face to a minimum. Instead of wearing sunscreen, moisturizer, and foundation, look for a tinted moisturizer with SPF. (Remember: No matter what the temperature is outside, your face is still exposed and at risk for sun damage.) Find a good waterproof mascara, and instead of lipstick, try a lip stain — not only is it lighter, it'll also last all day! And most important, be sure to wash your face before bed and before applying makeup. Starting with a fresh palette is essential!

Protect Your Hair

Your hair may seem durable and strong — after all, it does withstand the constant abuse of brushing, pulling, heating, cooling, and chemicals — but nourishing and protecting your hair is important to keep it healthy and shiny. To counteract all this hair abuse, here are some tips to ensure optimal hair health:
Condition and moisturize. Heated hair tools like blow-dryers and straighteners can leave hair dry and brittle, so be sure to use a conditioner or a leave-in product to lock in moisture.
Use SPF. You use SPF products to protect your skin, but what about your hair? On the days you know your hair will be getting lots of sunshine, try a hairspray or leave-in conditioner with SPF to prevent sun damage.
Secure your locks. If you know you're going to be out in the wind or otherwise putting your hair at risk for tangles, get creative with your style. Try a high ponytail, a French braid, or a bun.

Stress Less to Banish Breakouts

Looking for a way to treat your acne breakouts that doesn't cost a thing? Minimize the stress in your life — seriously! Stress alone can cause pimple eruptions. So do your best to just chill out! Make an effort to add some activity to your day that you enjoy. Get out and enjoy the sunshine. Go for a run, ride your bike, do yoga, or try ballroom dancing. Maybe you enjoy scrapbooking or reading gossip magazines. Just be sure to take a break during the day to devote to you. Once you feel better and more relaxed, you'll notice those pesky pimples will begin to fade away.

Avoid Shaving Cuts and Bumps

It happens to all of us: You put on your bikini or undress to slip on a short new cocktail dress, only to look down and realize you're a hairy mess! First, don't panic! And second, do not try to dry-shave your legs or bikini area. Your skin might snag the razor, causing nicks and cuts that could become infected, and the irritation will leave you with little red bumps. Not attractive! Take the time to use shaving gel — or in a real pinch, hair conditioner works just as well — and a fresh, clean razor. Then apply lotion to keep your skin hydrated and looking shiny. This may take a little bit of extra time, but when your legs are smooth and glowing instead of red, bumpy, and bleeding, you'll be happy you did it.

Learn What to Apply First

The trickiest part to putting on makeup isn't always how to do it — it's when to do it. Do you put sunscreen on first, or last? And when is the best time to apply concealer? Wonder no more, because dermatologist and beauty expert Dr. Jessica Wu has the answers.
Medicate. Apply anything medicated, such as acne or rosacea cream, to clean, dry skin so that it can absorb and do what it's supposed to do.
Protect. Next, apply sunscreen. To save time and money, look for a moisturizer with sunscreen — two steps in one product.
Now's the time to apply moisturizer if your skin still feels dry. You can also apply it to just the dry patches. This will help makeup go on smoother and more evenly.
Color. The last thing you want to put on is your makeup. Start with foundation, then concealer, followed by color products, and last but not least, powder.
Repeat. At night, repeat steps one and three after washing and drying your face.

Try Home Remedies
Almost everything you need for skin-care basics can be found right in your kitchen. So instead of hitting the drugstore, take a peek inside the fridge to treat some of these common skin problems.
For your face: Blackheads got you down? Give yourself a tomato facial! Cut a tomato in half, rub it on your face, and press into blackheads. Rinse and moisturize. As for the other half of the tomato, add it to a sandwich!
For your feet: Cure those rough heels and get your feet into a pair of gorgeous sandals with a quick at-home exfoliant. Combine sugar and oil — such as olive oil — and scrub your feet. The sugar will help remove dead skin while the oil moisturizes.
For hydration: Make a moisturizer that's the bee's knees! Combine equal parts honey and a vegetable or plant-based oil — like olive or jojoba — and apply it to your skin. Rinse after 15 minutes.

Everything You Didn't Know About Washing Your Face

Good Skin Starts With a Clean Face


Washing your face is a no-brainer, right? Well, not exactly. A recent study by Olay found that only 50 percent of women wash their face regularly. And even if you are among the half that does, most are not using the correct product, rinsing properly, or treating their skin with the TLC it deserves.

"I think probably 80 percent of women don't wash their face properly," says Annet King, director of global education for Dermalogica. "Good skincare starts with clean skin. There's no point in moisturizing or using anti-aging or anti-acne products on your skin if you don't have a clean palette to work with."

Overwashing your face can be just as damaging as not doing it at all. "Many people have the concept that skin needs to be squeaky clean," explains Hema Sundaram, MD, a Washington, DC-area dermatologist and laser expert. "But that means it's been stripped of its protective barrier. We must recondition ourselves on what clean skin means, which is dewy but not tight," Read on and discover the secrets to proper face cleansing and watch your skin glow.

What To Eat For Glowing Healthy Skin

The old adage “you are what you eat” not only applies to our overall health and nutrition, but how our skin looks and feels as well. As the largest organ in the body, our skin can benefit from the same nutrition we get from foods that have a positive effect on our heart and other major organs. In fact, new research suggests that eating foods rich in protein and certain vitamins and minerals might provide valuable anti-aging effects.
See Also:
Health & Medicine
Skin Care
Nutrition
Psoriasis
Mind & Brain
Nutrition Research
Dieting and Weight Control
Alcoholism
Living Well
Reference
Food groups
South Beach diet
Whole grain
Cellulite

Speaking November 8 at the American Academy of Dermatology’s SKIN academy (Academy), dermatologist Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York, N.Y., and clinical assistant professor of dermatology and associate faculty of the School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa., discussed the importance of eating nutritious foods for optimal skin health and how foods can aggravate common medical skin conditions.

“While there’s no mistaking how our diet affects our overall health, we’re just beginning to understand how certain foods – or lack thereof – can impact our skin’s health,” said Dr. Taylor. “In addition, studies show that some food and beverages can even worsen common skin conditions and cause allergic reactions that manifest on the skin.”

Good Food, Good Skin

Perhaps the simplest way to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and ensure the skin is getting optimal nutrition from the foods we eat is to follow the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Daily Food Guide, commonly referred to as the food pyramid.

These include:
Choosing and eating at least three ounces of whole grain breads, cereals, rice, crackers or pasta.
Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including more dark green and orange vegetables.
Consuming calcium-rich foods, such as fat-free or low-fat milk and other dairy products.
Opting for a variety of low-fat or lean meats, poultry and fish.

“The foods recommended by the USDA as part of a healthy diet contain valuable vitamins and minerals that have proven health benefits for our bodies,” said Dr. Taylor. “Research has shown that the antioxidants in vitamins C and E can protect the skin from sun damage and help reduce damage in skin cells caused by harmful free radicals, which contribute to aging skin. Similarly, we have long known that the B vitamin biotin is responsible for forming the basis of skin, hair and nail cells, and vitamin A – found in many fruits and vegetables – maintains and repairs skin tissue. Without an adequate supply of these vitamins, you may notice it in the appearance of your skin, hair and nails.”

While the direct link between food consumption and skin damage has not been widely studied, one study comparing the correlation between food and nutrient intake with skin wrinkling found a positive relationship. The study, “Skin Wrinkling: Can Food Make a Difference?”, published in the February 2001 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, determined that Swedish subjects aged 70 and older had the least skin wrinkling in a sun-exposed site among the four ethnic groups studied. This cross-sectional study, which analyzed the pooled data using the major food groups, suggests “that subjects with a higher intake of vegetables, olive oil, and monounsaturated fat and legumes, but a lower intake of milk/dairy products, butter, margarine and sugar products had less skin wrinkling in a sun-exposed site.”

“More studies need to be done to determine the long-term benefits of food on our skin,” said Dr. Taylor. “Eating a variety of healthy foods and drinking plenty of water so the skin stays hydrated should help most people improve the appearance of their skin.”

Foods That Can Worsen Skin Conditions

For the millions of Americans affected by medical skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema or psoriasis, eating certain foods or consuming alcohol could aggravate their symptoms or trigger an unexpected flare-up. Dr. Taylor recommended that patients affected by these chronic skin conditions should be aware of certain food interactions in order to better manage their treatment regimen.

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by the foods we eat. Although numerous studies have not found a link between diet and acne, emerging research now suggests there may be a link between a low-glycemic diet and an improvement in acne. The study, “Low-Glycemic-Load Diet May Improve Acne in Young Men,” published in the July 2007 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined whether male acne patients aged 15 to 25 who followed a low-glycemic diet (25 percent of energy from protein and 45 percent from low-glycemic-index carbohydrates) had a reduction in acne lesions vs. a control group that consumed a diet rich in carbohydrates.

“The study found that at 12 weeks, acne lesions had decreased more in the young men in the low-glycemic group than their counterparts in the control group whose diet had no consideration for the glycemic index,” said Dr. Taylor. “This suggests that there could be a relationship between limiting carbohydrate-rich foods in acne patients’ diets and an improvement in their acne, but more studies need to be done to confirm this finding before we consider any future dietary modifications for our patients.”

On the other hand, some acne patients have noticed that certain foods worsen their symptoms – particularly chocolate, greasy foods, soft drinks, peanuts or foods high in fat.

“Patients who notice a cause-effect relationship between eating certain foods and acne flare-ups should avoid those foods,” said Dr. Taylor. “However, following a strict diet will not clear acne either. The best advice is to eat a well-balanced diet and follow the treatment plan recommended by your dermatologist.”

Rosacea, characterized by facial redness and swelling, commonly can be triggered by spicy foods or alcohol. In fact, a survey conducted by the National Rosacea Society found that the most common rosacea triggers are alcohol (52 percent), spicy foods (45 percent) and heated beverages (36 percent).

“Patients with rosacea should keep a journal to track their food and beverage triggers, so they can record how the experience made them feel and remind themselves to avoid these items in the future,” advised Dr. Taylor. “They also should read the labels at the grocery store and proceed with caution when it comes to spices, such as cayenne, red, black and white pepper, curry, chili powder, and even salsa.”

In addition, foods such as liver, vinegar, soy sauce, dairy products, certain fruits and vegetables, hot chocolate, cider, tea and coffee have been known to cause flare-ups in some rosacea patients.

Another chronic skin condition that can be aggravated by food is eczema, which is commonly characterized by dry, red and itchy patches on the skin. Foods that have been known to worsen eczema symptoms include eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, wheat and fish, while some patients even report that chocolate, coffee, alcohol, tomatoes and sugar can trigger a flare-up. Dr. Taylor added that juices from meats and fruits can irritate already-sensitive skin when they come in contact with the skin, and she suggested that eczema patients also should keep a trigger journal as a reference for what foods or drinks may have caused a flare-up.

Research has shown that psoriasis, a serious medical condition affecting the immune system and characterized by patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scales, can be triggered by heavy drinking and that alcohol consumption may even inhibit the effectiveness of psoriasis treatment.

Dr. Taylor cautioned psoriasis patients who drink to do so in moderation and to avoid alcohol if they suspect it is worsening their symptoms.

“While certain foods also can trigger psoriasis, patients should avoid any radical diets that claim to ‘cure’ psoriasis,” explained Dr. Taylor. “There is not a cure for psoriasis and extreme changes in diet actually can worsen symptoms.”

Dr. Taylor added that individuals who have any questions about how their diet can affect the health and appearance of their skin should discuss their concerns with a dermatologist.

Sunday, 26 February 2012

Tips for Taking Care of Your Skin


Sometimes it may seem like your skin is impossible to manage, especially when you wake up and find a huge zit on your nose or a cold sore at the corner of your mouth. The good news is that there are ways to prevent and treat common skin problems — read on for some tips.

Acne

A pimple starts when the pores in the skin become clogged with a type of oil called sebum, which normally lubricates the skin and hair. Acne is common during puberty when hormones go into overdrive, causing the skin to overproduce sebum. Because many oil-producing glands are on the forehead, nose, and chin, this area — the T-zone — is where a person is most prone to pimples.

Here are some tips to help prevent breakouts and clear them up as fast as possible:
Wash your face twice a day (no more) with warm water and a mild soap made for people with acne. Gently massage your face with circular motions. Don't scrub. Overwashing and scrubbing can cause skin to become irritated. After cleansing, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying an over-the-counter (no prescription needed) lotion containing benzoyl peroxide. This will decrease oil and bacteria.
Don't pop pimples. It's tempting, but here's why you shouldn't: Popping pimples can push infected material further into the skin, leading to more swelling and redness, and even scarring. If you notice a pimple coming before a big event, like the prom, a dermatologist can often treat it for you with less risk of scarring or infection.
Avoid touching your face with your fingers or leaning your face on objects that collect sebum and skin residue like your phone. Touching your face can spread the bacteria that cause pores to become inflamed and irritated. To keep bacteria at bay, wash your hands before applying anything to your face, such as treatment creams or makeup.
If you wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure you clean them frequently to keep oil from clogging the pores around your eyes and nose.
If you get acne on your body, try not to wear tight clothes. They don't allow skin to breathe and may cause irritation. Scarves, headbands, and caps can collect dirt and oil, too.
Remove your makeup before you go to sleep. When buying makeup, make sure you choose brands that say "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" on the label. Throw away old makeup that smells or looks different from when you first bought it.
Keep hair clean and out of your face to prevent additional dirt and oil from clogging your pores.
Protect your skin from the sun. It may seem like a tan masks acne, but it's only temporary. A tan may worsen your acne, not improve it. Tanning also causes damage to skin that will eventually lead to wrinkles and increase your risk of skin cancer.

If you're concerned about acne, talk to a dermatologist. Dermatologists offer a range of treatments that help to prevent and acne scars. A dermatologist can help you find the treatment method that's best for you and can also give you lots of useful tips for dealing with acne and caring for your skin type. Some salons and spas have trained skin specialists, called estheticians, who can offer advice and skin care treatments.

Sun and Skin
We all know we need to protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays. Of course, it's impossible to avoid the sun — who wants to hide indoors when it feels so great to get outside? And the sun's not all bad, anyway: Sunlight helps our bodies create vitamin D. So follow these tips when you're outdoors to help manage sun exposure:
Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, even if it's cloudy or you don't plan on spending a lot of time outdoors. If you sweat a lot or go swimming, reapply sunscreen every 1½ to 2 hours (even if the bottle says the sunscreen is waterproof).
Choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Look for the words "broad spectrum protection" or UVA protection in addition to the SPF of 15 or greater. Select a sunscreen that says "nonacnegenic" or "noncomedogenic" on the label to help keep pores clear.
The sun's rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, so reapply sunscreen frequently and take breaks indoors if you can. If your shadow is longer than you are tall, then it's a safer time to be in the sun (you should still wear sunscreen, though).
Apply more sunscreen (with higher SPF) when you're around reflective surfaces like water, snow, or ice.
We all know that the sun can damage skin, but did you know it can contribute to eye problems, too? Protect your face and eyes with a hat and sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.
Some medications, such as prescription acne medications, can increase your sensitivity to the sun (and to tanning beds). So if you're taking medication, increase your sun protection.
If you want the glow of a tan, try faking it with self-tanners or salon spray-on treatments. Avoid tanning beds. They still contain some of the same harmful UV rays as the sun.


Cold Sores

Cold sores usually show up as tender blisters on the lips. They are caused by a type of herpes virus (HSV-1, which most often is not sexually transmitted) so they are contagious from person to person. Once you get this virus it stays in your body, meaning you'll probably get cold sores every now and then throughout your life.

Here are ways you can help prevent cold sores from making an appearance (or reappearance if you've had them in the past):
Avoid getting cold sores in the first place by not sharing stuff like lip balm, toothbrushes, or drinks with other people who might have cold sores. The virus that causes cold sores is transmitted through the nose (in mucus) and the mouth (in saliva).
People who have the virus know that cold sores can flare up from things like too much sun, stress, or being sick. Just one more reason to lather on that suntan lotion, eat well, exercise, and get plenty of sleep!

If you do have a cold sore, here are some tips for keeping yourself comfortable:
Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the cold sores are painful.
Suck on ice pops or cubes to ease pain and keep cold sores cool.
Stay away from acidic foods (like oranges, tomatoes, and lemonade) and salty, spicy foods, which can cause irritation.
Don't pick at cold sores while you're waiting for them to go away. They may bleed or become infected with bacteria or you could spread the virus.

Usually, cold sores go away on their own after a week or two. But if you get them frequently or they're a problem, talk to your doctor or dermatologist, who may be able to prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms and shorten the amount of time cold sores last.

Eczema

Eczema is a condition that causes skin to become red, itchy, and dry. If you have eczema, you might notice that you are prone to getting itchy rashes — especially in places like where your elbows and knees bend or on your neck and face. The symptoms of eczema can vary from person to person.

Though you can't cure eczema forever, you can take steps to prevent it from flaring:
Stay away from things like harsh detergents, perfumed soaps, and heavily fragranced lotions that tend to irritate the skin and trigger eczema.
Because hot water dries by quick evaporation and over-washing with soap may dry skin, take short, warm showers and baths. If you're going to have your hands in water for a long time (like when you're washing dishes or your car), try wearing gloves. Detergent can dry and irritate skin.
Soothe your skin with regular applications of a fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent itching and dryness. Creams generally moisturize a bit better and last longer than lotions for most people. Creams work best if applied when the skin is slightly wet, like just after bathing.
Be careful which fabrics you wear. Cotton is good because it's breathable and soft. (But if you are exercising, some of the newer synthetic materials actually keep you drier and are better for you than cotton.) Try to stay away from materials like wool or spandex that may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Keep stress in check. Because stress can lead to eczema flares, try activities like yoga or walking after a long day to keep your stress levels low.
If you wear makeup, look for brands that are free of dyes and fragrances that can aggravate eczema.

If you're having trouble managing your eczema, talk to a dermatologist, who can suggest ways to better control it.

Other Skin Conditions

Warts are tiny skin infections caused by viruses of the human papilloma virus (HPV) family. There's no way to prevent warts from occurring (other than avoiding contact with people who have them). But if you do get them, don't rub, pick, or scratch them because you can spread the virus and get new warts.

Some over-the-counter medications containing special acids can help get rid of warts, but it's always a good idea to see your doctor before trying one. If you find warts in your genital area, you should see your doctor, who can recommend the best treatment method for that sensitive area.

Another type of wart-like viral infection is molluscum contagiosum. (It's not as scary as its name sounds!) Like warts, it can be transmitted through scratching and sexual contact.

Fine white or purplish lines on the skin called stretch marks are pretty common in most teens. Stretch marks are formed when the tissue under your skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching, like during puberty. Stretch marks usually fade on their own over time. Talk to a dermatologist if you're concerned about them.

Because our skin is the most visible reflection of what's going on in our bodies, people equate healthy skin with beauty. But healthy skin is about more than just good looks; it's essential to our survival. So keep your skin glowing with the right skin care techniques and by eating well and getting lots of exercise.

The top five nutrients for healthy skin

The skin is one of the most powerful indicators of health. Wrinkles, dry or oily skin, acne, and inflammation all are signs of poor internal health, often brought on by consuming unhealthful foods and avoiding skin-healthy nutrients. To treat skin problems, most people turn to mainstream topical cosmetics, including lotions, soaps, scrubs, toners, and creams. However, treating outer blemishes with expensive, chemical-laden beauty products does little to address the root cause of the problem: poor nutrition and exposure to toxins in dietary and personal care products.

"Your skin is the fingerprint of what is going on inside your body, and all skin conditions, from psoriasis to acne to aging, are the manifestations of your body's internal needs, including its nutritional needs," says Dr. Georgiana Donadio, founder of the National Institute of Whole Health.

Recent research has shown that the skin reacts particularly well to certain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that nourish the skin, making it appear youthful and healthy. The following nutrients are among the very best to consume for healthy, young-looking skin:

Silica:Silica is a trace mineral that strengthens the body's connective tissues - muscles, tendons, hair, ligaments, nails, cartilage, and bone - and is vital for healthy skin. Silica deficiency can result in reduced skin elasticity and can hamper the body's ability to heal wounds. Food sources of silica include leeks, green beans, garbanzo beans, strawberries, cucumber, mango, celery, asparagus and rhubarb. In its natural form, silica is found in the horsetail herb. Silica is also available as a concentrated liquid supplement from Eidon Ionic Minerals (www.eidon.com)

Zinc: The mineral zinc is an important component of healthy skin, especially for acne sufferers. In fact, acne itself may be a symptom of zinc deficiency. Zinc acts by controlling the production of oil in the skin, and may also help control some of the hormones that create acne. Zinc is also required for proper immune system function, as well as for the maintenance of vision, taste, and smell. Zinc consumption is also strongly linked to a reduction of prostate cancer.

Foods rich in zinc include fresh oysters, pumpkin seeds, ginger, pecans, Brazil nuts, oats, and eggs. Zinc can be purchased in supplement form, in both liquid concentrates and tablets.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Dry, inflamed skin or skin that suffers from the frequent appearance of whiteheads or blackheads can benefit from supplementing with essential fatty acids (EFAs), especially omega-3s. EFAs are responsible for skin repair, moisture content, and overall flexibility, but because the body cannot produce its own EFAs, they must be obtained through the diet.

The typical American diet is overabundant in omega-6 fatty acids found in baked goods and grains, and lacking in omega-3s, found in cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel, as well as flaxseeds and safflower oil. Simply balancing the intake of omega-3s with omega-6s can result in smoother, younger-looking skin. EFAs are also available in supplement form - such as fish oil capsules or evening primrose oil - and are effective at treating a wide range of disorders, from depression and cancer to arthritis and heart disease. Good sources of omega-3 oils include chia seeds, flax seeds and, for non-vegetarians, wild-harvested fish oils. A reputable supplier of fish oils is Nordic Naturals (www.NordicNaturals.com)

Selenium: Selenium is an antioxidant mineral responsible for tissue elasticity. It also acts to prevent cell damage by free radicals and is will known to be correlated with a reduction of breast cancer risk. It may play an important role in preventing skin cancer, as it can protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light.

Dietary sources of selenium include wheat germ, seafood such as tuna and salmon, garlic, Brazil nuts, eggs, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread. Brazil nuts are perhaps the best source, and eating just 3-4 Brazil nuts per day provides adequate selenium intake for most people. A good source of raw brazil nuts is www.RawFood.com

Vitamins C, E and A: Vitamin C is highly effective at reducing free radical damage, such as that caused by overexposure to the sun or pollution. Free radicals consume collagen and elastin - the fibers that support skin structure - and can cause wrinkles and other signs of premature aging. Vitamin C is especially effective at protecting the skin from overexposure to the sun when combined with vitamin E. Foods high in vitamin C include acerola (a cherry-like fruit), red and green bell peppers, guava, kale, parsley, collard greens, turnips, and broccoli.

Wherever possible, consumers are advised to get their vitamin C from a whole food source, and not to confuse synthetic vitamin C (ascorbic acid) with the real thing from plants (which is full spectrum vitamin C that goes way beyond ascorbic acid). A good source of whole food vitamins is Botani (http://www.alohabay.com/botani/index.html)

In terms of topical applications of vitamin C for your skin, there's nothing on the market that even comes close to a product called Camu C Serum manufactured by the Amazon Herb Company (http://amazondreams.amazonherb.net/Lluvia_CamuSerum.aspx), which is made from Camu Camu berries -- the highest natural source of full-spectrum vitamin C.

Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that reduces the effects of sun exposure on the skin. When combined with vitamin A, vitamin E is especially effective at preventing certain skin cancers. Vitamin E also reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and, when applied topically, soothes dry or rough skin. Food sources of vitamin E include wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, safflower and sunflower oils, almonds, spinach, peaches, prunes, tomatoes, cabbage, asparagus, and avocados.

Avoid synthetic vitamin E supplements, as they have been shown to actually harm health. Only consume natural vitamin E from a reputable source such as the Life Extension Foundation (www.LEF.org)

Vitamin A promotes proper repair and maintenance of the skin, and deficiencies can result in a dry, flaky complexion. Topical vitamin A treatments are often used to treat acne and other skin ailments. Foods high in vitamin A include liver, chili peppers, dandelion, carrots, apricots, collard greens, kale, sweet potatoes, spinach, and cantaloupe.

It's best to consume vitamin A from natural food sources rather than supplementing it, as vitamin A can be harmful if taken in excessive amounts in supplement form (vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin). You may also wish to consider taking beta carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A and has none of the overdose concerns of vitamin A.

Avoid toxic skin care products
Proper nutrition is vital for the maintenance of youthful, smooth, healthy skin. Though lotions, washes, and creams can sometimes help treat certain skin ailments, most skin problems stem from an internal nutritional deficiency easily remedied by altering the diet to include specific nutrients. Before you spend a fortune on expensive skin care products, try addressing the problem from the inside out.

Also, beware of the toxic chemicals used in nearly all popular skin care products, including many of the expensive brands sold in department stores. Most products contain liver-damaging and cancer-causing petroleum derivatives that pass right through the skin and enter your bloodstream, causing DNA damage that ultimately compromises the health of your entire body. Use skin care products that are truly natural and contain absolutely no parabens, petroleum products or any ingredient you cannot pronounce.

There are many quality skin care product companies to choose from. I currently recommend Pangea Organics (www.PangeaOrganics.com) and the Lluvia line from the Amazon Herb Company (http://amazondreams.amazonherb.net), which are made from rainforest botanicals and contain no artificial or chemical ingredients whatsoever.

Saturday, 25 February 2012

12 Ways To Decrease Hair Loss And Strengthen Hair

A few years ago I went through some of the most stressful months of my life and yes, my hair started to fall out! I'm in my middle thirties so at first I thought maybe it was just that time. Most of my male relatives have kept their hair though, even into their sixties so I started to do some research to make sure I covered all the bases. My daughter got in on the game too, because girls being girls, they want to do everything they can to make their hair longer and their hair follicles stronger.

But enough about that, let's get to the list! Here are the twelve ways to decrease hair loss and strengthen hair that we discovered. I personally can vouch for seeing results and after just double checking with my daughter, she says she has seen strengthening results too.
Is it really possible to decrease hair loss and strengthen hair?
My daughter and I have researched 12 solid ways to strengthen our hair.
Blow it, show it, long as I can grow it MY HAIR!!!

Gimme a head with hair! Long beautiful hair!



1. Eat some digestible protein consistently throughout the day. I found this out from a holistic purveyor on Chicago's West side. After I explained to her all the things I was trying to do to save my hair, she told me this was the number one thing people overlooked but worked the best. I have found that to be true. The key words are digestible and consistently. I am someone who has trouble digesting certain foods and if they go right through you your body doesn't benefit. Also the consistency element was something I had to work on as someone who used to regularly skip breakfast. Even a gulp of milk or a quarter cup three times a day will improve your intake, or beans, fish, eggs, anything with protein.

2. Find a way to reduce your stress. I know I know, just the thought of trying to find a way to reduce stess is stressing you out! I've been there, I know it can be difficult. But rest assured there are ways to decrease your stress. Meditation, prayer, or just going for a walk once or twice a day can do wonders. Lower the amount of caffeine you ingest or avoid people who tear at your insides. There are lots of ways to decrease stress, look it up on HubPages!

3. Gently massage your scalp. This works on two levels. Just as in number two above, it helps reduce your stress. But also, it stimulates your hair follicles. Similarly, wearing a hat for prolonged periods of time strains your hair follicles. This may seem like a minor detail, but trust me it works. My wife massages my "problem" areas, where my hair is receding the most. You can gently use your fingers (or your loved ones) and slightly massage the skin. Or if you have enough hair, you can even gently pull the hair. That's right, you read correctly. Gently pull the hair and this helps stimulate the follicles. Obviously too hard is too hard, if you start pulling out all your hair, you have gone too far and losing hair is the least of your worries, at this point you are going to want to hire a psychologist.

4. Eat your fruits and vegetables. Remember when you were at that family reunion a few years ago and you watched that old Aunt-what's-her-name with the hair down to her butt and the full beard gobbling up asparagus and rutabaga by the plateful! Coincidence? I don't think so. Also, eat a multivitamin at least once a week, every other day or every day. Better nutrition goes along way towards decreasing hair loss.

5. Don't brush your hair when it is wet. Your hair is extra weak when it is wet. You can use your hands, but don't use the fine comb until it dries.

6. Apply all natural, crushed aloe vera to your scalp. You can grow your own, buy a plant or two from just about any garden store or even a grocery store. Also, lots of good produce stores carry aloe vera and it is inexpensive. You can buy two giant leaves, and tear a small bit off every day and apply it to the problem areas. This has worked well for me. Beware, some aloe vera smells a bit like onions!

7. Eat soy. Soy isn't just for San Francisco feathered vegitarians anymore. It comes in various forms, and your bound to find one type that you will enjoy. It has nutrient and medicinal values that are good for strengthening your hair.

8. Don't over brush your hair. One thousand nine hundred ninetly nine, two thousand! OK seriously? That's too much. Your hair isn't made of metal, it's made of dead proteins, and as such, can only take so much abuse.

9. Blow dry your hair sparingly. If you don't have to, don't. If you must, blow dry your hair as little as required. The excessive heat will damage and weaken your hair.

10. After swimming in Chlorinated water, wash your hair. Of course most of us shower with chlorinated water so it's hard to avoid. But a lot of public pools really pour on the chemicals, rinse or wash them off when you get home.

11. Trim every month or two. Even if you're growing out your hair, you can still get it trimmed. The ends tend to get brittle over time, and that split can tear all the way up your hair until the entire hair is damaged.

12. Keep hydrated. You should do this anyway, for good health. But it also helps you keep your hair.

Once last note. With the combination of all these things I did witness my hair stopped falling out. Over a year I noticed that some of it even grew back. I've never tried Rogaine but I did try a few organic "hair regrowth" formulas and had some success. Although after trying those, I did get a circular patch of hair to grow on my back! Ha! So I don't use those products anymore, I just follow these twelve ways that my daughter and I came up with.Everyone is vulnerable to hair loss more or less depending on their environment and genetics. But you can do somethings to stave off the process and hedge your bet!

We hope you have some good results. Now where is that aloe vera plant? Hmmm.

When should you seek medical diagnosis?

Always consult your family doctor for medical advice about your health

and your individual hair loss condition.



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What medical treatment can doctors use to re-grow hair?

If infection is found to cause hair lost, curing the underlying infection will resume normal hair growth in most cases. Medication exposure, especially chemotherapy can cause hair to fall out. Once the use of the medication is stopped the hair should start to grow again. Psychological disorder such as deep anxiety needs to attend to to eliminate hair pulling or hair loss due to stress. surgery, pregnancy, hormonal abnormalities

What causes excessive hair loss?

A number of things can cause excessive hair loss

As we age, the hair re-growth process may slow or stop, and thinning or baldness areas may occur. However, there are many abnormal conditions to cause hair loss prematurely. Following are some questions to consider:
How much hair is being lost?
Is your hair falling out in small patches?
What genetics traits may cause the hair loss?
Why women develop male pattern baldness?
Where any chemicals used on the hair to cause the hair to falls out?
Are you taking any new medicine, steroids or chemotherapy to cause hair loss condition?
As a woman in menopausal stage, are hormonal imbalance may cause the hair loss?

Androgenetic alopecia condition, is one of the most common causes of hair loss. Telogen effluvium condition is also common as a loss of "handfuls" of hair. In most cases the condition appear following emotional or physical stress. A doctor diagnosis is best to determine the cause of why your hair falls out.

What causes hair to fall out?

Hair loss problem shows as hair fall out with less hair growth. Every day, normal hair loss is about 50 to 100 hair. Large quantities of hair falling out may reflect an underlying chronic illness, such as autoimmune disorder, cancer which post severe stress on the body are examples of why excessive hair fall may occur. Therefore, signs of stress show up as hair falls out in abnormal rate.

Ten Natural Ways Grow Hair and Reduce Hair Loss

Vitamins and lifestyle changes have been shown to encourage hair to grow and reduce hair loss. Balding is a genetic trait but good nutrition can play a part in hair growth. Hair products, such as masks, shampoos and leave on conditioners can also prevent hair loss and restore healthy, vibrant hair. Adding nutrients will help regrow hair.

1. Protein Grows Hair
Because the hair is made of protein, a protein deficiency can cause hair loss. Add protein to the diet by including animal products, such as meat and dairy, or protein shakes made from whey.

2. Vitamin C is Needed for Healthy Hair
Vitamin C is also a component of healthy hair. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are especially high in vitamin C, as are green peppers. Suggested dosage is 1,000 to 3,000 mg a day.

3. B Vitamins Increase Hair Growth
Biotin and the complex B vitamins are needed to grow hair. B3 helps increase circulation to the scalp, thereby encouraging hair growth. It is best to take a supplement that includes all of the B vitamins, called a B complex supplement, as the nutrients work synergistically.

4. Iron Reduces Hair Loss
The mineral iron helps increase circulation in the scalp as well, which then fuels hair growth. Foods that are high in iron include liver, apricots and raisins.

5. Drink Water to Grow Hair
The hair shaft is comprised of one quarter water. Drink at least 4 to 8 cups of water a day to stay hydrated and grow healthy hair.

6. Reduce Alcoholic Beverages to Reduce Hair Loss
Drinking alcohol reduces hair growth. Reduce or eliminate alcohol from the diet and you will see an increase in hair growth.

7. Hormones Influence Hair Growth
Hormones influence the production of hair. Hormones decrease with age and slow hair growth. Increasing hormones can increase hair growth. Adding bio-identical hormones for women is a possibility, but accurate blood tests are needed to identify and balance the various hormonal components in the body. Natural foods contain some hormones as well, for instance, wild yam is a natural source of estrogen.

8. Vitamin E Grows Hair
Vitamin E is another nutrient needed to grow hair. It stimulates the circulation in the scalp and can be taken internally or applied to the scalp.

9. Smoking Causes Hair Loss
Smoking cigarettes reduces the blood flow to the scalp and this causes a reduction in hair growth. Stop smoking to help hair grow.

10. Vitamin A Feeds Healthy Hair
Vitamin A helps create vibrant shiny hair because it works with the fat synthesis in the hair follicles and spurs hair growth. Foods that contain vitamin A include eggs, kale, squash, and carrots.

9 Foods For Healthier Stronger Hair

Some cultures have very few instances of hair loss. The main reason why Western society has more occurrences of hair loss is because of the lack of nutrients in our diet. Americans are known for overeating. However, you can overeat and still not get the nutrients you need for optimal health.

You need to get these nutrients in absorbable forms. You also need to get a wide variety of different vitamins and minerals to ensure that your hair loss isn’t being caused by a nutritional deficiency.

1. Chickpeas

Eating chickpeas will help you to get all the zinc and vitamin B6 you need for healthy hair growth. Zinc has an important part in building hair protein and it also works together with vitamin A.

Not having both zinc and vitamin A in adequate amounts might cause you to have dandruff that could possibly cause you to have hair loss.

2. Roast beef
Non-vegans can choose roast beef instead and get all of the same benefits as eating chickpeas plus protein.

3. Soy beans

Soy contains optimal amounts of iron and vitamin E. Iron helps with hemoglobin production, which is responsible for getting oxygen to the tissues of the body. Vitamin E also helps to increase blood circulation to the scalp.

4. Almonds
Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin e, iron and protein. This cholesterol-lowering food will help you avoid taking potentially hair loss causing cholesterol-lowering drugs.

5. Whole wheat

Whole-wheat is an excellent source of iron and silica. Silica isn’t usually found in abundance in western diets and it is very important because it helps with the absorption of other nutrients.

6. cow’s milk
An excellent source of iodine is cow’s milk. Milk is an excellent source of iodine and you can’t overdose on iodine from food sources. However, you can overdose on iodine from iodized salt. So you should be careful.

7. oats

Another excellent source of iron is oats. It’s also a good source of minerals potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

8. Oranges

Everyone knows that orange juice is a good source of vitamin C. However, most people don’t know that vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron.

9. Fish

It is an excellent source of EFA’s. EFA’s play a major role in maintaining healthy hair. It’s also a good source of vitamin A, protein, and vitamin B6.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Falls?


Q: I started dieting for 6 months and i skipped my meals sometimes. But for the past 1 month I have started eating properly and I am taking multivitamin daily.Everyday I loose 20 strands and when I wash my hair I loose 40-50 strands.Please help me kokila ()


A: It is perfectly normal to lose some strands of hair everyday. 40-50 strands a day is normal. Yes, dieting does lead to hair loss, but since you have stopped dieting and are eating well again, you should not have a problem. Seafood is excellent for hair, so if you enjoy fish, eat it regularly. Vidula Chopra Rastogi


Q: I have a anxiety disorder which is a kind of psychological disorder. Now because of that i have lost and am loosing quiet a lot of hair. I know that my hair are falling because of this disorder. I wanted to ask that if in case i recover from this disorder, will my hair regrow, if i take extremely good care of my hair. I have heard that hair fall due to stress gets regrowth easily within a year. i wanted to know how much this is true. Ankit ()


A: Hair fall caused due to stress will reduce once stress levels come down. Look after your hair and your health, eat well, exercise and generally lead a healthy lifestyle, and your hair loss will subside. If you have started balding, the hair may not grow back in the bald sections. Vidula Chopra Rastogi


Q: Does wearing a helmet lead to hair loss? Chaitanya ()


A: No, wearing a helmet doesn't lead to hair loss. Be careful when putting it on and removing it. Vidula Chopra Rastogi


Q: Hello. I came across the hair faq from a search engine and i thought you would be the perfect person to ask my question. You might have to read a bit to read my explanation but i would greatly appreciate your help. I am 19 yrs old and a male, i started using hair styling gel in my hair about 4 years ago but after a year or two my hair started coming out. Every time i showered and dried my hair i noticed a lot of hair on the the floor. My dad kept telling me it was falling out because of the gel, so i stopped using it over a year ago. Months later, I still noticed alot of hair coming out while drying my hair. I also had a lot of bumps on my head that were itchy with a lot of flakes. Assuming it is dandruff i used selsun blue, head and shoulders, t-gel maximum strength to get rid of it. I also used nizoral but it didnt work either, now im wonderng if it is actually dandruff or something else. My scalp is always oily with (acne like)bumps. This continues into my forehead. I used acne medication on my forehead and and was able to control the acne in that area most of the time. The oil in my scalp comes over into my forehead, (i think) causing bumps on my forehead (acne). I hate the oil on my scalp and i wasnt sure if it too was caused by using gel in my hair years ago. Shampoo and water doesn't seem to mix with the oil on my scalp and it is diffult to wash every morning. But 6 months ago I started to use bar soap instead of shampoo and i was able to clean my scalp and have a less oily scalp. Now, if i dont use bar soap one day to clean my hair, i start to get a really oily scalp, my hair falls out, and alot of acne forms on my forehead. I have to use bar soap every day on my scalp or it will take me a couple days to get rid the the oil and acne that will form on my scalp and forehead as a result of forgetting to wash my scalp with bar soap just once. I have tried to describe my problem to my doctor but he doesnt understand. He gave me Nizoral but it didn't do anything. I dont believe this is a normal condition, do you? Do you have any suggestions? Also, should i never use gel in my hair again? Sorry this was so long but any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. darvin ()


A: Your scalp seems to be very oily. If you find that bar soap suits you, stick to that. Make sure it is not a very harsh soap though, because at times using something excessively harsh can cause your scalp to produce more oil, to compensate. Use a gentle soap, and keep your forehead clean at all times. Millions of people across the globe wash their hair daily, and if your hair needs a daily wash, go ahead. Don't look for alternate solutions, since you've already found that washing your hair daily with bar soap helps. In a few years the oiliness on your scalp will reduce.

This doesn't have anything to do with gel. Basically, when one applies gel, it should be washed off the next day. Since you wash your hair daily, there is no problem with applying gel every once in a while. Avoid daily use of gel.
Also, read this article on coping with oily skin and pimples. Vidula Chopra


Q: THIS IS AN S.O.S.i am 23 yrs old since past 2yrs my hair is falling at a high rate i have oily hair and dandruff throughout the yr please help me i have tried evry thing Niyati ()


A: Wash your hair twice a week. Don't apply conditioner or oil to your scalp if your scalp is oily. Condition just hair strands once a week. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo once a week and a regular shampoo once a week. Try Selsun shampoo for dandruff. Vidula Chopra Rastogi


Q: There is little you can do to stop premature balding. It could be caused by stress. Try taking up meditation. Certain yoga asanas, especially inverted asans, help. Get adequate exercise and eat healthy. Your best bet would be to take up yoga. You may also want to look into other options like Rogain, hair weaving, hair transplant etc. Tal ()


A: i am 24 years old male and i have been losing hair since i was 18, but everyone in my family has hair - father grandfather. i dont smoke or drink i try to eat well, what else can i do to prevent further fall and the growth of new hairs?Vidula Chopra Rastogi


Q: I have naturaly strawberry blonde hair, I dyed my hair dark brown about 5 months ago, when I first dyed it alot of hair fell out, and everysince I dyed it hair has been falling out, everytime i run my fingers through my hair about 3 hairs fall out. Can you help me John ()


A: Colouring your hair dries it out. As you have been colouring your hair, make sure you apply conditioner after every wash. Don't apply conditioner to the scalp - just to the hair. Also, you could try applying egg yolk to your hair once a week. Whip it, mix it with curd, olive or coconut oil, and wash off after half an hour. This nourishes hair. Vidula Chopra Rastogi


Q: Hello. I have had long beautiful hair... in fact there has been so much, when I occasionally get highlights it takes hours to do. I went three weeks ago and the guy who did it took 4 hours with the dye in my hair. I think he used different chemicals or something and now my hair has been falling out at a crazy rate. Every time I wash I have hundreds of hairs fall out. I can feel the difference. It is awful. My first question is what do you think happened and will it grow back? I am absolutely devastated this has happened to me. Simone ()


A: Always go to a trusted person when applying chemicals to your hair. It is possible that the chemical he applied was too harsh, which damaged and dried your hair. Deep condition your hair regularly. Try Osmose, L'Oreal. Steam your hair after applying conditioner or oil, so it gets well absorbed. Also, invest in a leave-in conditioner so your hair is always well moisturised. You could try applying egg to your hair once a week - it's very good. Whip up 2-3 eggs, depending on your hair lenght, and apply to your hair. You could mix it with curd if you like. Leave on for half an hour and wash off with cool water. Avoid heat treatments like blow-drying, ironing, for some time.Vidula Chopra


Q: i am 26 years old i had very thick mane since childhood and my friends used to envy me for having such thick hair that was until i was 20 after that it started fallinf now i use loreal nutri gloss shampoo and conditioner i use it twice a week but on the scond day its elf my scalp becomes oily and when i wash it there is tremendous hairfall.also as result i dont use conditioner on my scalp i also dont oil my hair as its very difficult to the oil out of my head becoause i have really long hair please help how can i stop my hair fall? nitasha ()


A: Apply curd to your hair once a week as a natural conditioner, and use a shampoo suitable for normal hair, since your hair seems oily. Apply commercial conditioners only to the ends of your hair, never to your scalp. Go to our beauty section, and read the articles on hairfall for many tips. Vidula Chopra


Q: what is the best conditioner for hair, i used to have long thick hair now its falling theres hardly anything left, i'm only 15 yrs old, what shall i do, it would be greatful if u could please help!!!! i also stopped straightening my hair and stopped hair spraying! Please could you help me?!! zaara ()


A: Egg is one of the best natural conditioners for hair. Apply egg to your hair half an hour before a wash, and shampoo off with room temperature water. Do this once a week. Different commercial conditioners suit different people. L'Oreal's Osmose is very good. Vidula Chopra


Q: SIR I AM CONTINUSLY LOOSING HAIRS I AM ALSO HAVING BOILS IN HEAD WHICH ALSO GIVE ME PAIN I HAVE HARD WATER ALSO IN MY AREA?PLEASE SIR TELL ME HOW TO CONTROL HAIR FALLING CONTINUOSLY. anirudh ()


A: Why do you have boils? Is your scalp oily? If so, don't apply oil, don't scrub scalp vigorously when shampooing as this stimulates oil production. If the boils don't stop, visit a dermatologist. Vidula Chopra


Q: hello ma'am..i've been working in night shifts for the last 14 months,after i started working in the night shift,there was a gradual fall in my hair volume..working in night shifts i have not taken good care of my diet,and i know i've not had food as i should have..i had beautiful long hair,which i still have but the thickness of the hair has been affected.though my hair is still growing in length..but i have noticed that i am losing hair on the front,actually the area that i partition,and the worst affected area is on both the ends of my forehead..its almost bald,as the hair has become really fine and thin..otherwise i am a healthy person but skinny with no other health issues..hope to get some help! Shamim ()


A: Your diet is the prime cause, and once you get your diet under control, your hairfall will reduce. Also, make sure you eat a multivitamin. Late night shifts definitely do take a toll on your body, and you need to be extra careful and extra particular with regard to getting enough rest and eating enough, becuase your body is under strain as it is, and when you skip meals, you are only doubling the strain. Please take care of your health. Drink plenty of juices, water, and eat vegetables and your chapatis. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hello, I tried to find out the solution to my prob in the FAQs but I didnt got,thats why I am asking you the solution to my problem. Since last one and half year I am having boils on my head(scalp) and I had also lost good amount of hairs in last 3 years. It doesnt goes away. I am 27 year old guy. I try to keep my head clean by shampooing (himalaya protein shampoo) and using eggs. I also rub finger nails and do shirsana(not on regular basis). Is it due to some infection or anything else? Please give a solution for my prob. And how ill come to know tht my hair is DRY or OILY (so that accordingly I can use treatments. Shailesh (Mumbai, India)


A: It is possible that your scalp is oily, which is why you are getting boils on your scalp. Try using a shampoo for oily hair, don't apply oil to your hair, and never apply conditioner or egg to your scalp. Try this for a month, and if it doesn't help you should show your scalp to a dermatologist. Vidula Chopra


Q: I have normal hair fall - naturally. But since couple of months I noticed that my hair would easily just come out if I tried pulling it out. There is a bit of itchy ness how ever what amazes me is the way it just came out when I tried pulling my hair - this now a very bad habit and I tend to pull out loads and loads of it on a daily basis. WOuld you be able to acess this problem - thanks Putchu (Hyderabad, India)


A: When you say your hair comes out when you pull it, are you pulling your hair using force, or are you just gently pulling out hair that has already fallen, but is just entangled in the rest of your hair? If you use force to pull hair, it doesn't seem to be a beauty issue. It is more a question of a bad habit that needs to be broken, like thumbsucking or nail biting. Often, these habits are hard to break, and even though you realise that you are causing yourself harm, you are unable to stop yourself. Tie your hair in a plait. This will discourage you running your fingers through your hair and pulling it out. Also, often, if we don't comb hair regularly, our hair stays tangled, and hair that may have fallen stays tangled, and comes out only when we run our fingers through our hair and gently pull out these fallen strands. It is normal to shed 80 - 90 strands of hair a day. If this is the case with you, there is no cause for concern. Vidula Chopra


Q: I have a silky hair from past 3 months I am lossing my hair. Shilpa (Aurangabad, India)


A: Read these articles: Falling Hair
Essentials for Falling HairVidula Chopra


Q: Hi I have a son of 17 yrs he has hair all over his but and is qiute upset about it he also does not like hair on the rest of the parts of his body please help me with some permanant sloution can u tell me some laser clinics in Mubai. Sunny (Mumbai, India)


A: Kaya is very good. Your son should go in for the 4 session package - I doubt if he needs to go in for the lifetime guarantee package. 4 sessions should be enough to drastically reduce hair growth. Also, your son can make a decision after taking the patch test plus one session, so if he finds that his hair has all grown back, he could consider doing the lifetime guarantee package. If he finds a substantial difference after one session, he need not go in for more sessions, or he can opt for the 4 session package. They will always try to sell you the lifetime package, but let your son decide for himself, after one session.Vidula Chopra


Q: Hello, I am 24 years old. I had wavy hair initially and therefore I used to straighten my hair once in 6 months. I have done 6 times overall. Now its been a year and a half since I have last straghtened my hair. Now i m planning to go in for rebonding. Since I am working in the aviation industry, hair should be well groomed enough. Please advice. Is rebonding harmful for my hair, as I have lost hair especially in my scalp. Please recommend a good parlour in chennai to get my hair rebonded. Sabreena (Delhi, India)


A: Rebonding is no more harmful than regular chemical straightening. However, you could consider X-tenso treatment, which straightens and smoothens hair, and is gentler than rebonding. Try x-tenso at a reputed L'Oreal parlour in Chennai like Anushka. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi, I am 29 yrs female. I am in Singapore for last 3 years. For these 3 years, I am facing seveare hair fall. Intitally I did not notice it much as I had weighty and bouncy hair. There was lot of stress. But now I have taken a break from my job and trying to relax. But for last 6 months, I could notice it as my frontal hairline is broadned and there is overall thinning of hair over scalp. I have recently been to India and have visitied Dr Batra's clinic. I have started their medicine as well. I am very tensed because of hair fall. Can you suggest some yoga exercises to stop this hair fall? Also, i am applying olive oil once in a week and then wrap hot towel for 15 minutes. Is it Ok to do so? Appreciate if you could advice on this.Also, how much time actually these home remedies take to stop hair loss. Urvashi (Singapore)


A: Essentially, one of the root causes of hair fall is stress. So, if you are stressed, it is very likely that this is contributing to hairfall, and external remedies may not help. Continue steaming hair with olive oil, it is good for hair. Also, consider taking up yoga or meditation to relax. Vidula Chopra


Q: As per your advice I have decided to join Dr. Batras', but I have a small doubt whether it can arrest hair fall and dandruff, which I have been suffering for months together. Is there any diet restriction needed or any of the diet to be avoided for the medicine to effective. Please help Lakshmi (Chennai, India)


A: As I am not a homeopathic doctor I will not be able to give you accurate information regarding this. The doctors at the clinic will let you know. You can try out homeopathy medication to see if it will help - at least there will be no side effects. It should help arrest hairfall, but I doubt if it can really help with your dandruff. They will let you know if they feel homeopathy will not help. Vidula Chopra


Q: I am 25 years old and my hair falls drastically. I had a very think and bouncy hair 5 years back and now it is very thin. About 1/6 of the hair has been lost. I am taking shampoo bath thrice in a week. Am using nizoral mixed with ultradoux. I dilute this mixture and apply. I use henna conditioner because one of my skin specialists told me that due to egg your hair would fall because u apply protein directly to your hair. Then onwards I stopped applying egg to my hair. Now i condition with henna once a month. I apply oil the previous might and take bath in the morning. This too did not help. Plssssssss help. Rohini (Indore, India)


A: Nizoral is strong, so don't use it three times a week. In fact, shampoo is detergent, so if you shampoo so often, you should make sure that you use a very mild shampoo, suitable for daily use. Also, now use Nizoral just once a week - and no more. You could also try just rinsing your hair once a week, and shampooing it twice. Also, don't use henna conditioner. Henna (Compound Henna) makes the hair soft initially, but it makes hair brittle, leading to breakage. Apply conditioner just to the hair, not to the scalp. Don't comb wet hair and untangle knots very gently. Apply oil to your hair once a week, and wash off after one hour. Wash hair with cold water as far as possible.Vidula Chopra


Q: I am 23 years old girl. I am leaving in New Delhi. My problem is related to my hair. I had very heavy and long hair some three years back. But within three years my hair fallen in excess. Now it looks little bald in front. It depressed me. I dont want to lose hope! Now I want to give a nice treatment to my hair. I want that you give me a good doctor no. And also please give me some advice. From one month I am applying almond oil and one ayurvedic oil to my hair. and also curd to my hair. Pinki (New Delhi, India)


A: You could continue applying the almond oil and curd. You should consider Dr Batras homeopathy clinic for help with hairfall, as they will prescribe only safe, homeopathy medicines. They also have a powerful brand name and will not mess around with steriods like some homepathy doctors may, and as such, are reliable. You could also apply egg to your hair, to nourish it. Do you tie your hair in a tight ponytail or plait? This also causes hair to fall from the front of the head.Vidula Chopra


Q: I staightened my hair 4 years back and I lost almost 3/4th of my hair. I used lotions like placentrex mixed with coconut oil to help in regrowth of hair, but my hair never regrew. It is still falling and is extremely thin. please help me Jyoi (Mumbai, India)


A: Don't go in for any more chemical treatments until your hair gets back to normal. All kinds of straigtening is harmful for the hair, but less harmful are the Hair Rebonding and Xtenso treatments. Avoid blowdrying your hair, and apply conditioner regularly to the hair - apply to the ends, not to the scalp. Try applying egg to your hair once a week. Losing 3/4th of your hair however is pretty drastic. You should also visit a doctor to rule out any medical reason for hair loss. Make sure your diet is proper and that you exercise regularly. Taking up yoga can also help strenghten hair. Vidula Chopra


Q: I am having severe hairfall for the past 4 months and iam using scalpe shampoo as it is recommended by the doctor and I oil my hair with warm alomond oil, but of no use. I think of taking homeopathy treatment for Dr.Batras clinic. Please give me some suggestion about the clinic and whether i can go into homeopathy treatment. Please help to control my hairfall.i need some tips to control my hair fall. Please help me. Thank you Lakshmi (Chennai, India)


A: Try Dr. Batras. The reason for hairfall is often internal, and medication may help. Homeopathy is also often very effective. Oil won't help arrest hairfall unless your hair falls because it is dry.
Read these 3 articles:
Hair Care
Falling Hair
Essentials for Falling HairVidula Chopra


Q: Besides egg application,do you have any other treatment for hair loss? Danielle (London, UK)


A: Egg application only really helps if hair is falling due to brittleness, caused by dry hair, chemical damage etc. Egg is a very rich conditioner and it nourishes the hair. However, if hair is fallling due to other reasons such as medical problems, stress, etc, then egg doesn't really help. Then the medical problem needs to be first tackled. Hair could also fall due to lack of certain nutrients in the body, in which case a balanced diet is essential. Read these 2 articles for more tips on reducing hair loss.

Falling Hair

Essentials for Falling HairVidula Chopra


Q: I m suffering from hair loss recently. My hair on the central head is starting to fall off. So I start applying egg on the hair. But im not sure the egg is applied to the scalp or just the hair? Danielle (London, UK)


A: Your hair is what needs the egg. If your scalp is oily, apply egg only to your hair and avoid rubbing it into the scalp. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi, I die my hair red and it fades very fast so I die every month and im scared I can go bald can dying cause you to go bald or cause you to go bald faster. I condition and get trims but im only 20 I dont want to loose my hair thank you. Brittany (LA, USA)


A: Please use an ammonia and peroxide-free brand. Yes, once a month is a bit too often, unless you are using a very gentle herbal hair wash that only deposits colour on your hair and doesnt cause as much damage. Try doing it every three months or longer, especially becuase you are just 20. It is best if you highlight your hair, because then your hair will still look red, and you will be causing less damage since you are not colouring your entire hair. In addition, even when your original hair grows out, the roots will not look bad since your hair is highlighted and not dyed. You need to give your hair time to recover between colour sessions, and you can still do that now, when your hair is not grey. When your hair is grey you will have to constantly keep touching it up anyway, so let your hair recover between colour sessions.Vidula Chopra


Q: Hello i have very thin hairs since my childhood. i am 20 female though i have quiet long hair but they r really thin i want to make them thick. I had a drastic hair loss before due to which my scalp is exposed in only certain part of my head. Like only in that part my hair get parted and my scalp is exposed so how can i recover the lost part. Please answer both of my question. My dad is bald man while my mom also have very silky thin hair what do u say ??? Please reply me.. Maria (Goa, India)


A: Hair is also an indicator of your health. Just make sure you eat a balanced diet and get enough regular exericse. Try taking up yoga. Inverted asanas will help with hair growth. Don't brush or comb hair when wet, as it will break. When brushing hair, bend forward from the waist and brush backwards to forward.Vidula Chopra


Q: I'm 18 years old and am almost totally bald. I've been takin Finax and using Minoxidil solution but for 8 months but cant see any changes. Ankit Ankit (New Delhi, India)


A: Batra Homeopathy Clinic claims to have homeopathy medication that can cure baldness. Homeopathy medication is completely safe, without side effects, and does not affect your body in any adverse manner, so I would recommend giving it a try. Vidula Chopra


Q: Somebody told me to shave my head often to slow down the problem of Falling hairs. So i did, and shaved my head thrice a week for a "year" But instead of getting rid of the problem i found out that my hairline has Receeded considerably, might be because of wearing a baseball cap almost Every day for atleast 10 hrs. What should i do? Gurmeet (Punjab, India)


A: Stop wearing the cap all the time, as this causes hair to weaken. Shaving essentially thickens hair growth, but cannot prevent you from balding. Men can look good even if they have a receeding hairline. Read this article, The Bald and the Beautiful, for what you can do. Although I have recommened wearing a cap to hide baldness in the article, you should not wear one very often.Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi i m 22 years old and i have ben using hair products such as hair gel for almost 5 years. My hair is very curly and it gets frizzy if i dont use hair gel. But lately i have noticed that my hair is falling out and has gone very very thin. My mum keeps telling me that the hair gel is causing me to go bold is that true? Can hair gel make you go bold? Barbara (New York, USA)


A: Although hair gel companies swear that gel is completely safe, I know of enough people that used hair gel very often, and have lost a lot of their hair. True, there are various reasons for hair loss, and it may be hard to pinpoint one particular cause but it is possible that gel is not too good for the scalp or hair. Instead of using gel, why don't you use de-frizz products and then style your hair. If you don't have time for styling, apply a de-frizz serum and tie your hair into a ponytail when it is still wet. When you untie your hair it will not be as frizzy. You could also apply 2-3 drops of oil mixed with water to damp hair, to counter frizz. Use gel every once in a while instead of using it very regularly.Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi there Actually i received a mail from your side that i should take Vitamin A & B to avoid hair fall, can u please suggest me that which are the best Vitamin A & B medicines, please suggest & also they should be available in indian market as i am staying in india. Manish Yadav (Mumbai, India)


A: You will not need any medication. You will find these Vitamins in food. Carrots are rich in Vitamin A and eggs, poultry, fish, broccoli, yeast are rich in various forms of Vitamin B. You can also take B Complex supplements. Vidula Chopra


Q: Does fibroadenosis cause hair fall. Do we regain the lost hair? Junaid (Gujarat, India)


A: Fibroadenosis should not cause hair fall. Vidula Chopra


Q: I have just straightened my hair....and it is falling a lot...help! Mary (Goa, India)


A: Hair does fall after straightening, because hair gets very dry and brittle. The next time you wash your hair, apply a mixture of egg and curd to your hair. Leave it on for around half an hour, and shampoo it off with cold water. This is a great conditioner. Also, follow up with conditioner for double conditioning. Try L'Oreal Elvive conditioner (and shampoo too if you like, but conditioning is what you really need). Try deep conditioning your hair often as well, by applying oil and giving your hair steam.

Never rub conditioner into your scalp, and concentrate conditioner on your hair ends. Just remember that at this time your hair is crying out for moisture, and it needs conditioning. Trim your hair regularly to keep split ends at bay. Don't colour your hair - two chemical treatments will be harsher. Also, use a very, very mild shampoo and don't shampoo very often. Twice a week at the most.Vidula Chopra


Q: I m 25 female unmarried suferring from telogen effilium. As a result my scalp shows a lot. i m having a lot of complex due to it. my haemoglobin level is 10.2gm%.application of mehandi has made me loss my hair. i have curly hair. i dont use egg due to religion problem.can u plz help. will d hair regrow. i m in depression. Shefali (Mumbia, India)


A: First of all, don't be depressed as this will cause more hair fall. Hair loss due to telogen effilium is caused when a lot of new hair is growing all at once, pushing out the old hair - leading to excessive hair fall. It does not cause complete baldness and will stabilise on its own. There are various causes to this, one of them being low iron content. You appear to have moderate anemia, so you should perhaps first increase your iron intake. Stress is another cause, so try and relax. Take up meditation and yoga, it should help. Don't apply mehendi, it dries out your hair. Apply curd to your hair to condition it before a hair wash, and use a mild shampoo. Also, when you apply oil, give yourself steam as well to help the oil penetrate the strands. Vidula Chopra


Q: I Lost 100-150 Hair Daily i have tried even Onion Juice in my scalps but it is not effective to. I have to shampoo daily to cover my baldness. Pls suggest what should i do & main thing is that my skin is vert oily. Manish (Mumbai, India)


A: Shampoo every alternate day instead of shampooing daily, and make sure you use a very mild shampoo suitable for daily use. Scrub your hair gently while shampooing to increase circulation to the scalp. Eat more Vitamin A, and B Complex supplements. Eat more fish, coconut and eggs. If hairfall is due to stress, you need to first tackle your stress before anything can be done. Try taking up meditation and yoga. Upside-down yoga poses which send circulation to the head are very good for combating hairfall. Vidula Chopra


Q: Somebody told me to shave my head often to slow down the problem of falling hairs. So i did,and shaved my head thrice a week for a "year" but instead of getting rid of the problem i found out that my hairline has receeded considerably,might be because of wearing a baseball cap almost every day for atleast 10 hrs.what should i do? Gurmeet (Punjab, India)


A: Stop wearing the cap to cover your head - you will only make matters worse. Shaving doesn't really help combat baldness. Try homeopathy, which has no side effects.Vidula Chopra


Q: Dear Madam, I am 29 yrs old and for past 6 months I am in Taipei with my husband. I have a lot of grey hair (hereditary) and I usually dye my hair (once in 15 days).I use tata indica herbal dye.For the past I month I am experiencing lot of hair fall whenever i comb or wash my hair. I take head bath once a week and use mild baby shampoo. I also have slight danruff problem. I do eat lots of fruits and vegetable and I also take ultivitamin tablets. Can you please let me know the reason for hair loss and also kindly give me tips to prevent hair loss and have healthy hair growth. Is dying hair a cause of hair fall.? Priya (Mumbai, India)


A: Yes, dying hair is definitely a cause for hair fall. You should use a non-ammonia, non-peroxide hair colour. A great brand to use is Clairol Nice n Easy. Make sure you don't apply the colour to your scalp, and apply egg to your hair once a week. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi, I'm 22. I used to have fairly thick hair. Then about a year ago I started using a different kind of gel, and now my hair is very thin, to the point that I can get glimpses of my scalp when under lights. I've stopped using the gel, and started using hair oil regularly. Is there anything else that I should do? Thanks. Arun (Mumbai, India)


A: Eat more Vitamin A, and B Complex supplements. Eat more fish, coconut and eggs. If hairfall is due to stress, you need to first tackle your stress before anything can be done. Try taking up meditation and yoga. Upside-down yoga poses which send circulation to the head are very good for combating hairfall. When you apply hair oil, try and steam your hair as well so that the oil penetrates the hair shaft. Egg is an excellent conditioner too. Massage your hair regularly to improve circulation.Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi, i m a boy 24 yrs old and i have hair falling problems from a long time, many told me that 8-100 strands are quite normal but today my hair is gone so thin that if i loose another 100 ill have a big bald patch, i use egg as a conditioner with henna and olive oil all mixed together and apply once a week, initially this helped aslo i have a bad dandruff problem and i have tried shampoos like head n shoulders n frutics but they only soften your hair do not arrest hair fall i use medimix soap evryday to wash my hair, please let me know which is a mild enough soap or shampoo (nyle?) that i can use everyday to wash my hair with aslo i have started using a medicated shampoo called scalpe which to some extent helps in dandruff problem can i use it like a ordinary shampoo once a week ? pleasee help me i had great thick hair before today even my confidence is down because of my hair fall. Ronan (Mumbai, India)


A: Don't put henna unless you need it to cover grey hair. Otherwise, egg is a great conditioner, and so is olive oil. Henna is a good conditioner too, but it makes hair brittle and easily breakable in the long run, after prolonged use. Use a very mild shampoo for washing your hair, don't use soap. Petalca is a very gentle, herbal shampoo. Any shampoo will do, as long as it is very mild and gentle. It will keep your scalp and hair clean. Anti-dandruff shampoos are harsh and should preferably not be used more than twice a week. At times dandruff is also caused due to an oily scalp. You need to see what is causing your dandruff. If your scalp is oily, perhaps you can minimise your use of oil. Stress, diet, sleep, all contribute to hairfall, so you need make sure you are eating and sleeping well too, and that you are not taking on undue stress. Vidula Chopra


Q: I'm male, 26 and have shifted to Mumbai recently. My hair has been falling a lot since and there has been dandruff. I use Himalaya anti-dandruff shampoo everyday and it was useful earlier but no more.Please advice. which oil is good? I have been adviced to apply olive oil every night but that is too much of a hassle. How often should we apply oil? Pranav (Mumbai, India)


A: Applying oil just once a week is enough. Be sure you apply it to the scalp. This works if dandruff is caused due to dryness of the scalp, but if this is not the cause for your dryness, applying oil may not help that much. Try Selsun medicated anti-dandruff shampoo, and don't use anti-dandruff shampoos everday as they are a little harsh. Twice or thrice a week should be enough. Every once in a while change your shampoo to prevent buildup, or alternate shampoos.Vidula Chopra


Q: I am 24 yrs old living in the hotest desert in US. My hair is dropping very badly, I had very thick black hair few years back, but for the past 6/8 yrs its been on the downhill, dropping and now suddenely its gotten so bad that it falls in locks, and i can see my scalp. It just looks miserable, and I cannot even show my head out.....Remedy please to stop this. I oil my hair once a week with parachute oil before washing, wash only once a week with himalaya shampoo and loreal dry hair conditioner.It used to be straight once, but now its all so wavivy and very curly at the ends....Remedy please???? Nancy (USA)


A: It's surprising that you can see your scalp! First, make sure you steam your hair after applying oil so the oil penetrates the hair fibre. Also, apply egg yolk to your hair for extra conditioning before each wash. Never apply conditioner to your scalp, only to the hair, concentrating on the hair ends. Trim your hair regularly, just quarter of an inch from the bottom every couple of months, to keep hair healthy and get rid of split ends. Change to another shampoo, perhaps this does not suit your hair. Use a shampoo for dry hair. Also, try Redken Anti-snap treatment.Vidula Chopra


Q: I am 23Yrs.old unmarried lady & I am getting bald on the front as well on the sides.what precautions can i take to stop its continuance & how can I get regrowth of the hair I lost? Dolly (Goa, India)


A: If you tie your hair in a tight ponytail or plait, it causes hair to break from the front, so stop wearing your hair so tight and leave it loose. Alternatively if the loss is sudden, you could be suffering from PCOS, of which hair loss is sometimes the only symptom. Hair loss could also be caused by stress, recovery from an illness, antibiotics, anemia... There are numerous reasons. You could consider visiting a doctor. Remember that losing 70 to 80 hairs a day is completely normal, but you should not be going bald as you are saying. Vidula Chopra


Q: I had slightly wavy hair.I went for hair straightening(chemical) and after returning home i touched my scalp and found many bristles like poking out which ius when i realised a lot of my hair broke of during this process. Besides this I am having sever hair fall due to the straightening.Pls advise what needs to be done to stop this hair fall and to help the ahir grow faster.Is ther any particular oil or shampoo i can use to help?Pls advise. Sreevidya (Chennai, India)


A: Egg is an excellent conditioner. Apply egg whipped with curd to dry hair and shampoo off with COOL water after half an hour. Do this before EVERY wash. Also, condition your hair after shampooing. Apply conditioner concentrating on the ends, and don't apply it on the scalp. L'Oreal Osmose is very good. If it is expensive for you, try Flex conditioner. Use a shampoo especially formulated for dry hair. The pokey hair feeling is normal after straightening. Vidula Chopra


Q: I am having Hair loss problem. Now it has become big. My hair are going from middle.. I am having serious dandruff prob for last 4-6 years. Suggest me, if there is any specialist or treatment, which i can take. Vipin (Mumbai, India)


A: Try washing your hair with Selsun, which is a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo and is very effective. Also you could take Rogain, which is a supplement for countering hair loss, but I don't think it is available in India and you may need to buy it online. You should look it up on the web to see if it is good for you. Vidula Chopra


Q: How good is henna as a conditioner for your hair. Does it arrest hair fail and greying? Monalisa (Mumbai)


A: No, henna does not arrest hair fall or greying. It does impart a reddish colour to the hair, effectively covering the greys. It is not the best conditioner for hair. Egg yolk is possibly the best natural conditioner for hair. Whip it, apply it to your hair, perhaps mixed with oil if you so desire, and wash it off after half an hour. Make sure you use cold water, or your hair will start cooking! If you would like to use henna for grey hair coverage, make sure you add egg to the henna mixture. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi!am ramya...i have lots of splitends and my hair's falling very badly adding this my hair's becoming very red..plz suggest me some home remedies..and i want my hair very blackin color Ramya (Banglore, India)


A: Why is your hair turning red? Are you using mehendi? If yes, stop doing so. Hair also lightens when you have split ends. The only remedy for split ends is to get them chopped off. Go for a trim three times a year, and get just the ends chopped off if you are trying to grow your hair. Stop blowdrying your hair for a while. Egg is an excellent conditioner. Apply egg to your hair and shampoo with cold water after half an hour. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hello, I am 26 year old and having a heavy hair loss problem. Due to the same my hair has become very thin and I can clearly see my scalp. I eat good amount of fruits,carrots daily and do the head massage once a week with the Parachute coconut oil. I take head bath everyday morning (but uses shampoo once a week). There will not be any sweat on my scalp. Also I comb my hair every night before sleep. What else can I do to make my hair thick so that scalp should not be seen. Also importantly, do the excess of "salt and curd (yogurt)" in daily food increases the hair fall ? OR if I reduce the quantity of these two in my food will the hair loss decrease ? Thank You in advance. Nikhil (Mumbai, India)


A: In addition, try doing inverted yoga asanas like the Sarvangasana. Reduce salt intake, but continue with curd. Also, bend your fingers, hold them close and rub your fingernails together for five minutes by the watch, twice a day. Apparently this yogic exercise solves most hair problems. Vidula Chopra


Q: I am a 25 years old. Till 20 I had thick & dense hair. But after that I have been losing hair like nobody;s business. Since my hair is thin now I need to shampoo everyday to work to make them look volumnous. All say everyday shampooing is bad, but so it showing that you are getting bald. I have tried almost everything from Brijhrang Oil to Arnika Plus Triofer, to a tablet called Zincovit and a clear liquid solutin that a doctor had adviced. To avoid hairfall I keep my hair short & shampoo them everyday with Sunsilk Black. Can you help me with a solution. I am going to stop using a strong shampoo and move to a very mild one. Your help would be highly appreciated. Vikash (Mumbai, India)


A: Nothing is wrong if you shampoo your hair everyday, as long as you use a MILD, preferably herbal shampoo, suitable for daily use. Eat more amla and take up yoga. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi,I am 31 years old and I liv in Canada. We have 5 months of hectic cold weather. I have a three year old son and since his birth I am loosing my hair. I had a long very thick hair. After the heavy hair fall, I cut my hair shorter. This does not help. Still it is falling and the condition is getting worse. For the last three years I am having thyroid problems and on medication. On some of my nails, I have a dark lines and the doctor told me that this is a symptom of low iron. I also have dandruff and I use only the mild shampoos. I am a working women and I deal with lots of stress everyday at work. Could you please advise me? Shanthi Canada Bagya (Canada)


A: Stress is a major cause for hair fall. Try taking up yoga and meditation, it will help you deal better with stress, and will help you relax. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo every once in a while to counter dandruff, and change shampoo brands reguarly, to avoid buildup, which leads to dandruff. Get a head and body massage done regularly, to de-stress you and flush out the toxins from medication. Eat plenty beetroot. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi i am 22 i am suffering from hair loss for past 3 years is there any way to stop or should i do hair weaving or transplanting .how to do and where to do? Narayanan (Chennai)


A: Hair weaving or hair transplantation are both successful methods of avoiding baldness. You need to speak to a clinic about both methods and find out which is most suitable to you. Check in the classified section of the newspaper or of magazines in your cities for addresses and numbers of clinics that offer this facility. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hello madam, I am twenty years old. I used to very thick hair. But for the past one and a half years my hair has been droping alot. WHen i bath and also when combing. My hair now looks very thin and damaged and dried. I used head and shoulders and anti-dandraff shampoos but not differnce. i still have dandraff. I apply coconut oil twice a week. But still my hair is continuing to drop. Everyone looks at my hair and says it is very dry and damaged and looks like cotton. I have curly hair so the more tangles there are the more hair dropping and looks thin. Can you please tell me a way out? i am very worried... Catherine (Mumbai, India)


A: 1. Wet your hair everyday when taking a shower. Curly hair longs for moisture.
2. Apply conditioner after wetting your hair everyday, or a couple of times a week, to the ends of your hair - not the scalp.
3. As your hair is dry, try to shampoo your hair just once a week.
4. Oil your hair once a week, before you shampoo. You can also apply curd or egg (whipped).
5. Buy and use a wide toothed comb. Never brush your curls.
6. Comb hair gently in the shower after applying conditioner, to undo the tangles.
7. Don't pile hair on top of head when shampooing or when washing. Just let it hang loose at the back.
8. Trim your hair regularly and make sure you have no split-ends.
Hope this helps! Get back to me if you have any more questions. Vidula Chopra


Q: First of all....hiiii.I m not having a severe hair loss problem infact i lose only 20 to 30 strands of hair i think but u see my father is bald so i m scared that maybe even i will go bald because of hereditary.so i want to ask if there is a way to avoid this.I use parachute hair oil once a week and use a conditioner for almost thrice a week.Is there anything wrong that i m doing which will increase hair loss and is there something else that i can do to prevent hair loss Mihir (Mumbai, India)


A: First of all, stop thinking that you will grow bald because your father is bald. The more you believe your own baldness is almost inevitable, the more likely you are to grow bald, so stop expecting or anticipating it. Hair loss is also caused by stress, and keeping stress at bay and looking after your hair will help. Also, try steaming your hair after applying coconut oil, to ensure that the oil penetrates your hair.
One of the best things you can do is to take up yoga. Inverted posture asanas increase circulation to the head, and help prevent hair problems.
Don't apply conditioner to your scalp. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi, I have a long hair. My hair falls a lot. Whenever I wash or comb my hair, I get a lot of hair in my brush. I have a oily scalp and dandruff. I tried head and shoulders. It did not work. Is it appropriate to massage the scalp with oil to reduce the hair loss. The reason I am asking is that I am already have a oily scalp with dandruff. Suneetha (Mumbai, India)


A: Since your scalp is oily, massaging it with oil will not help reduce the dandruff. Try using Selsun, a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo. Also, wash your hair more often since your scalp is oily. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi, I used to have healthy wavy hair. However of late i'm facing rapid hair fall which is really depressing. My hair has become thin, oily at the scalp and dry at the ends and more curly as well. It is very depressing as they look very untidy and limp. I've read about the questions asked on hair fall. In addition I want to ask as to which are the good shampoos in the market which are also mild. I have tried lots of shampoos like sunsilk, pantene, ultra doux and botanica but nothing seems to work. However i find the ultra doux conditioner to be very useful. Could you advise me on the shampoos? Also will it help if i get a oil massage and hair wash in the parlour? if so, how often should i go for it? Anuja (Mumbai, India)


A: Yes, an oil massage in the parlour would help because they massage the oil well into your scalp, and then follow up with steam so the oil penetrates your hair. Once a week is ideal. Over a period of time you will notice an improvement in hair texture. Take your own shampoo and conditioner at the parlour, and they should charge you less for a hair wash. Or, you can also just get an oil massage and shampoo your hair yourself when you return home, as an economical option.
You could try using Ayur Coconut shampoo or Petalca. These are mild and herbal. Concentrate conditioner on ends, and don't apply it to the scalp. Similarly, use very little shampoo, and concentrate shampoo on the scalp and just let it run over the ends of your hair. Your hair doesn't have to be completely lathered in shampoo like in the advertisements!
Get hair ends trimmed regularly. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hello Madam, my hair is falling.I am using egg before shompooing.but i am not sure which part of the egg should i use?i can use yellow part of the egg for my hair?my hair soft & long.please help me on this. Thank u Mugdha (Mumbai, India)


A: Use the entire egg. Whip it up and apply it to your hair.Vidula Chopra


Q: What remedies are there to make hair roots stronger? Miss (Mumbia, India)


A: Nourish your hair, eat the right diet, lots of fish, coconut, Vitamin A, oil and massage your hair once a week and follow with steam so the oil gets absorbed. Make sure your hair is never dry by applying conditioner regularly or applying egg and curd to your hair. Do yoga asanas like sarvangasana and sirshasana which ensure circulation to your scalp.Vidula Chopra


Q: Dear madam, I am having the problem with hair fall and also dandruff. every day I used to have bath on head and the water which is used is borewell water and after bath my hair turns to just like brownish color and it simple example of like mad person or a beggar and hair fall will be continiously falling and dandruf is fulfilled on the scalp and due to it I am getting irritation in the scalp and because of this reason my hair become white and brown color and due to this reason I musing hair oil and that spreads out and my head seems to be bald.Kindly give me the remedy. Second thing evry day after bath my face skin becomes just like streched is it because of borewell water. Suppose if I use skin moisture my face will become oily Kindly give me the solution. Kiran (Mumbai, India)


A: Please do not wash your hair daily. Wash it once a week or once in five days. Before shampooing, apply whipped egg to your hair and wash off with cold water after half an hour. Use a gentle shampoo and apply conditioner after every hair wash on the ends, not on the scalp. Your hair condition should improve.Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi, I'm 35years old female and having one kid. My hair are falling very fast. When I comb I get a bunch of hair in my comb except this I get my hair everywhere in my house. Can you suggest me what should I do? I feel tired also. If my hair fall by this speed then I'll loss my all hair one day. Please tell me any remedy. Thanks! Ritu (Gujarat, India)


A: A certain amount of hairfall -around 80 to 100 hair strands a day - is completely normal. First, you need to find out why your hair is falling. If it is breaking easily becuase it is dry and fragile, you need to deep condition it and oil it regularly along with steam. If this is not the cause, your hair may be falling due to stress, tensions or incorrect diet. Eat more Vitamin A, and B Complex supplements. Eat more fish and coconut. If hairfall is due to stress, you need to first tackle your stress before anything can be done. Try taking up meditation and yoga. Upside-down yoga poses which send circulation to the head are very good for combating hairfall.
If hairfall has suddenly increased dramatically, you may need to see a doctor, as sudden hairfall could be a symptom of some other disease.Vidula Chopra


Q: I am a software engineer. For the past few months I was straining a lot and I used to stay awake whole the night atleast once in a week. Recently I am experiencing hair fall to a large extent. What could be the reason for this? Is there any natural treatment for re-growth.? Seetharaman (Madras, India)


A: One of the main causes for hairfall is tension and stress. No matter how strong your hair, it will still fall if you are very stressed out. Eat a balanced diet, eat plenty of fish, coconut, Vitamin A and B-Complex supplements. Get an oil massage once a week. This rejuvenates cells and encourages hair growth.Vidula Chopra


Q: I am losing my hair line Please tell me, Is it necessary to to use a conditioner after shampooing hair or oiling will be sufficient.? How does conditioner help in reducing hair fall. Can I use use a soap like Pears for hair wash. Please suggest me a proper Oil and Shampoo and a Conditioner for growing healthy hair. Also tell me if I can grow hair at my foreahead which is decresing gradually. Amit (Mumbai, India)


A: Conditioner helps reduce hair breakage due to dryness, because it gives a boost of moisture to the hair. Egg is a great conditioner and fortifier, apply it to your hair once a week before washing, and wash off after half an hour. Eat more Vitamin A and B Complex. Eat fish, coconuts, eggs. Also, eat foods that will give you more copper. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi, my hair is falling which vitamin is good for hair? Which shampoo & conditioner is good for curly long hair? Thank you. Mugdha (Mumbai, India)


A: Sunsilk has come out with a shampoo especially formulated for curly hair, so you could try that. Make sure you condition hair after ever wash as curly hair tends to be dryer than straight hair, and if it is conditioned, it shines more. For a natural conditioner, apply egg before shampooing, and wash off after half an hour with COLD water - or the egg will start cooking in your hair! Use a wide-toothed comb, not a brush, to avoid hairfall. Eat coconut and fish, Vitamin E and B Complex. Vidula Chopra


Q: I had a C-Section 6 months before. From past few months after my delivery there is severe hair fall for me. Please let me know how can I stop this.? Thankyou. Madhavi (Mumbai, India)


A: It is totally normal to experience hair loss after giving birth or after nursing. Some women also experience hair loss after stopping birth control pills. This is because all these factors cause a change in your hormonal balance, preventing or reducing hairfall during pregnancy. As a result this 'backlog' of hair that should have fallen out but didn't, falls out now. Hairfall will gradually decrease on its own. Vidula Chopra


Q: My hair doesn't break but the whole hair comes out from the roots. Please help me. Tehsin (UAE)


A: Oil your hair once a week, and make sure you steam your hair so that the oil penetrates the strands. Massage your scalp after applying oil for at least fifteen minutes. 40 to 80 hair falling a day is completely normal, so there is no need to worry. If hair is falling from a particular spot on your head, or if a lot more hair is falling than just 40 to 80 strands, you should you see a doctor.Vidula Chopra


Q: My hair is dry/dull and lifeless, and it falls a lot. I live in Finland and since winter is approaching, my scalp feels more dryer and hair falls easily. I used to have thick hair but not now. I read that using oil is beneficial to the hair. What kind of oil should I use for dry scalp and for preventing hair loss? When applying oil onto the hair, do I also apply to the scalp as well? Felicia (Finland)


A: Coconut, olive and almond oil are all very good for the hair. Yes, you should massage the oil on your scalp as well, and should steam your hair after applying oil so the oil penetrates each strand. Read this article for more tips on Preventing Hair Fall. Vidula Chopra


Q: I have started excercising (going to the gym ) for the past couple of months and my hair is falling at an alarming rate since then. My hair fall is so much that it now looks very very thin . I just want to know if excercise could increase hair fall and is there a way to stop this falling and strengthen the roots and grow more hair so that it becomes thick ? Pleeeeeeeeease help!! Mohana (Mumbai, India)


A: A certain amount of hair fall - around 40 to 80 strands a day, is perfectly normal, but any sudden increase or decrease in hairfall should be looked into. Hair breakage is generally due to dry hair, and the only treatment is regular oiling and conditioning. Hair fall from the roots resulting in a visible reduction in the amount of hair could be evaluated by a doctor. You could try to stop this hair fall yourself by shampooing your hair a little more regularly due to more sweat on the scalp after you have started working out. Use a very mild herbal shampoo. Also, you should also increase your nutritional intake. Eat fish and coconut. Trim your hair regularly. Avoid any chemical treatment for now, and avoid blowdrying it till your hairfall stops. Do not tie your hair too tight while working out. This also causes breakage.Vidual Chopra


Q: Hi I am 30 yrs old. Last 6 months I am suffering from hair fall. Weekly twice I taking the shampoo for bathing and I put coconut oil too, I am taking the vitamin E tablet too, but still hair fall, I am worried much, per day 100 hairs are fall.please help me. Hema (Mumbai, India)


A: A certain amount of hair fall is totally normal, so don't worry. Make sure your diet is adequate. Increase your protein intake. Eating more fish and coconut also helps. Trim your hair regularly so you have no split ends. If your hair is dry, shampoo less often. Try shampooing once in five days or so, or use a very gentle, herbal shampoo. Try Petalca.Vidula Chopra


Q: When I comb my hair it breaks easily. What can I do about this? Seema (Mumbai, India)


A: Oil your hair once a week, and wash off after half an hour. Apply egg and curd to your hair once every two weeks. While shampooing, avoid piling your hair on top of your head as this causes tangles. Do not comb your hair when it is wet, as wet hair is prone to snapping. Comb your hair very gently so it doesnt snap. First, remove the tangles from the ends of your hair, and then comb your hair from the entire lenght. Condition your hair after every wash. Read more about hair care here. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hello, We stay in Abu dhabi and the water here full of clorine due to which whenever we have hairbath we loose lot of hair and moreover my hair is thin and dry so kindly advice good products/oil which will help me increase the density of hair and texture too and my hair looks dead. due to which i do not even style my hair only a mere clip.kindly help me. thanking you. Lakshmi (Mumbai, India)


A: You should apply olive oil to your hair once a week, and also make it a point to apply conditioner after every shampoo. If your hair looks dead, you need to style it a little. Highlights add a lot of life to hair, so you should consider getting your hair highlighted. To add body to hair, look for a shampoo that is especially formulated to increase thickness and add volume. Vidula Chopra


Q: I am 21 years old, i oftenly wear a hat on my head. The problem is that on the sides of my front hair they are quite weak, so i please ask from you what kinds of natural things i can use like egg for instance. Secondly when i bath my hair, when do i comb them? when they are dry? Because when i comb them lots of hair fall. and to clear things out, i have long hair. thanks. Chadi (Mumbai, India)


A: Comb your hair when it is dry, because wet hair tends to break more easily. You can apply a mixture of egg and curd to your hair, and wash off after half an hour. This helps strenghten and condition your hair. Vidula Chopra


Q: I am 38 years old but most of my hair are already white(grey).i now regularly color them and i am loosing my hair they have turned brittle also. Doctor tells me that i am less follicles hence hairline is thinning. Do u hav something for me? Anju (Mumbai, India)


A: Grey hair tends to be more brittle that black hair, which is why your hair is falling.
Don't colour your hair more often than once in six weeks. Make sure you use a good quality hair colour. Don't opt for inexpensive ones, they may be harsh on the hair.
Oil your hair regularly.
Get an oil massage at least twice a month.
Get more exercise and do some inverted asanas in yoga like sarvangasana to increase circulation to the head.
Proper nutrition is important. Get plenty of calcium, which is essential for hair growth.
Don't use the hair dryer. Let your hair dry naturally.
Trim hair regularly to avoid split ends.
Please read our article on preventing hairfall for many more tips. Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi, Does honey applied to hair turn the hair grey ? Preetha (Mumbai, India)


A: No it does not. That's just a myth. Hair turns white not due to any application of any substance to it, but because pigment producing cells that provide colour to the hair, have stopped doing their job. Thus even if you apply the harshest of chemicals, colours or bleach to your hair, your hair could turn dry and develop split ends and even fall out, but this is not what will cause it to turn white. In any case, it is not that good an idea to apply honey to the hair, when there are a plethora of other natural products that are more beneficial like oil, curd, egg etc.Vidula Chopra


Q: I am only 19 years old, but my hair is becoming very thin. What is the reason for this? Anjali (India)


A: Look after your hair, and your health. Are you dieting? If yes, that could be the cause for hairfall. Make sure you are getting adequate nutrition. Massage your scalp with warm oil once a week, and wash off gently after at least half an hour. Trim your hair regularly, and keep it free from dandruff. Use gentle shampoos. Egg and curd are both excellent for the hair, so you could try applying them after you have applied oil. Do not keep curd for more than ten minutes, if you are prone to getting a cold. Inverted yoga poses such as Adho Mukha Svanasana and Chakrasana should be of help, as they increase the flow of blood to the head, and strengthen your hair roots.


Q: Hi! I am 28 years old with two years old kid. I am having severe hairfall after my delivery. everyday, when i comb, i lose 25 to 30 hairs. it become more when i take hairbath. pls tell me what to do to reduce my hairfall and keep it more healthy. is there any way to strengthen the hair roots, because my hair is very soft. thanks. Priya (Mumbai, India)


A: It is very normal for hair to fall more frequently after delivery, however, 2 years after delivery is another matter entirely. A deficiency of vitamins B, iodine and iron in women causes hairfall, so increase your intake of these vitamins. Eat honey, curds, nuts, fruits and vegetables. However, it is normal for a few strands of hair to fall everyday, but if you feel the hairfall has increased, you should start being more particular. Apply castor oil to your hair; it is very beneficial for hair loss. Massage your scalp frequently to encourage circulation.


Q: Hi, I am a mom with 2 years old son. I am having severe hairfall, especially when i take hair bath. I apply coconut oil twice a week. I am taking centrum mutlivitamins & citracal (calcium) tablets everyday. my hair gets so tangled when i take hair bath. pls..pls...suggest me how to reduce the hairfall. Thanks. Shraddha (Mumbai, India)


A: After applying coconut oil, wash it off after half and hour to one hour. Shampoo your hair gently. Why does it get so tangled?
Do not use soap.
Do not pile your hair on top of your head while shampooing.
Do not comb wet hair, as it will break easily.
Apply conditioner to your hair (avoiding the scalp) after shampooing, and wash off with water after 3 minutes. This will reduce tangles.
Make sure you read these articles:
Tips on washing your hair.
Preventing Hairfall

If you take calcium supplements, do not take excessive calcium, or make sure you exercise regulary. If you do not exercise, you may develop calcium deposits in the form of kidney stones.


Q: I am just 29 years old. I have lots of problem regarding the hair loss in a particular fashion. Some doctors told me that it might be a heriditary problem. But i think not at this age. Kindly provide me some treatment about baldness... Parag (Mumbai, India)


A: Many men start losing their hair at your age, or even before they turn 29. There is no known cure for baldness. Yoga, especially asanas with inverted postures, are beneficial. Eat a diet rich in green, leafy vegetables and fruits.


Q: Hi my name is Vani and i have been loosing lots of hair for the past few years and now i am 1 month pregnant.I am very worried that my situation might get worse during post pregnancy period. Vani (Mumbai, India)


A: Look after your hair. Is it dry? If so, oil it regularly, and apply egg to your hair once a week. It is important that you eat a balanced diet. Fish is excellent for hair, so if you are a sea-food eater, make sure you include enough fish in your diet. Eat plenty of pulses and nuts. Coconut is also very good for your hair, so try to include it in your daily diet.


Q: I am 29 years, married and a working women. My problem is that I am loosing lot of hair and also have some grey hair. Please suggest some home remedy / easy to follow method to stop my hair loss and also which will help in hair growth and prevent graying of hair. I do not have dandruff in my hair. I have also read that egg, curds and brandy is good for hair. Instead of shampoo, if I make a mixture of the above (2 eggs 1tsp of brandy and little curds) and apply 30-40 minutes before washing my hair twice a week will it help me? Your valuable suggestion for my problem is awaited. Meena (Mumbai, India)


A: Stress and low hemoglobin are the main culprits that cause hair loss. Try some form of relaxation and build up your Hb - Leafy greens/Beetroot/jaggery. Wash and dry your hair softly. Isolated grey hairs might as well be ignored. Home remedy you have mentioned may be tried. Dr. Vivek Jain


Q: I am a 28 year-old female. I have a two year old baby. I am vegetarian. Since the last six months my hair has been falling heavily. My hair is very long. I oil my hair regularly, and wash it twice a week. Every time I comb my hair, a large amount falls out. Saraf (Safat, Middle East)


A: Major cause of hair loss could be some prolonged illness, drastic fall in blood haemoglobin level or stress. Take iron and zinc supplements for 2-3 months. Continue shampooing and oiling your hair as before. Your hair should stop falling as much within a month or so.


Q: My hair falls a lot. They are very dry. I cannot even leave them open. Please help me. Julian (USA)


A: Do you have split ends? Trim your hair regularly to avoid split ends. Avoid blow-drying your hair or heat styling in any manner, as this increases dryness... So no heat rollers either! Apply oil once a week to your hair, and wash off after at least an hour. Apply egg and curd to your hair as well. Use a shampoo for dry hair, and condition after every wash. Cut your hair short, shoulder length, to increase body.


Q: I am male and I have lost my hair on both the ends of my forehead. What is the remedy for this? Aamir (India)


A: 1. There are some homoepathic medicines you could try which claim to reduce balding in men. You could consult Positive Health Clinic. 2. You could also go in for hair transplant. The hair from the back of your head is transplanted to where you have started balding. This is a permanent procedure. As long as you do not have blood clotting or hypertension problems, You could go in for the transplant.


Q: My hair falls a lot. It is dry and is greying. I cannot even leave it open. Please suggest a right shampoo or ayurvedic powder for hairfall. Seema (India)


A: Give your head an oil massage at least once a week. Leave the oil on for about an hour, and wash off. Apply curd and egg to your hair when possible. Use a mild herbal shampoo like Petalca.


Q: I am 28 yrs old. My hair is very scanty and I have lost a lot of hair in the past few months. Please suggest a remedy Priya (India)


A: Here are some tips to strenghten hair:1. Trim your hair at least once in six months.2. When you wake up in the morning, run your fingers through your hair to untangle it.3. Don't brush wet hair. It breaks easily.4. Avoid heat treatments like blowdrying etc.5. Only use rubberbands wrapped in cloth, like scrunchies, in your hair.6. Oil your hair once a week with warm oil, and wash off after an hour.7. Diet also plays an important role. Eat a well-balanced diet.


Q: My hair falls a lot while bathing. Can u please give me a good home remedy to protect it. Sridevi (Chennai, India)


A: Curd is excellent for the hair, and so is egg. Whip the egg and curd together, and apply the mixture to your hair. Wash off after half an hour. If you apply conditioner, make sure you NEVER apply it to the scalp. Conditioner should just be applied to the ends of the hair. Trim your hair regularly to avoid split ends. Don't comb hair when wet, as it breaks easily. Be gentle.


Q: I have a severe hair fall problem. I am anaemic. My hemeoglobin is 11.5. What should I do to prevent hair fall? I have a lot of grey hair as well. I am 32 years old. Pushpa (New York)


A: Apply a mixture of egg, curd and olive oil to your hair once a week, massage well and shampoo off after an hour. Almond and castor oil also helps prevent hair fall. Fish is excellent for hair - so if you are non-vegetarian, you should consider eating more of it. Take iron supplements to increase your haemoglobin count.