A serious matter of concern for most people— hair loss can be treated.

NO OTHER treatment in modern times has aroused as much passion and controversy as hair treatment. An estimated 95 per cent of hair loss is genetic, but other factors, such as nutrition, overall health, hormone deficiencies, overcoloring of hair and emotional stress also contribute to the problem.

According to Dr Mukesh Batra, chairman and managing director of Dr Batra’s Positive Health Clinic, "Hair loss is universally regarded as a negative trait with a poor image of a bald man or woman.

The overall impression is that hair and lots of it is good. And the loss of it, on the other hand is interpreted as a sign of weakness and ageing."

In fact, a recent German study showed that when applying for jobs, 41 per cent of men with an abundant crop of hair were selected for job interviews while only 27 per cent of men with bald pates were selected.

Another reason for controversy is that for every genuine treatment that exists today, there are probably 10 more other treatments—which in the medical world are politely described as ‘snake oil’ treatment.

Billions of dollars are spent every year by research and development wings of various medical institutes in searching for a safe and effective cure of hair loss.

Hair loss is medically termed as alopecia which means losing more than 100 strands every day. While it’s true that hair is not necessary for survival in the way a heart or kidney is, "human life is more than survival," points out Batra.

While most consider hair loss a cosmetic problem, very few realise its underlying connection to any medical illness. Insists Batra, "Hair can be an indicator not only for physical ailments but also for the emotional aspect of a person."

For instance, if a patient comes with the problem of hair loss with ill defined areas of hair loss and has a habit of pulling hair, then it could be a psychiatric illness. Such a condition is called as Trichotillomania.

What you eat directly affects your brain. It can make you feel sleepy, jumpy, relaxed, impulsive or compulsive. When you are going through a period of stress, you need more of all nutrients, particularly the B vitamins, which affect the nervous system and calcium which is needed to counter the lactic acid your tense muscles produce.

Loss of hair with dry dull and limp hair can also be a sign of anaemia or B-complex deficiency.

Tips for healthy hair

Wash your hair regularly in warm water. Use a deep conditionar.

Eat balanced diet with proper nutrition.

Chronic illness, high fevers and infections can contribute to hair loss.

Avoid hair colouring and perming as chemicals damage hair.

Avoid hairstyles like ponytails and cornrows, which stretch and pull hair.

It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day.

Consult your general physician or dermatologist regarding concerns about hair loss.

Because of hormonal changes, nearly 50 per cent of women experience hair loss after pregnancy. Normal hair production will eventually resume, though it can take as long as six months.

Avoid mental stress and avoid smoking.

Exercise improves blood circulation to the scalp and stimulates the hair follicles making them stronger. Sit cross legged on the floor.

Hold your hands behind your back. Bend forward and touch your forehead to your right knee. Hold until a count of 10. Slowly come back to your original position.