Healthy Body Means Healthy Hair

It's A Cry For Help!

Your brittle, thinning, damaged hair could be your body's way of telling you there's something is wrong! The growing number of strands circling the plug hole, your scalp slowly beginning to appear, the feel of your hair being replaced with a handful of dry grass - sound familiar?
Well, if in those moments of grief, you only end up blaming your lack of hair care rituals for your condition–then you’ve got to know that you’re probably thinking on the wrong lines.

“The condition of your hair can sometimes act as a window to our general health condition,” says Dr Nirupama Parwanda, dermatologist, Delhi.

She goes on to explain and list down the many underlying health issues that the condition of your hair might be indicating. Take a look:

Premature greying of hair | Cause: Stress and/or anxiety

Premature greying has more of a genetic basis, this explains why it tends to occur in people with a history of premature greying that runs in the family.

However, increased stress can lead to an increase in the production of the cortisol hormone, which accelerates the ageing process. “Though supplements like calcium pantothenate have shown to help but not as much and studies are ongoing,” says Dr Parwanda.

Rapid balding | Cause: Cushing’s syndrome

This is another problem caused by the excess production of and prolonged exposure to the stress hormone, cortisol.

This, in turn, can lead to hypersecretion of androgens, a group of hormones that play a role in developing male traits and reproductive activity. The result? Loss of hair and bald patches.

Thinning hair | Cause: Thyroid imbalance

The thyroid hormone plays a major role in regulating your metabolism and the growth of the human body–which makes it quite an important hormone.

Now, both hyperthyroidism (excess hormone production by the thyroid gland) and hypothyroidism (inadequate thyroid production) can lead to dry, dull, brittle, and thin hair. However, the good news is that once the thyroid balance is restored in your body, you can expect your hair to go back to normal.

Excessive hair fall | Cause: Hormonal imbalance

In men, hormonal imbalance is one of the major causes of hair loss. The male hormone that causes severe hair loss is testosterone. The enzyme, 5 alpha-reductase, which is present in the hair follicles converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The DHT is the most potent androgen that promotes androgenetic alopecia – the common pattern of male baldness or premature hair loss.

Sudden hair loss | Cause: Protein deficiency

“Protein is the building base of our cells and it forms a major part of our hair,” Dr Parwanda explains. Thus, a protein deficiency in your body can result in the quality of your hair getting deteriorated, ultimately leading to hair loss.

Hair shedding | Cause: Anemia

“Your blood naturally contains iron and just like protein, it is needed for a lot of essential processes in your body and its adequate levels are required for maintaining the health of your hair too,” Parwanda points out.

Needless to say, in case of anemia, a condition arising from iron deficiency in the body, your hair tends to get weaker and may shed off.

Itchy scalp and hair loss | Cause: Fungal infection

According to Dr Parwanda, any infection on the scalp can lead to the hair shaft becoming weak and can thus, lead to hair loss.

Perennially greasy hair | Cause: Fatty diet

If your hair’s always oily despite you washing it regularly, an excess of fat consumption could be to blame for it. This typically means that you’ve got to start eating healthy and dump the junk.

So, how can you ensure healthy hair and a good overall health?

“Have a balanced diet and make sure you get an adequate dose of nutrients like iron, vitamin B, and vitamin D,” Dr Parwanda suggests.

“Regular intake of green, leafy vegetables and fresh fruits can help as well and so can regular exercise and maintaining a good sleep cycle,” she adds. The doctor also recommends keeping your scalp clean at all times.

Luckily for the men of Southampton, Cresswell Barber Co. stock an excellent pairing of shampoo and conditioner from Ace High Co.

With its invigorating blend of ingredients, including vitamin E oil, sea grape, red algae and eucalyptus oil, you’ll be looking swell well after your shower.

You can also purchase products in store when you’ve booked your haircut with us.