There are moments when we get swept away by a girl flaunting her dazzling tresses and a boy showing off his shiny locks. People go to any length to get long, voluminous and lustrous hair. Of late, there is a buzz around applying protein masks on hair. However, the chemicals in them and colouring, styling and overuse of gels reduce the amino acid level of the hair and damage it in the long-term. As our hair is mostly made of protein, a proper diet and internal wellbeing blossoms hair naturally.
Dr Lakshmi Anand, consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist, says: “Our hair not only consist of protein but also fluids, lipids and amino acids. So, our diet should include all kinds of protein-rich food and plenty of water. Most hair problems are caused due to dehydration. Take green leafy vegetables at least three days a week. Pulses such as green gram, Bengal gram is a must. For iron, one can eat dates; broccoli is rich in biotins which is essential for hair.”
She adds that the masks available in the market contain chemicals and overusing them will damage the hair. One can instead mix egg white and oils such as almond, coconut or olive and apply on the hair. One can also apply banana. Oils are the best conditioners.
Consultant dietitian Dr Dharini Krishnan says, “Consume half a cup of pulses every day and whole grains are also beneficial. Non-vegetarians can have chicken, fish and egg whites. Hair problems arise mainly because of protein and iron deficiency. So, have ragi, dates, raisins and green leafy vegetables that are rich in iron. One should also have a lot of fresh fruits, salads, oil nuts and oil seeds in stipulated quantity for healthy hair. Exposure to sunlight for 30 minutes a week is important”. Beautician Shobana Thilakkumar recommends almonds, walnuts, dried figs and raisins for hair growth. “Some fruits such as amla and black grapes with seed are powerhouses for promoting hair growth apart from giving them sheen, strength and volume. Adding curry leaves in your diet is good for preventing hair fall and applying castor oil can magically make your hair grow. Carrot and beetroot juice has lots of vitamins and minerals.”
Stress is a huge factor for hair fall. Dr Lakshmi says, “Stress has an adverse effect on hormones which in turn negatively impacts your system.” Hair stylist Rema Devi says making changes in lifestyle are necessary. “Sound sleep is important as it goes a long way to repair the system. It’s high time we recognised the good that can come along unwinding properly. Do things that give you joy like spending time with family and friends or listening to music. It will keep stress at bay. Before going to bed, massage your scalp to enhance blood circulation, which in turn will help in hair growth. Avoid junk food.”
While doctors advise shampoo twice a week, blow-drying your hair and clipping them tight is a strict no. Dr Dharini stresses the importance of meditation. Yoga can also help improve metabolism.