We all want healthy, shiny locks. We spend so much on expensive and imported hair products that we forget hair health goes beyond luxurious goods and long hours of haircare routine. It is also what you eat, the lifestyle you follow, and the consistency you follow it with. But not all of us are well-aware of everything associated with haircare. That said, we spoke to Dr Vibhuti Dhaundiyal, an aesthetic physician, RV LUXE Clinic, Noida, who helps answer some of the burning questions related to healthy and shiny hair.
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Q1. How can I thicken my hair?
Doctor Answers: Hair thinning is a common concern faced by many individuals today, and it can be attributed to various factors such as vitamin deficiencies, stress, and lifestyle changes. To address this issue and improve hair thickness, a holistic approach is necessary.
The most important thing is to take a balanced diet. Ensuring you consume a nutritious diet with an adequate intake of proteins is essential for healthy hair growth. It is also important to address any vitamin deficiencies, as they can contribute to hair fall. Vitamin D deficiency, in particular, has been linked to hair loss.
Incorporating hair growth serums containing ingredients like Redensyl and Procapil can help strengthen the hair and improve density. These serums can be applied topically to stimulate hair follicles. Maintaining a clean scalp through regular hair washing is another crucial aspect. It helps to remove excess oil, debris, and product buildup, which can potentially clog hair follicles and hinder healthy hair growth.
Remember, while these measures can be helpful, individual results may vary. If you have persistent concerns about hair thinning, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist for personalised guidance and potential treatment options.
Q2. What products should I use on my hair every day?
Doctor Answers: Using hair products every day may not be necessary for everyone. However, when you do wash your hair, it's important to choose the right products for your specific needs. In terms of daily hair care, you typically don't need to use products on your hair every single day. However, when you do wash your hair, it's important to select the appropriate shampoo and conditioner based on your scalp type and hair length.
If you have an oily scalp, you may consider using a clarifying shampoo once every 15 days to remove excess oil and build-up. This can help maintain a clean and balanced scalp. After washing your hair, you can apply a leave-in conditioner or serum to help moisturise and protect your strands throughout the day. This can help improve manageability and reduce frizz.
If you're aiming for hair growth, using a hair growth serum specifically designed for the scalp can be beneficial. Applying it at night allows for better absorption and potential benefits for hair follicles.
Q3. What is the most important product for hair?
Doctor Answers: One of the most important products for maintaining healthy hair is a shampoo. The importance of a shampoo lies in its ability to keep the scalp clean, which is vital for optimal hair health. Its primary role is to ensure a clean and healthy scalp. Maintaining a clean scalp is essential as an unclean scalp can become a breeding ground for various issues such as infections, dandruff, and ultimately contribute to hair fall and hair thinning. By using an appropriate shampoo, you can effectively remove dirt, excess oil, product build-up, and other impurities that accumulate on the scalp. This helps to create a favourable environment for the hair follicles to thrive and minimizes the risk of scalp-related problems.
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Q4. What supplements make hair thicker?
Doctor Answers: Supplements for thicker hair should be approached based on individual deficiencies and needs. It is advisable to undergo a vitamin profile assessment to identify any specific deficiencies before considering supplementation.
A multivitamin containing zinc can be beneficial for hair health. Zinc plays a role in promoting healthy hair growth and preventing hair loss. However, it's essential to ensure you have a deficiency before starting zinc supplementation.
Collagen supplements, particularly when combined with vitamin C, can also be a valuable addition. Collagen is a structural protein that supports the strength and elasticity of the hair. Vitamin C aids collagen production and absorption, making it an excellent companion for collagen supplements.
Q5. What foods can help thicken hair?
Doctor Answers: Proper nutrition plays a significant role in maintaining healthy hair and preventing hair thinning. When our diet lacks essential nutrients, it can lead to malabsorption and inflammation in the body, which disrupts the hair growth cycle. Inflammation prevents complete cell repair, weakens the hair cells, and contributes to hair loss. Therefore, including foods rich in specific nutrients can help promote hair thickness. Proteins are the building blocks of hair, and consuming an adequate amount can support hair health.
Eggs are a great source of protein and biotin that promotes hair growth; avocado is rich in healthy fats, vitamins E and C, and biotin, which help nourish the scalp and strengthen hair; nuts such as almonds and walnuts, provide omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and zinc; spinach is packed with iron, vitamins A and C, and folate, which promote proper blood circulation to the scalp and support the production of healthy hair follicles. Finally, fatty fish like salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin D, which nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair follicles, promoting thicker and healthier hair. Incorporating such food items in your diet can lead to better and healthier hair.
Q6. Which shampoo is best for hair growth and thickness?
Doctor Answers: When it comes to shampoo, it's important to note that they don't directly promote hair growth or thickness. Shampoos primarily serve the purpose of cleansing the scalp. However, choosing the right shampoo according to your scalp type can contribute to a healthier scalp environment.
For oily scalp: Look for shampoos that contain ingredients like clay or salicylic acid. These ingredients can help reduce excess oil secretion and keep the scalp clean.
For dry scalp: Opt for shampoos that contain moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid or nourishing oils. These can help hydrate the scalp and prevent dryness and flakiness.
Q7. Does biotin thicken hair?
Doctor Answers: Despite the widespread belief that biotin supplements are effective in addressing hair thinning, there is little definite data to support this claim. Biotin can potentially support hair growth in individuals who have hair thinning or loss caused by a biotin deficiency. However, it's important to note that biotin deficiency is relatively rare in India, so taking biotin supplements when you don't have a deficiency may not have a significant impact on hair thickness.