A balanced diet is the key to good hair

Mention hair loss and everybody is sure to have suffered from it at some point. In Bangalore, it seems to be a household problem. DNA’s Soumita Majumdar chats with Dr Anil Abraham, consultant dermatologist and trichologist, Abraham’s Skin and Hair Clinic and head of dermatology, St John’s Medical College Hospital, about solutions to reduce hair loss.

Why is hair loss so common in Bangalore? Is the weather responsible?
The problem of hair loss seems to be assuming alarming proportions. Compared to our OPD statistics of a few years ago, hair loss both in women and children seems to have risen by about 20-30 per cent over five years. However, it is not just the weather that causes the loss. A poor diet, parlour procedures like colouring and straightening, commuting, work stress, long hours at work, altered sleep patterns and increasing pollution all result in hair loss.

What are the other hair related problems that people complain about?
Early greying, brittle and coarse hair are other common complaints. But the single most common one is “Doctor, I am becoming bald!” Hair loss due to patches of hair falling out is called Alopecia Areata. Another fairly common clinical problem is where a bald patch suddenly appears.  

Doc, can you suggest an ideal diet to ensure reduced hair loss? Is there a vitamin supplement for this?
A balanced diet is ideal for good health and good hair too. It is important that fad diets be avoided. I have often seen people who have lost significant weight coming with complaints of severe hair loss. If you need to lose weight and keep your hair, frequent smaller meals, with less junk food, sweets and oil is a sensible solution, in addition to regular exercise. Biotin is often prescribed for healthy hair. For those with anaemia, an iron supplement may be helpful. Palak, sprouts and an occasional handful of dry fruits are hair-healthy supplements.

Hair transplant is the last option. But what are the new treatments available for hair loss?
Hair transplant is a good option for significant hair loss — not always the last option. But the basis of all successful management of hair loss should be to treat the cause. One patient may need treatment of a thyroid problem, another may need stress reduction and exercise, while yet another may need iron or zinc supplements. Tailoring treatment to suit the individual needs of each patient works best. A trichogram or phototrichogram will help to analyse the problem and blood tests may be carried when required. Treatments range from intralesional injections to surgical intervention.