Reality: Split ends indicate irreversible damage to the hair shaft. They occur when the outer protective layer of the hair known as the cuticle, becomes compromised, exposing the inner cortex. While conditioners and treatments can help and smoothen the appearance, they cannot permanently repair the damage.1
Solution: It is imperative to get regular trims (every 6–8 weeks) to get rid of split ends before they cause more breakage by moving up the hair shaft. For extra defence against split ends, think about adding hair-loving substances like coconut oil or shea butter into your routine. However, you should keep in mind that they will only halt their progression, not “seal” them shut.1
Reality: Gentle brushing of your hair can be beneficial. However, excessive brushing can do more harm than good. Excessive brushing can cause breakage, frizz, and even hair loss by damaging the hair root and cuticle.
Solution: Focus on gentle brushing at the ends, working your way up to the roots to detangle without pulling. Try to brush your hair gently two or three times a day, using a boar bristle brush or a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair with minimal damage.2
Reality: Stress, our ever-present companion, can wreak havoc on our bodies, including our hair. During periods of high stress, the body prioritises essential functions, taking away resources from non-essential ones like hair growth. This can lead to increased shedding, slower growth, and even hair loss.3
Solution: Think about using stress-reduction techniques including yoga, meditation, and exercise. Include adaptogenic herbs in your routine, such as ashwagandha, which is well-known for its ability to reduce stress. Ashwagandha can also help with general well-being and even promote hair health.4
Reality: While a dry scalp can contribute to dandruff, the primary culprit is often a scalp condition called seborrheic dermatitis. An excess of oil produced by the scalp in seborrheic dermatitis feeds the fungus Malassezia, which results in flaking and irritation.
Solution: To fight the Malassezia fungus, use a mild dandruff shampoo that contains chemicals like zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole. To ease inflammation and support a healthy scalp, think about adding scalp care products to your hair care regimen, such as witch hazel or aloe vera.5
Reality: While hair loss can become more common with age, it is not an inevitability for everyone. Hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, genetics, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to hair loss.
Solution: Address any underlying health concerns with your doctor. Ensure you are getting adequate nutrients for hair health, like iron, biotin, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.6
Iron, biotin, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are among the nutrients that are critical for hair growth. If these nutrients are deficient, it can significantly impact hair growth and health. Iron deficiency, particularly common in women, can lead to hair loss. Along with that, biotin plays a crucial role in hair metabolism, while vitamin D deficiency has been linked to hair loss in some studies. Additionally, Omega-3 fatty acids support scalp health and may promote hair growth.
Androgen hormones like testosterone can contribute to hair loss in some individuals, particularly those with genetic predispositions. On the other hand, oestrogen promotes hair growth. Hormonal imbalances in women, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menopause, or due to thyroid issues, can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to hair loss.7
A healthy scalp environment free from inflammation, fungal overgrowth, and excessive oil production is crucial for hair growth. Conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis can damage hair and impede their growth. Maintaining a healthy scalp with gentle cleansing, avoiding harsh chemicals, and addressing underlying conditions can promote hair growth.5
Hair type, texture, and growth rate are partly determined by genetics. While some factors like hair loss patterns might have a strong genetic component, understanding your genetic predisposition can help you tailor your hair care routine.
Nutrients can play a valuable role in supporting healthy hair growth by addressing gaps in hair care. To strengthen our hair, it is important to understand the powerful role nutrients play in taking care of us from the inside out. Let’s look at some of the most important nutrients related to hair health and growth.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for various metabolic processes in our bodies. It plays a critical role in supporting keratin production. Keratin is the primary protein that builds healthy hair, nails, and skin. Taking Biotin can help in addressing deficiencies that might be contributing to hair loss.8
Iron is another important nutrient that is related to your hair. Deficiency of iron is a common cause of hair loss, especially in women. Iron supplements can help in restoring ferritin levels in your body and subsequently promote hair growth.9
Vitamin D, also called the “sunshine vitamin,” is a fat-soluble vitamin our bodies can produce with sun exposure. While primarily known for its importance in bone health, vitamin D also plays a huge role in the hair follicle growth cycle. Studies suggest that deficiencies in vitamin D may be linked to certain types of hair loss.10,11
Studies suggest that essential fatty acids like omega-3s support scalp health and may promote hair growth by reducing inflammation. Consider incorporating sources like fatty fish, flaxseeds, or chia seeds into your diet.12
There is a lot of research that is still ongoing to explore the potential of other ingredients like zinc, saw palmetto, and curcumin for promoting hair health.
