HAIR, YOUR CROWNING GLORY!

Is recession hitting your hairline? Karan Agrawal finds out that trichologists can help

"Global recession,global heating and global hair loss!"exclaims Dr Apoorva Shah,the pioneer of Trichology in India,who along with his wife Dr Sonal Shah are India's first certified Trichologists.We are living in a world of diminishing returns as far as hair is concerned!
    The need for good hair is universal, beyond all boundaries.Hair is your crowning glory and also a measure of your self-image,prestige and confidence.Hair is also your body's barometer indicating good health or lack of it. Many times hair problem are the first signs that something is wrong with you internally! On the eve of bad hair day the mantra to get a bounty full hair on your head is to know the basic fact about your hair.That is why this article.
What is Trichology?
Trichology is the science of hair and scalp in health and disease.It was developed in 1902 in London and since then has used the wonders of science to detect and effectively treat hair and scalp diseases.
Role of Trichologist
Trichologist is the specialist for hair and scalp problems.When confronted with a hair problem a Trichologist would first conduct tricho analysis of the hair and scalp to diagnose the problem before choosing from an array of scientific tools to deal with it.Today there are around 400 Trichologist all over the world.
Significance of Trichology
An early indication of many disorders.
Very often hair problems are the first signs that show that something is going wrong internally.
Hair loss can indicate:
    Thyroid problems
    Anemia
    Dietary and mineral deficiency
    Hormonal imbalance
    Ovarian Cyst disease
Psychological Importance of Hair
    Hair loss can be devastating and should never be trivialized.
    It can lead to body dysmorphic disorder,which leads to destruction of self- image,prestige and confidence as hair and skin are the two most visible parts of the body.
Emotional Effect
    Trichotillomania
It is commonly known,is an impulse control disorder or form of self-injury characterized by the repeated urge to pull out scalp hair,eyelashes or other body hair,sometimes resulting in noticeable bald patches.It is caused severe emotional stress mostly in children,but also seen in adults.
    Tricophagia
It is the advanced stage of Trichotillomania.Characterized by pulling hair and eating it.
Hair facts
    Function of hair
Apart from imparting you with diva looks,hair has a far more essential
function.It's our protective shield and essentially serves to protect that part of the organ where it grows out.Our eyes are protected from dust by eyelashes.Eyebrows disallow sweat and rain from entering into eyes and causing irritation.Nose hair protects from dust particles from air to entering respiratory passages.Hair on our head apart from adding beauty also protects the skull and the brain.Hair on body helps in keeping the body warm.
Growth cycle of hair
Hair follows its own growth pattern which is spread over a certain period of time and consists of three basic stages: Anagen Phase – Growth Phase The Anagen phase or growth phase lasts for about three years.Approximately 85 per cent of all hairs are in the growing phase at any one time. Catagen Phase – Transitional phase At the end of the Anagen phase the hairs enters into a Catagen phase which lasts about one month and makes the end of growth period.On an average 1 per cent of follicle are in this stage. Telogen Phase – Resting phase The resting phase follows the catagen phase and normally lasts about three months.During this time the hair does not grow but stays attached to the follicle.Approximately 10-15 percent of all hair are in this phase at one time.At the end of the Telogen phase the hair follicle re-enters the Anagen phase.
Some interesting hair facts
    Palms and soles are the only two parts in the body which do not have hair.
    Number of hair follicales are formed in the third month from inception and are the same till the time of death, hence there can never be a before and after picture.
Correct diagnosis
Following three ways for correct diagnosis:
A.Trichologist is well trained to correctly diagnosis hair and scalp problems by physical examination of hair and scalp
B.Tricho analysis: A Trichogram helps in determining the A/ T ratio of hair , the grade of hair loss and the structure of hair.
C.Scalp analysis
    Capilloscopy identifies the state of the scalp and hair follicles.
    Densitometry is used to identify the volume and density of hair.
Impact of modern lifestyle on hair and scalp
    Stress: A physical or emotional stress can cause hair to prematurely enter in falling stages leading to Telogen effluviums, a type of sever hair loss. Stress can also caused a type of auto immune disorders on the scalp called alopecia which starts as a 25 paisa coin baldness and then spreads all over the scalp.
    Fashion: today our lives seem to be dictated by changing trends, straightening perming and colouring. All these chemical processes take a high toll on our hair. Tricchoxerrhis nodosa , or hair breakage due to chronic weakness is a common problem caused by chemical treatment.
    Pollution: pollution takes its toll on your hair as well as the rest of your body.It affects by breaking disulphide and hydrogen bonds of the hair it makes your hair dry,brittle,tangled and matted.
    Diet: today's fast food diet which consist of high-fat,high-animal protein and high-salt diet damages the kidneys and creates acidic blood,thereby leading to hair loss,This lifestyle leads to vitamin deficiency,which is another cause of hair loss.And thanks to the globalization of fast food chains,we're importing hair loss from overseas.
Hair tips
+ The first step to beautiful hair is cleanliness.Wash your hair every alternate day or even daily with a mild shampoo formulated for daily use, if necessary. + Eliminate or cut back on smoking, caffeine and carbonated sodas which weaken the body and block maximum hair growing potential. + Excessive blow drying can damaged hair in the long term , making it brittle and causing spilts ends. + Cumin, turmeric and black pepper are some 'hair- friendly' spices. + While drying your hair with towel, use blotting technique instead of rubbing it vigorously. + Use a wide toothcomb to avoid pulling the hair.