Healthy hair secrets

Toss those tresses and you're giving away the state of your health.Your hair is a surefire indicator of just how healthy you are. And chances are, if you're facing a hair problem, you also have a health problem.
    Abnormal hair fall, or growth, or excessive dryness of your hair and scalp and dandruff that refuses to clear, then you need to get professional help. Your condition may be more than just a bad hair day! Here are simple rules to get that gorgeous crown:
CLEAN HAIR:
Basic hair care starts with clean hair. Too much cleansing, however, can be damaging.The scalp produces an oily substance called sebum which coats each hair and keeps it looking shiny and soft. Shampoos are designed to remove excess oil, grease and dirt and to exfoliate the skin cells which clog and suffocate the hair follicles. It is important to choose a shampoo according to your hair type.
    Daily shampooing is not a problem as long as the shampoo is formulated for daily use. If your hair simply feels sweaty it is okay to simply rinse out the sweat too. Shampooing does not cause hair loss, nor does excess sebum clog the hair follicles.
BRUSHING AND COMBING THE HAIR:
Never comb or brush wet hair, as it is more susceptible to stretching and breaking when wet. Finger comb it in gentle massage-like movements.Wait until it is damp before styling. A two minute brushing, stroking and combing routine is sufficient massage exercise for the scalp.This will help distribute natural hair oils and improve blood circulation. More than this will over-stimulate the sebaceous glands and cause oiliness. Never use force while brushing, always brush with gentle outward strokes.
HAIR OIL:
Hair oil is the only hair & scalp conditioner in the world. Contrary to the myth that hair oil does nothing but attract grime and which a lot of specialists endorse, regular oiling is a must. One should apply oil and leave it for a minimum of 4 hours and maximum 24 hours. One should also avoid going out with hair oil on, as oil along with dust particles may clog the pores. Condition your hair by oiling it at least twice a week.
REGULAR HAIR CHECK UP:
It is a must to get a regular hair check up done as it is the body's barometer indicating good health or the lack of it. It can be an early indicator of many diseases such as: l Thyroid problems l Parathyroid problem l Addisons disease l Cushing's syndrome l Anemia l Dietary and mineral deficiency l Hormonal imbalance l Ovarian cyst disease l Tooth problems (Inputs from Mumbai-based Trichologist Dr Apurva Shah)