Hair is the mass of long thin strands that grow on our head and other body parts of humans and animals. Hair growth differs from person to person, the average rate is one-half inch per month. Hair colour is created by pigment cells producing melanin in the hair follicle. They are made up of tough protein called keratin.
Hair growth has a cycle of 3 phases:
a) Anagen (Growth phase) :- Each hair spends several years in this phase before its fully grown.
b) Catagen (Transitional Phase) :- Post few weeks, hair growth slows down and the hair follicle shrinks.
c) Telogen (Resting Phase) :- After some months, the hair growth stops and the old hair fall from the follicle, which is later replaced by a new hair growth.
Hair problems
Every head comes with its own unique set of problems and our lifestyle choices, food habits, hair chemicals, pollution and certain illnesses are some main factors which lead to hair problems.
a) Dandruff :- Here small pieces of loose dry, white flakes are shed from the scalp. It is mostly caused by poor hygiene, scalp dryness, excess sebum production and reaction to certain chemicals.
b) Hair fall :- It refers to loss of hair from some parts of our scalp. It is caused by poor diet, insufficient hair care or some illness.
c) Oily scalp :- Here the scalp creates more oil than required quantity. It leads to itching, dandruff and thousands of other problems,
d) Split ends :- A condition where a single hair strand is divided into several parts at the end. It is caused by inadequate water in the body or using too much of conditioners.
e) Frizzy hair or flyaway hair :- The hair strands fall in different directions causing uneven and messy hairs. It is caused by dry hair, exposure to humidity and harsh chemicals.
Causes of Hair Problems
It is majority caused by factors like heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men.
· Hereditary hair loss with age
· Pregnancy and childbirth
· Iron deficiency anaemia.
· Hormonal imbalance
· Fungal infection of the scalp
· Harsh shampoo and excessive use of styling products.
· Overactive or underactive thyroid
· Medications such as, birth control pills and other hormonal treatments, high blood pressure medications, chemotherapy, and radiation
· Post-surgery
· Emotional and mental stress
Symptoms of Hair Problems
Hair comes in many different length, styles, colours and textures but just everyone no matter how rich their hair are tend to fall prey to at least one or another hair problems at some point in their lives.
Following are some common symptoms:
· Grey and greasy hair
· Hair loss and baldness
· Changes in pattern of hair growth
· Dry and itchy scalp
· Red scalp
· Dry or fragile hair.