5 modern lifestyle causes of hair fall

• Are you living under a high stress?
• Are you getting quality sound sleep?
• Do you eat junk food more than 2-3 times in a week?
• Do you smoke?
• Have you used hair styling treatments or coloring in the past one month?

If your answer is YES to most of the questions, then you are vulnerable to a significant hair fall. It is possible that the symptoms are already visible. Modern lifestyle has accelerated hair loss not just among men but also among women. So, the fact that your parents and grandparents had good hair will not help you against hair loss. Thus, it is advisable to identify the root causes of hair fall before hair strands block your bathroom’s drain.

The main lifestyle causes of hair fall:

1. STRESS

According to Mayo Clinic (USA), stress is one of the top causes of hair fall. Significant stress pushes a large number of hair follicles into a resting phase. Hair follicles stop growing in this phase. Affected hair might simply fall while combing or hair washing after sometime. The second most common reason for hair loss after genetic baldness is stress. (Source: American Hair Loss Association)
Experts believe that you can regrow your hair if you get your stress under control.

2. SLEEP

Lack of sleep induces several changes in body’s immune system and hormonal secretion. A human body rejuvenates and restores itself during sleep. Changes in the normal sleep pattern affects body’s immune system. This makes body vulnerable to several diseases. Hair fall is a common side effect of such diseases, as hair roots don’t get required nutrition.

3. FOOD & NUTRITION

According to Ayurveda, excessive intake of spicy, fried and salty food, tea, coffee, alcohol and meats affect body’s metabolism. This in turn affects the growth of new tissues like hair. Even people who are on a restricted diet may suffer from hair fall and thinning of hair. Hair is primarily made of Keratin, a protein and water. Increase your daily intake of protein rich food and water for better hair growth.

4. SMOKING

Smoking not only causes respiratory, heart and cancer diseases, it also results in greying and hair loss. It is also emerging as of the lifestyle causes of hair fall among women. Inhaled smoke affects blood’s capability to carry oxygen and essential nutrients to hair follicles. There is a direct link between smoking and greying. (Source: British Medical Journal). The nicotine present in cigarettes narrows blood vessels affecting growth of new hair.

5. HAIR COLORING

A common misconception is that dyeing or coloring hair is one of the key causes of hair fall. It is important to understand that the part of hair above your scalp is already dead. Application of color (synthetic chemicals) to the dead part doesn’t lead to hair fall. Hair fall occurs only when these chemicals affect hair bulbs or enter your blood stream. Dyeing causes protein loss in hair follicles resulting in hair breakage and thinning. Light hair shades use more bleach, ammonia and hydrogen peroxide than the dark ones. This makes them even more harmful for hair. (Source: WebMD)

Ayurveda recommends regular application of hair oil to take care of hair fall, dandruff and greying. Traditional Ayurveda scriptures recommends head massage with Sesame Oil. Sesame Oil is rich in anti-oxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent hair moisturizer, reduces stress and improves sleep patterns.