8S solutions to manage hair loss during quarantine

8S solutions to manage hair loss during quarantine

Hair is one of those organs which undergoes repeated cycles of growth and fall. Hair undergoes three phases of growth in hair follicle - 

• Anagen (growth phase), 

• Catagen (resting) and 

• Telogen (fall) phase. 

The hair follicle is the compartment in which hair undergoes these cycles. It has a root known as dermal papilla from which the hair grows in length and size. This dermal papilla is surrounded by a niche which consists of fat cells, nerve endings and hormone receptors, all of which impact the growth of hair. This concept is pivotal to understand the reasons for hair fall in men and women

Challenges during the lockdown period of COVID19:

The COVID19 is an unfortunate and rare event in the history of this world. The period of lockdown came with its baggage of stress, sudden changes in environment and routines. In this blog article we try to understand how COVID19 has impacted the hairfall and hair growth.

1. Stress impacts the hair growth

Hair follicle has receptors for the stress hormone – Cortisol. Cortisol or stress hormone decreases the signals for dermal papilla cells to start the angaen or growth phase. Various types of stress can impact the hair growth including environmental stimuli.

2. Sleep your blues away

The lockdown period disrupted the normal routine. Late night calls, variation in daily schedule leads to stress signals being perpetuated top the hair follicle. It is important for us to follow a daily schedule to keep the hair biology healthy.

3. Shampoo your scalp nicely – scalp Health

As there was an extended home stay for working professionals, some of us postponed hair wash as there were no personal meetings. But Scalp needs to breathe and if not regularly shampooed, it increases sebum production making you vulnerable to itching and dandruff. This may increase hair fall and delay growth. You can always consult your Dermatologist to suggest a pH balanced , sulphate and parabens free shampoo to keep the hair shiny and scalp cleaner.

4. Embrace Sunshine Vitamin 

A deficiency of Vitamin D as we were all locked up indoors  can trigger hair fall. Early morning sun exposure helps in a healthier mane.  Before you take any supplement on your own, do consult a dermatologist near you.

5. Stock up on your nutrients

Nutritional deficiencies can trigger massive hair fall both in men and women. A diet rich in iron and protein is necessary for improving hair health. Please include foods like egg, legumes, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and protein rich foods to boost your hair health during COVID 19 lockdown. We should try to include more omega3 fatty acid rich foods like flax seeds, chia seeds and canola oil for shiny hair.

6. Stop your whey protein

Whey protein may cause an increase in Hair thinning . Stop whey and you can choose a healthier protein rich diet to enhance muscle mass.

7. Solutions containing peptides for keeping hair healthy

Please consult a Dermatologist for recommending a peptide based serum containing Capixyl and Procapil . There are many other peptide based serums which increase the blood supply to the hair follicle and also reduce 5 alpha reductase enzyme activity.

8. Say goodbye to over Styling

However tempting it may look to follow the latest hair trends of styling in different colours and types, refrain from overdoing it as it may ruin your hair. You might use a blow dryer or latest machines for easy way out to style your hair but overheating can actually cause damage to your hair’s health and also to your scalp. It not only leads to blickering of your hair cuticle but also creates blisters.

Don't worry if hair fall is more as your Dermatologist will tailor make your treatment depending upon the cause. I will be talking about home based regimens for improving hair health in my subsequent posts. Watch the video below for more on 8S of Hair Care.