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Winter brings cozy clothes and hot drinks, but it also brings the problem of unwanted hair. Many people notice that their hair becomes dry, brittle and starts falling out more than usual. Seasonal changes, cold temperatures and low humidity can put stress on your scalp and hair, leading to excessive hair fall.
To understand why this happens and how to protect your hair, HT Lifestyle spoke to Dr. Panchami Debbarman, MD (Kolkata Medical College), MPH (HAW-Germany), MBBS, who shares expert tips for healthy hair during the colder months. (Also read: 5 cardiologists from leading hospitals in India share ‘Best Tips for a Healthy Heart’ that could save your life ,
Main reasons for hair fall and breakage
Dr. Debbarman explains, “During winter, the air is dry and cold, which can cause the blood vessels in the scalp to narrow. This limits the amount of nutrients and oxygen reaching the hair roots, causing them to become weak.” She adds, “Hot showers and harsh shampoos can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness, layers and breakage. Pollution further damages the hair protein, making hair more fragile.”
Lack of sunlight can lead to vitamin D deficiency, while low levels of iron, biotin and zinc, often caused by unhealthy eating habits, can slow hair growth. ,Stress during the holidays or common winter illnesses like the flu can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition where hair loss increases two to three months after a stressful event,” says Dr. Debberman.
Tips to strengthen your hair
Dr. Debbarman shares practical tips to protect hair and maintain scalp health during winter:
- Gentle Cleaning Routine: Use lukewarm water instead of hot water and wash your hair with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo 2-3 times a week. After this, apply conditioner on mid-lengths and ends for 3-5 minutes.
- Intensive Hydration Treatment: Apply a hair mask made from natural oils like argan, coconut or almond once a week. Massage the scalp and leave it for 20 minutes. It helps retain moisture and reduce wear and tear by 30-50%.
- Scalp Nutrition: For persistent hair loss, consider a scalp serum with peptides and massage your scalp for 5 minutes daily to improve blood flow.
- Protective Style: Avoid tight hairstyles and minimize heat styling. Let hair air dry, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle.
- Nutrition and lifestyle promotion: Eat biotin sources like eggs and nuts, as well as omega-3-rich foods like walnuts, salmon and flaxseed. Stay hydrated, use humidifiers indoors and manage stress with yoga and adequate sleep. Vitamin D supplements may help after checking levels with a blood test.
When to seek professional help
Dr. Debberman warns, “If you notice severe hair loss, bald spots, scalp pain, or hair extensions that thicken within six weeks, consult a dermatologist. These may indicate underlying issues like thyroid problems, anemia, or hormonal changes, which may require treatment like PRP therapy.”
By consistently following these tips, you can protect your hair, strengthen your hair and maintain a healthy scalp even during the harsh winter months.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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