Common Hair Problems and Solutions

Good hair is everyone’s best asset, be it men or women. We all love to flaunt our hair. Whether you are a man or a woman, have curly, wavy, straight, short, or long hair, your hair adds uniqueness to your beauty. 

However, most people suffer from an array of common hair problems that can often become a nuisance. Hair problems like dandruff, hair loss, split ends, etc., can make the most amazing hair lose its charm. 

Believe it or not, everyone faces some or other hair-related issues. Here, we will discuss the most common hair problems and effective hair problem solutions.

Common Hair Problems and Affective Hair Solutions

Dandruff: Dandruff is probably the most common hair problem faced by many. It can basically cause the skin on the scalp to become flaky. Although no one factor is said to be the only cause, there can be several contributing factors. Dandruff does not only cause an itchy and dry scalp, but it can cause you great embarrassment as well. 

• Solution: It is best to see a dermatologist for your dandruff issue. The dermatologist will prescribe certain anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners based on your hair type. Many people jump to do home remedies like applying lemon on the scalp. Do not do so, as lemon may cause hair lightening. Oiling, however, may help with the itchy and dry scalp. You may ask the doctor about a suitable hair oil and when and how to apply it.

Hair loss: Hair fall is an increasingly common issue. It is common to lose a few hairs every day as this is a common part of the hair growth cycle. However, losing more than 100 hair a day may be termed hair loss. Losing hair on a regular basis can be a stressful situation. Hair loss is also a fairly common issue in men who may go through baldness due to hair loss. Hair fall has a lot of common causes, including stress, nutritional deficiency, depression, certain medications, wearing tight ponytails or weaves, harmful hair treatments, pregnancy, etc.

• Solution: Hair loss can be effectively treated in many cases by a doctor. Common treatments include medication, hormone replacement therapy, hair transplant, supplements, injections with platelet-rich plasma, low-level light devices, etc. Meanwhile, taking care of your hair and overall health and avoiding harmful hair treatments are good steps toward reducing hair fall. 

Split ends: Split ends are usually caused as a result of excessive hair styling and hair straightening treatments that may use heat and harmful chemicals. 

• Solution: It is recommended to get a professional trim every few months to manage the split ends. Another step to reduce split ends is to never over-brush hair with a stiffened hair brush. Use a flexible and soft hair brush and perform the brushing gently. Do not towel dry harshly. Use a conditioner to soften the hair. It is also recommended to use a conditioner about once a week. 

Dull & Damaged Hair: Seeing those shampoo advertisements may cause you to not like your hair, especially if they feel dull, dry and damaged. One of the main reasons for having dry hair is over-shampooing and not taking proper care of it. Over-styling the hair and excessive use of chemicals can also be contributing factors.

• Solution: Do not shampoo daily. Have a nighttime hair care routine. Try using a soft and wide-toothed hair brush to untangle your hair before sleeping. Also, use organic hair oil at least twice weekly. 

Oily hair: Our scalp naturally produces a natural oil called sebum from the sebaceous gland. Sometimes these glands overwork and produce excessive sebum making hair dull and greasy. This condition is commonly called seborrhea.

• Solution: To treat greasy hair successfully, you may want to wash your hair with a shampoo formulated to treat greasy hair. Products containing green tea are considered effective in controlling oily hair even after washing. 

Grey hair: Grey hair is a common part of growing older. However, these days even younger people are facing this issue. Research suggests that DNA damage and a buildup of hydrogen peroxide in the follicles may be contributing factors to greying of hair.

• Solution: Although greying cannot be reversed, you may colour your hair if the grey hair bothers you. It is always better to use hair dyes that use natural ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals. Eating healthily, exercising, and washing your hair might help in stopping the further unnatural greying of hair.

Frizzy Brittle Hair: Having Frizzy, brittle hair is one common hair problem that combines all the hair problems like losing hair dry scalp, dull, frizzy hair, or having split ends. It is usually a result of excessive chemical exposure to hair. Using heat on your hair and excessive use of bleaching products can cause hair thinning and turning them brittle. 

• Solution: Supporting your hair by taking nutritional supplements and the right nutrition is a good first step. Also, avoid chemical treatments on the hair. Use heat protectors when using heating tools. Consult a hair specialist if the problem persists. It may also be a good idea to get a trim that can help manage hair more effectively.

Conclusion

Solutions vary based on several factors and may work better on some than others. If you feel like your hair problem is aggravating and common solutions are not working for you, then be sure to consult a doctor to help with your issue. You may consult a dermatologist or a trichologist. A trichologist is a specialist who focuses on hair and scalp-related issues. If the issue is due to hormonal or metabolism-related causes, you may want to see an endocrinologist.

It is also highly advisable not to try random remedies on your hair before consulting an expert, as it may further damage your hair or have an adverse effect. Also, before looking for hair problem solutions, ensure that you eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, take care of your health & hygiene, and avoid common hair care mistakes to ensure that your hair remains healthy in the long run.

Dr. Ms Sunitha

Dietician

Musheerabad, Hyderabad