Straight Answers to hair loss

May 2006

Dr Shahid Shamsher trichologist, consultant hair and scalp disorders, Dr Health on hair care in summer.

'Hair loss is never the same through the year'

What is the effect of rising temperatures on hair?

Direct effect is seen when the heat damages hair cuticles, drying out the normal moisture content. The result is frizzy hair, split ends and increased hair breakage.

Temperatures this summer have been high and the effect on your hair is the same as blow drying it for an hour every day!

What are the indirect effects?

There is a marked increase in scalp fungal infections and heat boils during summers. While the heat has a drying effect on hair, it has the opposite effect on the scalp, where excess sweating leads to fungal infections.

So is there an increase in hair fall during summer?

Hair loss is never the same through the year. But, some people have an increase of 20-30 per cent hair fall during summer as compared to other seasons.

However, in most people, this is also matched by an equal increase in growth rate. This is why, before rushing to the conclusion that you are balding, you must weigh the rate of hair fall against the growth rate.

We do this through trichoanalysis, a technique that detects abnormal hair loss during the initial stages. Post this, appropriate action can be taken.

Is it also true that hair greys faster due to exposure to the sun?

No, that's not true at all. Hair colour is controlled by the pigment producing cells in the hair root. These are the same cells that also provide colour to your skin.

If you believe that the skin actually darkens when exposed to the sun, then how can hair possibly turn white?

Give us some tips on hair care during summer.

Use a moisturising shampoo for regular wash. In case of excessively dry hair, use a leave-in conditioner. Avoid colouring hair as it aggravates dryness. Wear a swim cap, because chlorine in the pool can lead to whitening of hair.