A few decades ago, hair loss was a problem encountered only by people after their fifties. However, hair loss has now become common among people in their 20s and 30s too. A combination of stress, anxiety, work pressure, external pollutants, and chemicals used in beauty products have intensified the problem of receding hairlines across the population.
Hair loss is not a problem that is restricted to Indian men. It is a global issue. According to reports, over 35 million men and 21 million women around the world experience hair loss. In India, over 150 million Indians in their early 20s suffer from different issues related to hair loss, i.e. nine out of ten Indians face genetic hair fall at least once in their lifetime. All this means that hair loss is on the rise, and while it may not have any direct health consequences, it can take an emotional toll on your well-being.
The Channel 46 collaborated with Dr Usha Beloskar, Dermatologist & Cosmetologist, SL Raheja Hospital, discusses the causes of hair fall and explains whether scalp massagers are of nay help in boosting hair growth.
Possible Causes Of Hair Fall
While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for hair loss, some of the leading causes may stem from:
- Stress
- Autoimmune diseases
- Genetics
- Hormone imbalances
- Fungal conditions of the scalp, and
- Nutritional deficiencies
Causes Of Pattern Baldness
Hair loss affects both genders, although its pattern might vary. Some causes of male baldness include:
- Cancer
- Thyroid conditions
- Dietary disorders
- Genetics, medications
- Nutritional disorders
- High levels of sex hormones called Androgens.
Causes Of Female Pattern Baldness
Women are less prone to become bald entirely, although complaints of thinning hair are common, especially as you grow older. These can be caused due to
- Genetics
- Medications
- Treatment procedure or
- Changes caused by hormones during pregnancy or menopause
How Is Hair Fall Treated?
Treating hair loss is a challenging task, as treatments need to be customised according to your specific requirement. While it is impossible to regrow hair through oils and serums, massage is one of the best ways to ensure continuous hair growth. This is mainly because massaging the scalp can stimulate the scalp and improve hair thickness and growth. This is because it encourages hair growth and consistency in the dermal Papilla cells at the bottom of the hair follicle. Further, scalp massaging improves hair growth, blood flow & health, and relieves stress and tension, which can sometimes be the root cause of hair loss.
How Scalp Massagers Boost Hair Growth
- As per a research, scalp massagers boost hair growth because of their effect on hair follicles.
- Increased circulation, which helps to promote healthy blood flow throughout the scalp is one of the benefits of using a scalp massager.
- This healthy blood flow supplies the hair and scalp with oxygen and nutrition, which according to research, are beneficial to scalp health.
- This leads to improved hair growth, in the form of thicker and stronger hair strands.
- Scalp massagers also help stimulate dermal Papilla cells, which are cells in the hair follicles which can help consistently increase hair growth and quality, especially over a long period.
A word of caution, a scalp massager is only recommended for a normal scalp. If a person suffers from skin conditions like Alopecia Areata, Androgenetic Alopecia, or autoimmune scalp conditions like Psoriasis or Lupus, scalp massage may not have any specific advantage and can even worsen their condition. Further, a consultation with a Dermatologist is highly recommended if a massage needs to be combined with medications.
How To Use A Scalp Massager?
Using a scalp massager is quite simple. However, remember the following points to do it right.
- Choose a massager that controls how much pressure you want to apply.
- Apply gentle pressure and use circular motions with the massager to boost circulation.
- You can use the massager with scalp products to maximise the treatments’ absorption.
- Using your massager on dry hair is safest since wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage.
How often should you massage your scalp for hair growth?
It is best to use a scalp massager two times every day. Massaging your scalp (without oil) with your fingers is recommended to improve your hair growth or thickness. You can massage your scalp whenever you like to relax and relieve stress.
When should I see a dermatologist/hair fall expert?
On an average, people lose about 50 to 100 strands of hair every day. While this may seem a lot, it isn’t much, considering the large number of hair follicles you already have on your head. If you have been losing more than the average number of hair strands, you should visit a doctor, especially if you have other symptoms, like fatigue, Anxiety, itching, and mood changes.
More importantly, it is vital to be consistent when following a proper haircare routine. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that complements your hair treatment plan will go a long way to help ensure good hair growth, irrespective of your gender.
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