Archives for Jul 13, 2021

Dandruff is most commonly caused by a lack of blood supply to the scalp. Since there is a lack of oxygen and protein, the scalp becomes dry and flaky. Less commonly, dandruff can be caused by a lack of Vitamin B-6 or an excess Vata Dosha, which makes the skin dry. Dandruff has various causes such as:

• Dry scalp
• Oily and Irritated skin
• Not using enough shampoo
• Adverse reaction to certain hair products
• Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis

In general, people lose somewhere between 50 to 100 strands of hair a day, which is approximately the same rate at which your body replenishes it. However, hair loss occurs when your body’s ability to replenish hair falls below the amount of hair being lost. In Ayurveda, hair loss is a result of body type and improper balance of dosha. Those that are Pitta or have excess Pitta in their system are more likely to experience balding or find that their hair becomes grey before their peers. Here are some causes for baldness:

• Genetic: Hair loss occurs most commonly in those that have received the gene that causes hair loss as a person ages, scientifically known as androgenic alopecia. Hair loss in the form usually occurs in predictable patterns and gradually. In women, it means widening of the part on the scalp. For men, that means bald spots and a receding hairline.
• Medical Conditions and Hormonal Changes: A variety of medical conditions and hormonal changes can cause temporary or permanent hair loss, such as hormonal changes in menopause, thyroid problems, childbirth, or pregnancy. Health conditions such as Alopecia areata occur when the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles. Other health conditions include trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), ringworm, and scalp infections.
• Medication Side-Effect: Hair loss can be a side-effect of various medications used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, cancer, depression, arthritis, heart problems, and gout pressure. Consult your healthcare provider if any of your current supplements or medications may lead to hair loss.
• Radiation From Chemotherapy: When enrolled in treatment programs like chemotherapy for cancer, the hair may not grow back because chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells. The hair follicles are one of the most quickly dividing cells within the body, so it’s very common for chemotherapy patients to lose their hair. If you’re undergoing chemotherapy, consider using a cooling cap, which can reduce your risk of losing hair during chemotherapy. After treatment, the hair typically grows back with no significant repercussions.
• Stressful or Traumatic Events: After an extremely emotional or physical shock, the body may show signs of general thinning or hair loss; however, this type of hair loss is almost always temporary.
• Hairstyles and Treatment: Predominantly in women, those that try hairstyles that pull their hair tight, such as tight pigtails or cornrows, may cause a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. In addition, hot-oil hair treatments or permanent ones can also cause hair loss. While brushing and combing, use a hair detangler and avoid tugging. Try a wide-toothed comb to get the knots out. Try to limit hair tension from braids, barrettes, and rubber bands. Lastly, avoid permanents, hot-oil treatments, curling irons, or hot rollers because these treatments can be harsh.
• Avoiding Smoking and Ultraviolet Light: While outside, protect your scalp from direct sunlight and ultraviolet light. Avoid smoking because new studies have shown a correlation between smoking tobacco products and damaged hair follicles.