Why are Indian guys losing hair?

Bollywood star Salman Khan is just one among several Indian men, some as young as 25, who are losing hair. Hair restorative and plastic surgeon Dr Sandeep S Sattur dishes out advice at a free talk this week. But if you are caught up, here's a cut-and-keep guide

A recent discussion iTALK had with the head of a hair-weaving clinic revealed that most clients they see are male, and between 25 and 40 years old. Indian men in urban metros are losing their crop earlier than the generation before them. And you thought sporting a clean shaven pate was in style! Demanding lifestyles and stress compound the effect, as does ignorance over what your hair needs.

Dr Sandeep S Sattur, hair restorative and plastic surgeon, says there are various kinds of hair loss. The most common type of permanent hair loss is Pattern Hair Loss, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia or Hereditary baldness or Common baldness. Telogen Effluvium is a type of temporary hair loss, that's related to an increase in stress levels."

Other kinds:
Trichotillomania is caused by compulsive pulling and bending of hair. It tends to occur more in children than adults.
Traction hair loss is found in those who sport tight pony tails, plaits or turbans that exert pressure on the
hair shaft.

How the stars say, baal baal bach gaye
Actor Salman Khan has reportedly put an end to his hair loss problems by opting for hair weaving. While Salman had allegedly gone in for a hair transplant earlier, he also went in for a hair weaving procedure in Dubai, with an American surgeon. He's only one among several male Bollywood stars like Jackie Shroff, Sanjay Dutt and Sunny Deol, to have undergone a transplant.

Earlier it was 40 year-olds, now men in their 20s and 30s are balding

Dr Sonal Shah Senior trichologist at RichFeel Clinic
She's seen a definite change in patient profile over the last two decades. The age of her male clients has dropped from 35 to 40 year-olds, to men as young as 16 to 30 years.

Your hair's shedding like autumn leaves. NOW WHAT?

Hair transplant is a surgical procedure where hair from the patient's head are transferred to the balding areas.
Pros and cons: It's permanent. Once you decide to go in, there is no easy way to go back. The procedure requires a number of surgical treatments.
Cost: Rs 60 per graft to Rs 45, if the number of grafts are above 2,000.

Hair weaving, bonding and fusion are temporary procedures where external hair bearing devices are attached to the existing hair or scalp using weaves, micro clips, adhesives, to cover the bald area.
Pros and cons: It requires maintenance and regular tightening of the weave. The use of a hair piece is associated with skin problems like scaling, itching and dandruff. Hair weavingu00a0 or bonding can actually cause hair loss in the areas where the hair piece attaches itself to existing hair.
Cost: Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000, depending on quality and length of hair used.

Temporary Hair Camouflage involves the use of tiny micro fibre hair that blends with your hair and scalp. Applied by sprinkling it over the thinning area, it electro statically bonds to your own hair. It stays in place until you wash your hair.
Pros and cons: It's temporary.
Cost: Rs 1,500 onwards.

Reasons why your hair could be falling

Hereditary factor
The tendency for male and female pattern hair loss is genetically inherited from family, and usually begins to develop after puberty. It's determined by a combination of heredity and male hormones called androgens including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Trigger factors
Telogen Effluvium can be caused by a variety of trigger factors like high fever, major illness/surgery, crash dieting, childbirth and certain medications.

Medical factor
Certain conditions like iron deficiency anaemia, thyroid disorders can lead to hair loss.

Imbalanced diet and stress
Diet and stress play a role in contributing to hair loss, rather than causing it. Studies have linked consumption of junk food and crash dieting to hair loss. Stress can lead to production of certain substances that interfere with the manufacturing of new hair.u00a0

Genetic and environmental factors
One reason for the early onset of Pattern Hair Loss that's fairly common these days, is the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors that also include lifestyle factors. Smoking, malnutrition (overfed but malnourished on account of avoiding nutritious foods), stressful lifestyles and environmental pollution could contribute to premature hair loss.

Development and progress of Pattern Hair Loss can be postponed through the intake of medication, but temporary hair loss can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet, exercising regularly and using mild hair care products, free from chemicals.

Dr Sandeep Suttar's talk on hair loss is scheduled for January 31 at 3.30 pm, at Help Library, Fort. Free entry.
Call: 65952393

Beauty therapist's top tip

Use a herbal hair tonic

Shahnaz Husain Beauty expert
We've found that a non-oily herbal hair tonic, containing Ayurvedic ingredients like trifala, amla and brahmi, helps control hair loss. Washing hair helps get rid of dirt and sweat deposits. If you suffer from excessive oiliness, use a hair rinse.

Eat foods with proteins

Deepshikha Agarwal Dietician and Sports nutritionistu00a0
Stress and bad eating habits play a part. Drink lots of water, avoid aerated drinks, and include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Eat protein-rich foods like pulses, coconut milk, egg whites, skimmed milk and curd.

Your 5-point prevention mantra

>>Don't pull your hair; it puts a strain on the follicle, and this results in permanent damage.
>>Don't rub your scalp. Pat the extra moisture away, after a head bath.
>>Avoid using wigs. Unless your doctor has prescribed the use of a wig, stay away from wigs that don't let your scalp breathe, suffocating the follicles.
>>After shampooing, rinse your hair thoroughly to wash away chemicals that can damage hair follicles.
>>Use a mild shampoo that suits your hair type.