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Hair fall – the eternal worry that haunts every woman and even men. It leaves us in a spiral of continuously wondering what we did wrong that landed us with a hair comb full of broken strands. There are many short and long periods of time across the year when I’m happily singing and combing my hair, feeling relieved looking at my hair brush that amassed just a few hair strands, only to be aghast when my sight falls on the hair clump on my bathroom floor. Quelle horreur!
There are a lot of myths about hair fall and all the preventive measures and treatments that we can take to address it. Locking in on a hair care routine and using the right hair mask for hair fall is an excellent start. Read on to find out the key ingredients to look for in a nourishing hair fall control mask, how to use it and learn about its limitations. We asked a hair expert to guide us.
What is Hair Loss?
What constitutes hair loss is when you lose more hair than usual, leading to thinning, bald patches, or excessive shedding. It’s important to understand that seeing a few strands on your comb is natural hair loss and it is not at all an alarming sign.
Why Do We Experience Hair Fall?
It may be due to genetics, stress, smoking, hormonal changes, weight loss, lack of nutrients, or a medical condition, to name a few reasons. Its treatment depends on the reason why you’re facing hair loss. To begin to understand this, it’s first important to separate fact from fiction. Read ahead to debunk some common hair fall myths. Dr Sravya Tipirneni Reddy, renowned dermatologist and trichologist in Hyderabad and the APJ Abdul Kalam Excellence Awardee, among other accolades to her name, shares few myths with BeBeautiful.
Myth 1: Hair fall is always genetic.
Reality: While genetics play a role, many other factors contribute to hair fall, including stress, diet, hormonal changes, and medical conditions.
Myth 2: Brushing your hair causes hair fall.
Reality: Some hair fall during brushing is normal—it’s just shedding the hair that are already loose. However, excessive hair fall while brushing could indicate a problem.
Can a Hair Mask Help Curb Hair Fall And How Does it Work?
A hair mask can help reduce hair fall by strengthening the hair, nourishing the scalp, and addressing underlying issues like dandruff, scalp irritation, dryness, breakage, and weak roots. It improves blood circulation, reduces heat and chemical damage, and controls frizz effectively. However, you must use it correctly to reap all its benefits.
How Hair Masks Work to Reduce Hair Fall
Hair masks are a fantastic way to give your hair some much-needed TLC. They work by deeply conditioning and nourishing your strands, helping to restore moisture and strength. Packed with natural oils, proteins, and vitamins, these masks penetrate the hair shaft to repair damage, boost scalp health, and reduce breakage. This not only helps to minimise hair fall but also improves your hair’s overall texture and appearance. With regular use, you’ll notice your hair looking healthier, stronger, and less prone to falling out. It’s like a spa treatment for your hair.
Benefits of Using Hair Masks for Hair Fall Control
- Nourishes the scalp – Hair masks hydrate and soothe the scalp, creating a healthy environment for hair growth.
- Strengthens hair – Packed with proteins and nutrients, they help fortify weak strands, reducing breakage and hair fall.
- Improves elasticity – Regular use restores hair’s natural elasticity, preventing split ends and breakage.
- Boosts moisture – Deep hydration prevents dryness, a major cause of brittle hair and hair loss.
- Repairs damage – Repairs stressed, damaged hair, making it smoother, shinier, and less prone to fall out.
Incorporating Hair Masks into Your Hair Care Routine
- Hair masks are a game-changer for achieving healthy, nourished hair.
- Provide intense hydration, repair damage, and restore vital nutrients that regular shampoos and conditioners can't match.
- Target specific concerns like dryness, frizz, and lack of shine.
- Deliver deep nourishment that penetrates the hair shaft, leaving hair smoother, stronger, and more manageable.
- Can be used weekly or monthly, but consistency is key.
Ingredients to Look For in a Hair Mask
Dr Sravya suggests that a truly effective hair mask for hair fall should contain a blend of ingredients that address different aspects of hair health. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Protein: Our hair is primarily made of protein (keratin). Masks with hydrolysed proteins (like keratin, collagen, or wheat protein) can fill in gaps in the hair shaft, strengthening it and reducing breakage. “This is crucial for minimizing hair fall”, adds Dr Sravya. Dove 10 in 1 Deep Repair Treatment Hair Mask comes with 8% BIO-protein fusion. BIO-Proteins are similar to the proteins naturally present in your hair. So, this creamy formula will penetrate to the innermost layers of your hair, restore proteins, and effectively help in reversing years of damage.
2. Moisturizers and Humectants: Dry, brittle hair is prone to breakage. You need ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, aloe vera, and honey to attract and retain moisture. This makes hair more flexible and less likely to snap.
3. Oils and Butters: Natural oils (argan, coconut, olive, avocado) and butters (shea, cocoa) provide essential fatty acids that nourish the scalp and hair, improving shine, manageability, and reducing breakage. They also create a protective barrier and thereby prevent moisture loss. Love, Beauty & Planet’s Argan Oil & Lavender Magic Hair Mask is infused with argan oil, coconut and lavender is a perfect hair mask for frizzy hair, working effectively to control frizz.
4. Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins like biotin, vitamin E, and vitamin B5, along with minerals like zinc and iron, play vital roles in hair growth and strength. Some masks incorporate these directly, while others use ingredients rich in them (like certain plant extracts).
5. Scalp Stimulants: Ingredients that improve blood circulation to the scalp can promote hair growth. Examples include caffeine, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and ginger extract. However, these should be used with caution, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.
6. Antioxidants: These protect hair from damage caused by free radicals (think pollution and sun exposure). Green tea extract, vitamin C, and various plant extracts are good sources of antioxidants.
How to Use Hair Masks The Right Way?
You can start off with an anti-hair fall shampoo like Love, Beauty & Planet’s Onion, Blackseed & Patchouli Shampoo. For hair fall control, use a nourishing mask 1-2 times a week for best results. Now that we know the role of hair masks in curbing hair fall, here are some expert approved tips and limitations to keep in mind.
1. Do Not Apply All Hair Masks to Dry Hair:
While some masks are designed for dry hair, most work best on damp, towel-dried hair. This allows for better absorption of the ingredients.
2. Don’t Limit its Application Only to The Ends:
The scalp is just as important as the ends. Focus on applying the mask to the roots and scalp, massaging it gently to stimulate circulation. Then, distribute the remaining product through the lengths of your hair.
3. Don’t Use Too Much Product:
More isn’t always better. Dr Sravya shares that using too much product can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy. You must use a sufficient amount to coat the hair evenly, but avoid over-saturating it.
4. Leave it on For a Long Enough Time:
A common mistake many make is rinsing off their hair mask too quickly. Hair masks need time to work their magic. It’s best to follow the product’s instructions. Usually 15-30 minutes is a good range. For a deeper treatment, you can even wrap your hair in a warm towel or use a shower cap to trap heat.
5. Washing it Off Correctly:
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can strip hair of its natural oils.
6. Keep in Mind The Frequency:
Using a hair mask too often can also lead to build-up. Generally, once or twice a week is sufficient.
7. Form a Post-Treatment Routine:
After rinsing, avoid harsh towel drying. Gently pat your hair dry or let it air dry. Minimize heat styling, especially immediately after the treatment.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
While hair masks can be helpful for reducing hair fall due to breakage or dryness, they cannot address underlying medical conditions. Dr Sravya suggests that you consult a doctor or dermatologist if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Sudden or excessive hair fall over a short period.
- Patchy hair loss with noticeable bald spots.
- Hair fall is accompanied by other symptoms like scalp itching, redness, inflammation, or any other health concerns.
- No improvement after several weeks of using hair masks and proper hair care.
Final Verdict: Hair Masks Help, But Aren’t a Miracle Cure
If you expect magic to happen after your 1st wash or even a 2-3 washes, it may not be possible. Your hair and scalp health is unique to you. What may bring results quickly over healthy hair may not show visible results on someone with underlying health issues. Regardless, hair masks are a great addition to a hair care routine. The key is to remember that they work best when combined with a healthy diet, scalp care, and minimal heat styling. Explore the world of HUL and choose a hair mask that works best for your hair.
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