I have been using an anti-dandruff shampoo for over a year now. I have been facing problems of hair fall for a long time now. I apply coconut hair oil the previous night and take head bath the next day, but it so happens that, say I take head bath today, by the next morning I get some kind of smell from the hair or the scalp.  So do help me with regards to this hair fall and the smell.

Normal hair loss per day is 50-120 strands per day. Whatever hair you have lost will grow over a period of time. For effective hair growth here are few natural remedies: Soak a cup of fenugreek seeds for four hours and then grind. For a cup neem juice, take neem leaves, a little water and grind in a mixer, then strain. Mix the ingredients to a paste and apply to the hair and scalp and leave for sometime and wash the hair. This improves hair texture and stimulates the scalp to effect good growth. What we eat reflects on our hair. Hair needs proteins, vitamins and minerals, so incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables and milk in your diet. The hair is comprised mostly of protein, therefore to encourage hair growth, adhere to a diet rich in protein, like sprouts, pulses, beans, cereals, eggs, milk and milk products. As vitamin E is important for healthy hair growth, eat green leafy vegetables, nuts, avocados, etc on a regular basis. Drink atleast eight glasses of water, herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juice. Stress causes the hair cells to slow reproduction. Try to avoid stress and do yoga or relaxation exercise. You can take a course of multivitamin tablets with Zinc after consultation. As vitamin E is important for healthy hair growth, eat green leafy vegetables, nuts, avocados, etc on a regular basis. To avoid the smell from the hair and scalp, dry your hair and scalp well. Try using any herbal shampoo.

Dr Vandana Jayaprakash
Consultant Dermatologist