Whether it is summer or winter or the monsoon season, hair-related woes are increasing by the day, especially in metros. The constant wear and tear on the hair is more noticeable now than ever before. The effects of heat, especially, on hair are two types- Direct Effects and Indirect Effects.

Direct effect
Direct effect of heat on the hair does damage to the hair cuticles and dries out the normal moisture content. This is turn causes the hair shaft to come frizzy, brittle, and lifeless eventually leading to hair breakage. This problem is especially compounded by people who tend to indulge in frequent hair colouring, straightening, ironing etc. In fact summer is the worse time of the year to do any of these procedures. Limp dull hair can also be a sign of nutritional deficiencies especially zinc and vitamin b group deficiencies. The best way to maintain hair in good condition is to maintain a balance between adequate moisture (water) content, along with the right balance of protein and natural oils.

Indirect effects
While the heat causes drying out of hair, it has an opposite effect on the scalp, where due to more sweating there is development of scalp fungal infections and heat boils. Itching and scratching tends to increase and that causes micro-trauma to hair leading to hair loss. The fungal infection at times can be severe enough to spread to eyebrows, eyelashes, inside ears etc. Often people think it is scalp dandruff that falls into the eyebrows. It is not so. It is the fungus growing in those areas.

This type of infection is associated with large amounts of hair loss and can lead to complete baldness. It is also quite contagious and can spread through the use of combs, pillow covers, helmets etc. People who tend to travel frequently also catch these infections more often. Though such cases require medication, there are some precautionary measures one can take on their own like shampooing regularly even everyday if required. Stop oiling completely. While oiling may give short-term relief form itching in the long run it makes this condition worse.  Similarly stop using conditioners on the scalp. People with oily scalps lose more hair with the use of conditioners.

Important tips
*Less hair allows better drying and keeps the scalp cool.

*Regular shampooing especially for those with outdoor activities is a must.

*If you have dandruff use a shampoo containing zinc pyrithione.

*If you have to be out for a long time, use a cap.

*Limit the use of blow dryers, hair curlers etc.

*Rinse your hair thoroughly both before and after entering the swimming pool. This reduces the impact of chlorine on hair.

*Make sure you are taking enough water.

Dr Shahid Shamsher
The author is a consultant for hair and scalp disorders and can be contacted on 25201175-78