Hair Growth

Trichologist Dr aravind adiga answers the two most commonly asked questions: the best way to grow hair and whether hair beauty procedures are safe.

Which is the best procedure for hair growth? Medicine, transplant or weaving?

The best procedure varies with the type of hair loss condition and the amount of hair loss. What may be good for one patient may not be equally effective for another. You should find out what the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure are and most importantly the long term implications. For example, transplant is a good procedure for hair growth in the frontal areas but few people are aware that post transplant, they have to continue medication almost life long, which if discontinued can negate the benefits of transplant. Similarly, weaving sounds quite attractive since so many film stars do it. But the woven hair piece has to be removed every night and re-worn in the morning. Additionally, every month, you have to visit the salon so that the scalp can be shaved and the hair piece fitted better. Long term wearing of a hair piece also predisposes you to fungal infections. While it is good that we have so many options in cosmetic procedures nowadays, it also means that sometimes, we end up doing something we may not need.

I am getting married in two months and want to straighten my hair. I’ve never done it before, is it safe?

The damage that procedures like straightening and perming do to your scalp is cumulative. This means the hair remembers the previous damage and every subsequent procedure adds to the already existing damage increasing the danger of causing hair breakage. Generally, the danger increases exponentially after the third procedure which means getting it done one or two times should be safe. But ensure that the technician who does the straightening knows what he or she is doing. Applying more than the required amount of chemical and keeping it for longer than the prescribed time are the most common errors which can cause damage even if you are doing it for the first time.