There is high demand for artificial hair among women, and the reasons behind this trend range from medical to fashion.
While some women who go in for a wig have hereditary reasons, ageing, hormonal and dietary conditions, others want to wear different hairstyles as per trend style.
"We are getting many female customers for full-length wigs to extensions, mostly to cover their scalp while others prefer to have a change in the way they look," says Ligesh Gangadharan, country manager of Gulf Gate, which claims to be the largest producer of wigs for both sexes.
On an average, five to ten female wigs are made during a week while demand for artificial male hair is equal or more than the females.
According to doctors and dieticians, genes contribute to hair thinning, while ageing, hormone changes, and menopause result in balding. At menopause, some types of hair loss often get worse as estrogen is lost during this phase.
They say vitamin deficiency, dieting where weight is lost in no time, and over-processed scalp hair, known as breakage, are some reasons among women.
"There are many other reasons hair loss among women," says Huda al Salamiya, a dietician at the Royal Hospital.
"Predominantly, the deficiency of zinc and iron seen among most women is the underlying factor and certain precautions as well as dietary corrections can help retain hair," she adds.
The doctor said that hair texture could cause hair loss when your hair is arranged in ways that pull on your roots, like tight ponytails, braids, or cornrows. This type of hair loss is called traction alopecia. If hair follicles are damaged, the loss can be permanent.
Consumption of toxic substances such as excessive chlorine in potable water, undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy and some medications are critical factors behind losing hair.
"One can prevent hair loss to a great extent by eating a healthy diet which is rich with nutrients in terms of vitamins, minerals and protein and by quitting smoking," says Mini Padikkal, Clinical Dietician at the NMC Ghobra.
"Following a Mediterranean diet has been a tried and tested method while the use of over-the-counter hair loss medication, massaging the head can stimulate blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles. This also helps in the growth of healthy hair," she adds.
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