We all lose hair everyday; this is part of the natural hair growth cycle. It is natural to lose hair every 2 or 3 months from the 10% of the hair which is in a resting phase. Balance 90% is in a growth phase. However it is when hair loss is in excess of this normal hair shedding that people tend to notice hair thinning. Hair loss can occur due to several factors including: Alopecia areata: This is noticeable when one or more spots appear on the scalp. It affects men and women and the hair loss is very rapid. Generally caused due to immunity disorder where the body’s own white blood cells attack the hair follicles. Alopecia Totalis is another reason for hair loss where all the scalp hair has fallen. A rare condition sometimes occurs called Alopecia Universalis which involves complete loss of hair from the body.
Genetic reasons: This causes 25% men to be affected by male pattern baldness by age 30. Though essentially genetic, the reason could also be attributed to testosterone the male hormone. Testosterone is usually converted to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone either retards or stops growth and produces weak and unhealthy hair. Men not possessing any testosterone would also not have male pattern baldness.
Skin diseases: this could also be responsible for hair loss and it can affect the scalp. Some of the skin diseases include dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp fungus such as ringworm and tinea captis.
Sudden illness or fever: hair can come off in large tufts after an illness or fever. This is a temporary condition.
Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging could also be the other reasons for hair loss. There are several other reasons for hair loss other than these main ones.
Not only can you stop hair loss but your can promote re-growth too, when you follow a successful hair loss treatment program. Some natural hair loss treatments are: 1. One way is to include vitamins A, B, C and E in your diet. This promotes hair growth. You might ask how these vitamins are going to help. They provide sebum as well as improve blood circulation to the scalp by more oxygen absorption and collagen.
2. Importance of scalp care: Remember to massage your scalp regularly with herbal oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil. In conditions of alopecia areata, several oils are proven to be beneficial. These include: essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood.
3. Avoid scalp abuse: Stop daily use of harmful chemical shampoos and blow drying. Chemical treatments like coloring as well as straightening damage hair and scalp. You hair is stripped of natural oils and turns brittle if you wash it daily with hot water.
4. Use of herbal care: There are some very effective options in which herbs that help in hair loss here. Use powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner. Prevention of graying and hair loss could be achieved if you use amla powder, an effective anti-oxidant and one of the richest sources of natural vitamin C. If you want a through hair cleanser which does not rob hair of its natural oil, choose Shikakai, also know as the Fruit for hair. It has a natural low pH. Use henna then which plays its role as a natural conditioner.
5. Lifestyle changes: This involves doing some stress management by doing exercises and meditation, as stress causes hair loss. Quit smoking; the nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow to the scalp. Avoid over exposure to the sun as the UV rays could damage your scalp.