We all lose hair everyday - this is part of the natural hair growth cycle. Expect to lose hair from the 10% which is in a resting phase. When loss of hair reaches a higher proportion than the usual limits, then it is a matter of concern. There are several reasons for this, including: Several factors could be behind hair loss. Alopecia areata: This is noticeable when one or more spots appear on the scalp. This is usually caused by an immunity disorder when the intrinsic white cells attack the hair follicles. Alopecia Totalis is another reason for hair loss where all the scalp hair has fallen. This is an uncommon condition.
Genetic factors: This can cause male pattern baldness which affects nearly 25% of men by age 30. Though essentially genetic, the reason could also be attributed to testosterone the male hormone. Unhealthy hair is produced or hair production is stopped by Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) generated by the conversion of testosterone. Men who do not have testosterone do not get male pattern baldness.
Skin diseases: hair loss and affectation of the scalp can also happen due to this. Such conditions include dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp fungus such as ringworm and tinea captis.
Sudden illness or fever: Sometimes after an illness or fever, large clumps of hair can come out. This is a temporary event though and soon passes off.
Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging are some of the other factors which could be behind hair loss. There are other reasons for hair loss over and above these main ones.
Successful hair loss treatments are available where you not only stop hair loss but re-grow your hair too. Some ways you could have natural hair loss treatments include:
1. Including vitamins A, B, C and E would accelerate new hair growth. There are several ways these vitamins work to promote hair growth: they provide sebum and promote blood circulation to the scalp by increasing oxygen absorption and collagen.
2. Scalp care: Massage your scalp with herbal oils such as olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil. Some of the essential oils which are effective in conditions of alopecia areata include that of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood.
3. Avoiding scalp abuse: Chemical shampoos and blow drying must be avoided. Your hair and scalp stand to get damaged if you use harsh chemical processes like coloring as well as straightening. You hair is stripped of natural oils and turns brittle if you wash it daily with hot water.
4. Going the herbalk way: Try using powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner. Amla powder is a powerful natural anti-oxidant that prevents graying and hair loss and is the richest known source of vitamin C in natural form. Shikakai, often called as the Fruit of hair, has a low pH. Henna is a wonder natural conditioner after this.
5. Bring lifestyle changes: Reduce stress, an important factor in hair loss. Do this by doing exercises and meditation. Forego Smoking: Because the nicotine from the cigarettes blocks the pathway which supplies blood to the scalp and results in reduced supply of blood. If you want to prevent damage to the scalp from UV rays, avoid exposure to the sun.
