Daily hair loss is a perfectly naturally occurring event. 90% of our hair is in a growing stage with 10% in resting phase. When the loss reaches beyond normal limits, people tend to notice the hair fall. Reasons for this are many including: Hair loss can be due to several factors including: There are more than one reason for hair loss. Involves rapid loss of hair and affects both men and women. This is usually caused by a disorder of the immune system when the natural white cells attack hair follicles. Alopecia Totalis occurs when all of the scalp hair is lost. Alopecia Universalis is a rare condition when the entire body hair is lost.
Genetic reasons: Called male pattern baldness, this can affect about 25% of men by the time they are 30. Though the reason is genetic another contributing factor is testosterone the male hormone. One of the functions of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is produced by the conversion of testosterone, causes impairment or stoppage of hair growth and produces short and weak hair. Men who do not have testosterone do not get male pattern baldness.
Skin diseases: this could also be responsible for hair loss and it can affect the scalp. Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp fungus such as ringworm and tinea captis are some of the ailments caused by skin diseases.
Sudden illness or fever: big chunks of hair sometimes fall out after an illness or fever. This is generally a temporary condition however.
Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging are some of the other common causes of hair loss. Apart from these reasons, there are several others too.
With the right hair loss treatment, you can stop hair loss as well as promote re-growth. A few of the natural hair loss treatments include:
1. Vitamins A, B, C and E are excellent for promoting new hair growth. These vitamins help to provide sebum, good blood circulation to the scalp by increasing oxygen absorption and collagen.
2. Taking care of your scalp: Learn to massage your scalp regularly with herbal oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil. Essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedar wood have also been known to be effective in conditions of alopecia areata.
3. Avoiding scalp abuse: Chemical shampoos and blow drying must be avoided. Chemical processes like coloring as well as straightening can damage your hair and scalp. You hair is stripped of natural oils and turns brittle if you wash it daily with hot water.
4. Herbal therapy: Powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner can be effective therapy options. It is also excellent in preventing graying and hair loss. Also known as the Fruit for hair, shikakai is known for its low pH and can make a great shampoo which cleanses hair without removing any natural oil. 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. Smoking is bad for the scalp: This is because the nicotine from cigarettes restricts blood flow to the scalp by constricting the relevant blood vessels. Avoid excessive sun exposure as UV rays can burn and damage the scalp.
