It is part of the hair growth cycle. While 90% of our total hair is in a growing phase, 10% is in a resting phase which would usually fall off every 2 or 3 months. When the hair fall is in excess of the usual limits, people get concerned. Reasons for this are many including: Hair loss can be due to several factors including: There are more than one reason for hair loss. Alopecia areata: Affecting both men and women, the loss is rapid. When there is a mal-function of the immune system the intrinsic white cells attack the hair follicles and result in this ailment. Alopecia Totalis is another condition where there is total loss of hair on the scalp. When all the body hair is lost it is called Alopecia Universalis, a rare condition.
Hereditary causes: This can result in male pattern baldness which causes 25% of men getting bald by age 30. Over and above the reason being genetic, it could also be due to 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 not having any testosterone would not suffer from male pattern baldness.
Skin diseases – Skin diseases can affect the scalp and cause hair loss. 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: this could also cause massive hair loss. This is however a temporary event.
Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging are some of the other common causes of hair loss. These are the main reasons for losing hair but there are others.
Hair loss can often be treated successfully: not only can you stop hair from falling but you can re-grow hair as well. A few of the natural hair loss treatments include:
1. Vitamins A, B, C and E are hair promoters. Include them in the diet. What is the importance of these vitamins? They not only provide sebum, they also help in increase of blood circulation to the scalp by absorbing more oxygen and collagen.
2. Care for the scalp: It would help a lot if you regularly massage your scalp using 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. Avoid scalp abuse: Stop daily use of harmful chemical shampoos and blow drying. Chemical processes like coloring as well as straightening can damage your hair and scalp. Even a daily hair wash with hot water can damage hair as well as the scalp with the drying up of natural oils and hair breaking easily.
4. Use of herbal care: There are some very effective options here. Use powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner. It is also excellent in preventing graying and hair loss. Shikakai, often called as the Fruit for hair can make an excellent shampoo with its natural low pH. After this use henna as a natural conditioner.
5. Bring lifestyle changes: Reduce stress, an important factor in hair loss. Do this by doing exercises and meditation. 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. If you want to prevent damage to the scalp from UV rays, avoid exposure to the sun.
