It is part of normal hair growth cycle. While 90 percent of hair is in a growing stage, 10 percent is in a resting stage and falls out every 2 to 3 months. However it is when hair loss is in excess of this normal hair shedding that people tend to notice hair thinning. These include: There are several factor which could cause hair loss. Alopecia areata: This is noticeable when one or more spots appear on the scalp. 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: This causes 25% men to be affected by male pattern baldness by age 30. Though the reason is genetic another contributing factor is testosterone the male hormone. Testosterone is usually converted to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Male pattern baldness is absent with men devoid of testosterone.
Skin diseases: this could also be responsible for hair loss and it can affect the scalp. Such conditions include dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp fungus such as ringworm and tinea captis.
Sudden illness or fever: after any serious illness or fever, you could experience large chunks of hair falling out. This is generally a temporary condition however.
Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging are some of the other factors which could be behind hair loss. There are several other reasons for hair loss other than these main ones.
Successful hair loss treatments are available where you not only stop hair loss but re-grow your hair too. Here are some natural ways you could treat hair loss:
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. Importance of scalp care: Remember to massage your scalp regularly with herbal oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil. These include: essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood.
3. Scalp abuse: Chemical shampoos and blow drying are to be avoided. You can severely damage hair and scalp by coloring as well as straightening. Even washing your hair daily with hot water will cause it to get stripped of natural oils and make it dry and brittle.
4. Using herbal care: Using powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner can be an effective treatment. For effective prevention of graying and hair loss, amla powder is known as a powerful anti-oxidant. This makes it a great shampoo which thoroughly cleanses the hair without depleting it of its natural oils. Henna is a wonder natural conditioner after this.
5. Lead a stress free life: To do this, do exercises and meditation. Remember stress initiates 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 over exposure to the sun as the UV rays could damage your scalp.
