Daily hair loss is a natural phenomenon. Remember that 10% of our hair is in a resting phase, which would usually fall every 2 or 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: Why does hair loss take place? 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. When all the scalp hair is lost it is called Alopecia Totalis. Infrequently a condition called alopecia universalis occurs where hair is lost from the entire body.
Genetic reasons: This causes 25% men to be affected by male pattern baldness by age 30. It is primarily genetic but is also due to the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which slows down or stops hair growth and produces weaker, shorter hair. Men who do not have testosterone do not get male pattern baldness.
Skin diseases: yet another cause for hair loss which affect the scalp. Such conditions include dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp fungus such as ringworm and tinea captis.
Sudden illness or fever: this could also cause massive hair loss. However, this only lasts for a little time.
Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging are some of the other factors which could be behind hair loss. Though these are the primary reasons for hair loss, there could be several others also.
Not only can you stop hair loss but your can promote re-growth too, when you follow a successful hair loss treatment program. Some ways you could treat hair loss naturally are:
1. Vitamins A, B, C and E are excellent for promoting new 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. Scalp care: Use herbal oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil for regular massaging of the scalp. Some natural therapy like essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood, are known for their efficacy in the treatment of alopecia areata.
3. Scalp abuse: Chemical shampoos and blow drying are to be avoided. Chemical treatments like coloring as well as straightening damage hair and scalp. Even daily hair wash with hot water can damage the hair and scalp as hair then turns brittle and the natural oils dry up.
4. Use of herbal care: There are some very effective options 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. This makes it a great shampoo which thoroughly cleanses the hair without depleting it of its natural oils. You could then use henna which acts like a natural conditioner.
5. Change in Lifestyle: Stress, an important contributor to hair loss can be reduced by exercising and meditation. Give up Smoking: Smoking causes constriction of the blood vessel which supply blood to the scalp. Avoid sun exposure since the UV rays could damage the scalp.
