Losing hair everyday is a normal part of hair growth cycle. Remember that 10% of our hair is in a resting phase, which would usually fall every 2 or 3 months. The balance 90% is in a phase that is growing. Hair loss tends to get noticed when the loss is beyond the usual limit. There are several reasons for hair loss including: Alopecia areata: Causes rapid hair loss and affects men and women. Identifiable with one or more spots of hair loss on the scalp. This is the result of dysfunctional immune system when the white cells of the body attacks the hair follicles. When the entire scalp hair has fallen it is called Alopecia Totalis. When all the body hair is lost it is called Alopecia Universalis, a rare condition.
Genetic reasons: Called male pattern baldness, this can affect about 25% of men by the time they are 30. Male hormone testosterone could also be another contributing factor. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is produced with the conversion of testosterone which either hampers or stops growth and produces weak and short hair. Men without testosterone would never have male pattern baldness.
Skin diseases: hair loss and affectation of the scalp can also happen due to this. The particular skin conditions which cause hair loss 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. This is generally a temporary phenomenon.
The other common conditions which can also result in hair loss include: Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging. There are several other reasons for hair loss other than these main ones. Also, read about hair care tips here.
Not only can you stop hair loss but your can promote re-growth too, when you follow a successful hair loss treatment program. A few of the natural hair loss treatments include: 1. One way is to include vitamins A, B, C and E in your diet. This promotes 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. Importance of scalp care: Remember 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 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. Herbal care – Use herbal powders such as amla, shikakai, henna and ritha to shampoo and condition hair. 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. If you want a hair cleanser which cleanses without depriving your hair of its natural oils, go for Shikakai, also known as the Fruit for hair. It has a natural low pH. Henna then acts as a natural conditioner.
5. Lifestyle – Stress is a very important factor in hair loss. Try and reduce stress by meditating and exercising. Say No to Smoking: Did you know that nicotine from smoking narrows the blood vessels which supply blood to the scalp? Avoid over exposure to the sun as the UV rays could damage your scalp.
Tags:
