Daily hair loss is part of the normal hair growth cycle. The hair constitutes of 90% in a growing stage and 10% in a resting phase which is lost every 2 to 3 months. The matter gets noticed when hair loss is beyond the normal shedding limits. These include: There are several factor which could cause hair loss. Alopecia areata – Affects both males and females; hair loss is rapid and the most common pattern is one or more spots of hair loss on the scalp. 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. When all the body hair is lost it is called Alopecia Universalis, a rare condition.
Genetic conditions: Male pattern baldness afflicts about 25% of men by age 30. It is primarily genetic but is also due to the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone converts to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which retards or stops hair growth and causes the emergence of weak or shorter hair. Male pattern baldness is absent with men devoid of testosterone.
Skin diseases: this is a common reason for hair loss and it could affect the scalp too. Such conditions include dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp fungus such as ringworm and tinea captis.
Sudden illness or fever: hair can come off in large tufts after an illness or fever. This is however a temporary event.
Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging are some of the other factors which could be behind 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. Some ways you could treat hair loss naturally are:
1. Incorporating Vitamins A, B, C and E is essential for good hair growth. 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. Scalp care: Massage your scalp with herbal oils such as olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil. If you want to treat conditions of alopecia areata, try some essential oils like that of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood.
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. Even washing your hair daily with hot water will cause it to get stripped of natural oils and make it dry and brittle.
4. Switch to herbal therapy: Powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner could provide you with a natural and herbal option to treat hair loss. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant. This makes it a great shampoo which thoroughly cleanses the hair without depleting it of its natural oils. Henna then acts as a natural conditioner.
5. Change in Lifestyle: Stress, an important contributor to hair loss can be reduced by exercising and meditation. Quit smoking; the nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow to the scalp. Avoid over exposure to the sun as the UV rays could damage your scalp.