Losing hair everyday is a normal part of hair growth cycle. We tend to lose hair every 2 or 3 months. The matter gets noticed when hair loss is beyond the normal shedding limits. These include: Why does hair loss take place? The usual looks involve one or several spots on the scalp. Generally caused due to immunity disorder where the body’s own white blood cells attack the hair follicles. Alopecia Totalis is another reason for hair loss where all the scalp hair has fallen. Alopecia Universalis is a rather uncommon condition where all the hair of the body is lost.
It is called male pattern baldness. Male hormone testosterone could also be another contributing factor. Testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which slows down or stops hair growth and produces weaker, shorter hair. Men without testosterone would never have male pattern baldness.
Skin diseases: this can affect the scalp and be the reason for hair loss. 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 a temporary event though and soon passes off.
Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging are some of the other common causes of hair loss. Though these are the primary reasons for hair loss, there could be several others also.
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. 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. Caring for your scalp: If you regularly massage your scalp with herbal oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil you would be greatly benefited. Some of the essential oils which are effective in conditions of alopecia areata include that of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood.
3. Concern for scalp abuse: Blow drying and using chemical shampoos daily are to be avoided. Hair and scalp get damaged by chemical treatments such as coloring and straightening. Your hair and scalp can get damaged as hair turns brittle and dry when you wash it with hot water daily.
4. Herbal therapy: Powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner can be effective therapy options. If you are looking for a powerful anti-oxidant which can prevent graying and hair loss, you would get it in amla powder, which is the richest source of natural vitamin C. It cleanses without depriving hair of its natural oil. Use henna then which plays its role as a natural conditioner.
5. Bring lifestyle changes: Reduce stress, an important factor in hair loss. Do this by doing exercises and meditation. 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.
