The natural hair growth cycle would involve daily hair loss. 90% of our hair is in a growth phase; 10% in a resting phase which is lost every 2 or 3 months. People start to notice their hair thinning when the usual loss is beyond the expected limits.
Hair loss can be due to several factors including: There are more than one reason for hair loss. The usual looks involve one or several spots on the scalp. This is the result of dysfunctional immune system when the white cells of the body attack the hair follicles. Alopecia Totalis is another condition where there is total loss of hair on the scalp. Infrequently a condition called alopecia universalis occurs where hair is lost from the entire body.
Hereditary causes: This can result in male pattern baldness which causes 25% of men getting bald by age 30. It is primarily genetic but is also due to the male hormone testosterone. One of the functions of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is produced by the conversion of testosterone, causes impairment or stoppage of hair growth and produces short and weak hair. Men not possessing any testosterone would also not have male pattern baldness.
Skin diseases: this can affect the scalp and be the reason for hair loss. Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp fungus such as ringworm and tinea captis are some of the common skin diseases which cause hair loss.
Sudden illness or fever: big chunks of hair sometimes fall out after an illness or fever. This is generally a temporary phenomenon.
Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging could also be the other reasons for hair loss. Apart from these reasons, there are several others too.
Hair loss can be treated when you can stop hair fall and promote re-growth. Some ways you could have natural hair loss treatments include:
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. Taking care of your scalp: Learn 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. Concern for scalp abuse: Blow drying and using chemical shampoos daily are to be avoided. You can severely damage hair and scalp by coloring as well as straightening. You hair is stripped of natural oils and turns brittle if you wash it daily with hot water.
4. Going the herbalk way: Try using powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner. This is also the richest source of natural vitamin C. This makes it a great shampoo which thoroughly cleanses the hair without depleting it of its natural oils. After this use henna as a natural conditioner.
5. Lead a stress free life: To do this, do exercises and meditation. Remember stress initiates hair loss. Give up Smoking: Smoking causes constriction of the blood vessel which supply blood to the scalp. Avoid excessive sun exposure as UV rays can burn and damage the scalp.