Daily hair loss is part of the normal hair growth cycle. We would lose hair every 2 to 3 months with 90% of the hair in a growing phase and 10% in resting phase. When the loss reaches beyond normal limits, people tend to notice the hair fall. These include: Why does hair loss take place? 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. This is usually caused by an immunity disorder when the intrinsic white cells attack the hair follicles. When the entire scalp hair has fallen it is called Alopecia Totalis. A rare condition sometimes occurs called Alopecia Universalis which involves complete loss of hair from the body.
It is called male pattern baldness. 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. Male pattern baldness can not happen to men without any testosterone.
Skin diseases: yet another cause for hair loss which affect the scalp. Some of the skin diseases 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 generally a temporary phenomenon.
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.
Successful hair loss treatments are available where you not only stop hair loss but re-grow your hair too. A few of the natural hair loss treatments include:
1. Vitamins A, B, C and E are hair promoters. Include them in the diet. These vitamins help to provide sebum, good blood circulation to the scalp by increasing oxygen absorption and collagen.
2. Scalp care - Massage your scalp with herbal oils such as olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil. Some conditions of alopecia areata can be effectively treated with essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood.
3. Avoid scalp abuse - Avoid daily use of chemical shampoos and blow drying. Hair and scalp get damaged by chemical treatments such as coloring and straightening. You hair is stripped of natural oils and turns brittle if you wash it daily with hot water.
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. 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. 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. Smoking is bad for the scalp: This is because the nicotine from cigarettes restricts blood flow to the scalp by constricting the relevant blood vessels. To avoid sunburn and damage to the scalp caused by UV rays, avoid sun exposure.
Posted on February 22nd, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Baby Care
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