How to Stop Hair Loss
Loss of hair everyday is a normal part of the growth cycle of hair. 90% of our hair is in a growth phase; 10% in a resting phase which is lost every 2 or 3 months. However it is when hair loss is in excess of this normal hair shedding that people tend to notice hair thinning. These include: 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 a disorder of the immune system when the natural white cells attack hair follicles. When the entire scalp hair has fallen it is called Alopecia Totalis. Infrequently a condition called alopecia universalis occurs where hair is lost from the entire body.

Genetic reasons: This causes 25% men to be affected by male pattern baldness by age 30. Over and above the reason being genetic, it could also be due to testosterone the male hormone. 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 is a common reason for hair loss and it could affect the scalp too. 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.
The other common conditions which can also result in hair loss include: Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging. Over and above these main reasons, there are other reasons too.
With the right hair loss treatment, you can stop hair loss as well as promote re-growth. Some of the natural means for hair loss treatment include:
1. Vitamins A, B, C and E are hair promoters. Include them in the diet. 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. Importance of scalp care: Remember to massage your scalp regularly with herbal oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil. In conditions of alopecia areata, several oils are proven to be beneficial.
3. Beware of scalp abuse: Avoid using harsh chemical shampoos daily and do away with blow drying. Your hair and scalp stand to get damaged if you use harsh chemical processes like coloring as well as straightening. 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. Using herbal care: Using powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner can be an effective treatment. The richest source of natural vitamin C is amla powder known for its effect in preventing graying and hair loss. Shikakai also known as Fruit for the hair has a natural low pH and is great as a shampoo because it cleanses without removing natural hair oils. After this use henna as a natural conditioner.
5. Lifestyle – Stress is a very important factor in hair loss. Try and reduce stress by meditating and exercising. Quit smoking; the nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow to the scalp. Avoid sun exposure since the UV rays could damage the scalp.
