How to Stop Hair Loss
It is part of the hair growth cycle. 90% of our hair is in a growth phase; 10% in a resting phase which is lost every 2 or 3 months. Thinning of hair is usually noticed when the loss is in excess of the normal hair loss pattern. These include: Plenty of reasons cause hair loss. Alopecia areata: This is typically present with one or more identifiable spots on the scalp. This is the result of dysfunctional immune system when the white cells of the body attacks the hair follicles. When the entire scalp hair has fallen it is called Alopecia Totalis. When the whole body loses hair, it is called Alopecia Universalis.
Genetic conditions - Male pattern baldness afflicts about 25% of men by age 30. 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. 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. 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. These are the main reasons for losing hair but there are others.
Hair loss can be treated when you can stop hair fall and promote re-growth. Some natural hair loss treatments are:
1. Vitamins A, B, C and E are excellent for promoting new hair growth. Why are these vitamins important for hair loss? Their beneficial actions include: providing sebum, improving blood circulation to the scalp by increasing absorption of oxygen and collagen.
2. Importance of scalp care: Remember to massage your scalp regularly with herbal oils like 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. Scalp abuse: Chemical shampoos and blow drying are to be avoided. Hair and scalp can get severely damaged when you use chemical treatments 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. For effective prevention of graying and hair loss, amla powder is known as a powerful anti-oxidant. It cleanses without depriving hair of its natural oil. You could then use henna which acts like 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 excessive sun exposure as UV rays can burn and damage the scalp.
