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Stop Hair Loss - Oh, Yes You Can!

By: John Galt III Click author's name for more of his/her articles

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. Thinning of hair is usually noticed when the loss is in excess of the normal hair loss pattern. These include: Alopecia areata: Affecting both men and women, the loss is rapid. When there is a mal-function of the immune system the intrinsic white cells attack the hair follicles and result in this ailment. When all the scalp hair is lost it is called Alopecia Totalis. Alopecia Universalis is a rather uncommon condition where all the hair of the body is lost.

Hereditary causes: This can result in male pattern baldness which causes 25% of men getting bald by age 30. Over and above the reason being genetic, it could also be due to testosterone the male hormone. Testosterone converts to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which retards or stops hair growth and causes the emergence of weak or shorter hair. Men not having any testosterone would not suffer from male pattern baldness.

Skin diseases: hair loss and affectation of the scalp can also happen due to this. The specific skin diseases causing hair loss include dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp fungus such as ringworm and tinea captis.

Sudden illness or fever: this could also cause massive hair loss. This is a temporary event though and soon passes off.

The other common factors which can also result in hair loss include childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and getting old. Apart from these reasons, there are several others too.

Not only can you stop hair loss but your can promote re-growth too, when you follow a successful hair loss treatment program. A few of the natural hair loss treatments include:

1. Including vitamins A, B, C and E would accelerate new hair growth. These vitamins help to provide sebum, good blood circulation to the scalp by increasing oxygen absorption and collagen.

2. Scalp care: Use herbal oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil for regular massaging of the scalp. 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. 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. The richest source of natural vitamin C is amla powder known for its effect in preventing graying and hair loss. It has a natural low pH. 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. Avoid over exposure to the sun as the UV rays could damage your scalp.