Holistic Options

Every hair growth cycle would involve this. The rest of the 90% of our hair is in a growth phase. When the loss reaches beyond normal limits, people tend to notice the hair fall. Reasons for this are many including: Hair loss can be due to several factors including: There are more than one reason for hair loss. Involves rapid loss of hair and affects both men and women. This is usually caused by an immunity disorder when the intrinsic white cells attack the hair follicles. When all the scalp hair is lost it is called Alopecia Totalis. Infrequently a condition called alopecia universalis occurs where hair is lost from the entire body.

It is called male pattern baldness. Though essentially genetic, the reason could also be attributed 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: yet another cause for hair loss which affect the scalp. 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 - Sometimes after an illness or fever, large clumps of hair can come out. This is however a temporary event.

The other common factors which can also result in hair loss include childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and getting old. Though these are the primary reasons for hair loss, there could be several others also.

Treating hair loss can be done successfully by which you not only stop hair fall but help in re-growth too. Some natural hair loss treatments are:

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. Scalp care - Massage your scalp with herbal oils such as olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil. Some of the essential oils which are effective in conditions of alopecia areata include that of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood.

3. Avoid scalp abuse - Avoid daily use of chemical shampoos and blow drying. Hair and scalp can get severely damaged when you use chemical treatments like coloring as well as straightening. You hair is stripped of natural oils and turns brittle if you wash it daily with hot water.

4. Use of herbal care: There are some very effective options here. Use powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner. One of the richest sources of natural vitamin C is amla powder, known for its anti-oxidant properties. Also known as the Fruit for hair, shikakai is known for its low pH and can make a great shampoo which cleanses hair without removing any natural oil. Then you could use henna which acts as a natural conditioner.

5. Lead a stress free life: To do this, do exercises and meditation. Remember stress initiates hair loss. Quit smoking; the nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow to the scalp. To avoid damage to the scalp avoid UV rays from sun exposure.