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Hair loss is a universal problem. At least 40 per cent of men and women are either bald or have thinning hair in any given population. There are various hair loss causes and treatments that help identify the problem and then diagnose it.
The normal cycle of hair loss and re-growth is in three stages. The first is the growing stage. Hair grows at about one centimeter each month and this phase lasts for about two to five years. This is followed by the resting stage, during which there is no growth of hair. This phase lasts for about five months. At the end of the resting phase, the hair is shed and is replaced by new hair that begins to grow out of the follicle. At any given time, about ninety percent of the hair follicles of the scalp comprise of growing hairs in the first phase. When the rate of hair loss overtakes the rate of hair replacement, abnormal hair loss or general thinning occurs.
Hair loss causes and treatments for you:
It is perfectly normal to lose 50 to 100 hair strands everyday. It only becomes a matter of concern if you end up losing more than 100 hairs a day or hair no longer grows back on any part of the scalp.
Hair loss can be triggered by various causes. Most of the time, it is very difficult to identify the exact cause. Mostly, heredity, hormones and ageing are considered to be the main causes of hair loss. The stressful lives we lead and wrong dietary habits only add on to the problem. The accumulation of sebum on the scalp is believed to block hair follicles and contribute to hair loss.
Sometimes, excessive hair fall can also be drug induced. There are many drugs that we take in our day to day lives without even suspecting that that they can also be responsible for the condition f our hair, which include cholesterol lowering drugs, birth control pills, acne control drugs, Parkinson medications, ulcer drugs, anticonvulsants for epilepsy, antidepressants and some antibiotics.
Inadequate nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle also tend to provoke hair loss. Low fiber intake, inadequate iron and protein in the body also contribute to the loss of hair.
Women often experience a sudden spurt in hair fall some months after childbirth which is a result of changes in hormonal levels. In most cases, the hair returns to normal in nine to twelve months after the child’s birth.
Treatments of Hair loss:
Hair loss causes and treatments go hand in hand. The problem can only be treated once the right cause has been diagnosed.
In order to combat hair loss, your first step should be to include essential nutrients in your daily diet. It is necessary for you to intake a diet rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins and iron. Green leafy vegetables, fruit, figs, wheat germ, eggs, yeast and milk should be included in the diet.
Avoid cutting on your sleep time as this can have harmful consequences on your hair. Get yourself checked for anemia which is known to be one of the biggest causes of hair loss.
Increase the intake of iron-rich food to fight it.
Massage your oil with Aloe, Jojoba or Amla oil that is known to have therapeutic properties and promote hair growth.
Style your hair only when it is dry. Styling wet or damp hair can cause it to stretch and ultimately break. Also, try to avoid teasing your hair, especially when you are going through a hair loss phase.
If the problem is drug induced, it is best to ask your doctor to change your medication else it may lead to baldness over a period of time.
Whatever the reason, most causes of hair loss are a result of lack of care. Hair must be protected and treated like any other sensitive body part so that you can cultivate a well nourished and beautiful mane.
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