Daily hair loss is natural. 90% of our hair is in a growth stage with 10% in resting phase, which would fall out naturally 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. There are several reasons for this, including: Several factors could be behind hair loss. Alopecia areata: Causes rapid hair loss and affects men and women. Generally caused due to immunity disorder where the body’s own white blood cells attack the hair follicles. Alopecia Totalis occurs when all of the scalp hair is lost. Infrequently a condition called alopecia universalis occurs where hair is lost from the entire body.

Genetic factors: This can cause male pattern baldness which affects nearly 25% of men 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 who do not have testosterone do not get male pattern baldness.

Skin diseases: this can affect the scalp and be the reason for hair loss. Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp fungus such as ringworm and tinea captis are some of the ailments caused by skin diseases.

Sudden illness or fever: after any serious illness or fever, you could experience large chunks of hair falling out. This is generally a temporary condition however.

Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging could also be the other reasons for hair loss. Over and above these main reasons, there are other reasons too.

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 hair promoters. Include them in the diet. You might ask how these vitamins are going to help. They provide sebum as well as improve blood circulation to the scalp by more oxygen absorption 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. Beware of scalp abuse: Avoid using harsh chemical shampoos daily and do away with blow drying. Chemical processes like coloring as well as straightening can damage your hair and scalp. Daily hair wash with hot water depletes hair of natural oil and turn break-prone.

4. Going the herbalk way: Try using powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner. Amla powder is a powerful natural anti-oxidant that prevents graying and hair loss and is the richest known source of vitamin C in natural form. It has a natural low pH. Then you could use henna which acts as a natural conditioner.

5. Lifestyle: Stress is a very important factor in hair loss. Try and reduce stress by meditating and exercising. Say No to Smoking: Did you know that nicotine from smoking narrows the blood vessels which supply blood to the scalp? Avoid sun exposure since the UV rays could damage the scalp.