Hair Loss Reasons & Remedies

There are many causes of scalp hair loss, and they do differ in men and women. This article will cover the common ones. Studies show that it is normal to lose between 50-100 hairs a day, this is part of the hair renewal process. However most people suffer from excessive hair loss at one time in their life. Human hair naturally grows in three phases;

• Anagen (the active or growing phase)
• Catagen (a fairly short phase of the natural hair cycle during which hairs begin to break down)
• Telogen (the resting phase)

The hairs that are shed daily are often in the resting or late phase in the hair cycle.

There can be many reasons for this including hormonal change, any disease or illness, mechanical damage, environmental factors and stress. Many of these causes are temporary and a few are permanent.

Hormonal Effects 

This is the most common cause of thinning and affects both men and women. Men generally have hair loss concentrated in a specific pattern from the front through to the crown. Women tend to have thinning throughout their head without being in any specific pattern. Hormonal effects also include;

1. child birth
2. birth control pills
3. changes in estrogen & androgen levels

Disease & Medication

Most hair loss causes by disease or illness is temporary and resolves itself after the body has returned to a healthy condition

1. High fever, severe infection, severe flu
2. Thyroid disease
3. Deficient diet
4. Medications
5. Cancer treatments
6. Low serum iron
7. Major surgery/chronic illness
8. Fungus Infection (Ringworm) of the scalp

Other Reasons Of Hair Loss

For many people experiencing Menopause (the state of an absence of menstrual periods for 12 months) there are a few other factors that may exacerbate hair loss caused by hormone imbalances.

1. Stress (both emotional and physical stress, such as a serious illness or recovery from surgery)
2. Improper Nutrition 
3. Heredity Factor
4. Aging

Some Homey Hair Care Remedies

1. Apply olive oil (or mustard oil) at bed time and wash off the hair next morning.
2. Boil mustard oil. A regular massage of this oil is helpful.
3. Wash your hair with a paste of  black beans and fenugreek 2-3 times a week.
4. Coconut oil mixed with lime- juice on the hair applied daily is also good for hair health.
5. Rinsing your hair with lemon juice can bring life and shine back to dull hair.
6. Apply juice of green coriander leaves on the head to keep head of healthy hair.
7. Mash eight strawberries with one tablespoon mayonnaise. Massage into washed, damp hair
8. If you have dandruff then apply a mixture of vinegar and water on the scalp before you go to bed. Keep it overnight. Rinse your head with vinegar water again in the morning. 

Some Technical Instructions For Hair Care

• Always maintain a balanced diet with exercise for healthy hair. Drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of raw fruits and vegetables is probably the best way to achieving healthy hair.
• Trim the hair every 4 to 5 weeks even if you are growing it.
• Comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb when it is wet to prevent breakage. The only time you should use a brush during your hair care routine is when your hair is barely damp or dry.
• Don’t use any old rubber band as they tend to break or split hair. Instead just use a scrunchy or a fabric coated elastic band.
• Don’t brush wet hair too harshly because its three times weaker and more likely to break off mid strand. Towel dry hairs first, then gently untangle using a wide toothed comb.
• You do not need to shampoo your hair daily. Doing so can make your hair dry and hard to work with.
• If your hair is damaged, dry or color-treated, protect your hair with hair care products that contain sunscreen. On the other hand, if your hair is oily, use a deep-cleansing shampoo and light conditioner to keep your hair looking its best. The right products should be at the base of your hair care routine.

Follow these absolute DONT'S for great hair care.

• Do not cut your own bangs. Leave all of your cutting needs, even bangs, to your hair care professional.
• Avoid excessive sun, chlorine and salt water during the summer months. Excessive exposure can cause severe damage that is irreversible even if you use the best hair care products.
• Do not purchase hair color that comes in a box.
• Do not use clarifying hair care products on your tresses more than one time per week. They can strip hair of moisture and essential oils.
• Do not straighten your hair with a clothes iron.
• Do not wear tight styles such as cornrows for extended periods of time unless you have ethnic hair.
• Avoid unprofessional and over-the-counter hair care products whenever you can. Many of these only offer false hopes and promises.

In the end, hair care is a very individualized and personal thing. Feel free to add your own flair and style to your hair care routine, but remember to include hair care principles that will benefit your hair and avoid those that damage it.