It is part of the hair growth cycle. While 90% of our total hair is in a growing phase, 10% is in a resting phase which would usually fall off every 2 or 3 months. The matter gets noticed when hair loss is beyond the normal shedding limits. These include: There are several factor which could cause hair loss. Alopecia areata: Affecting both men and women, the loss is rapid. Generally caused due to immunity disorder where the body’s own white blood cells attack the hair follicles. When all the scalp hair is lost it is called Alopecia Totalis. Alopecia Universalis is a rare condition when the entire body hair is lost.

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. One of the functions of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is produced by the conversion of testosterone, causes impairment or stoppage of hair growth and produces short and weak hair. Men who do not have testosterone do not get male pattern baldness.

Skin diseases: yet another cause for hair loss which affect the scalp. Such conditions include dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp fungus such as ringworm and tinea captis.

Sudden illness or fever: hair can come off in large tufts after an illness or fever. However, this only lasts for a little time.

Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging are some of the other common causes of hair loss. Over and above these main reasons, there are other reasons too.

Hair loss can often be treated successfully; not only can you stop hair from falling but you can re-grow hair as well. A few of the natural hair loss treatments include:

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. Scalp care: Use herbal oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil for regular massaging of the scalp. Some natural therapy like essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood, are known for their efficacy in the treatment of alopecia areata.

3. Concern for scalp abuse: Blow drying and using chemical shampoos daily are to be avoided. 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. Switch to herbal therapy: Powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner could provide you with a natural and herbal option to treat hair loss. This is also the richest source of natural vitamin C. Shikakai also known as Fruit for the hair has a natural low pH and is great as a shampoo because it cleanses without removing natural hair oils. 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. 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 sun exposure since the UV rays could damage the scalp.