How to stop hair loss and regrow it the natural way
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How to Stop Hair Loss and Regrow it the Natural Way
Young and old, men and women are all troubled by one main problem- hair loss. The increasing
number of hair strands that come loose on the hair brush or your fast receding hairline makes
you dread the day when you will go completely bald. We all want thick, long and healthy hair
and are itching to know the secret to contain hair loss. The key is, understanding the root
causes of hair loss in order to prevent it. So, here’s an introduction to hair loss- the hair growth
cycle, causes and remedies.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair loss is a natural process experienced by all and continues throughout life. It is normal to
lose few strands of hair everyday but, becomes a concern when it is excessive and does not re-
grow at the same rate.
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The life of hair is usually 2 to 6 years and may vary on account of different reasons. Every
strand of hair grows approximately by 1 centimeter or 0.5 inches every month. Normally, around
90% of your hair is continuously growing while the remaining 10% is in a resting phase and
is preparing to be shed. After a period of 2 or 3 months, this hair falls and new hair grows in
its place. If you have a healthy scalp free of hair loss problems, the whole process passes
unnoticed as new hair grows back quickly and replaces hair that has fallen out.
Common Causes of Hair Loss:
Several genetic, medical and environmental factors can cause hair loss in men and women.
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1. Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalance is a primary cause of hair loss.
When the balance of hormones such as estrogen and androgen is disturbed within
the body, excessive hair loss occurs. Thyroid malfunction both if it is overactive or
underactive can cause hair loss. Hair loss is commonly observed after childbirth.
During pregnancy, the rise in the level of hormones stops hair fall temporarily. But,
after childbirth generally after 2 to 3 months, the hormone levels return to normal and
the normal hair fall and growth cycle resumes. The hair then enters the resting phase
and soon falls out. This however is a temporary state and resolves overtime.
2. Medications: Certain prescription drugs are responsible for hair loss. These
include antidepressants, Anticoagulants (Blood thinners), gout medicines, cancer
treatments such as chemotherapy medicines and birth control pills.
3. Scalp Infections: Fungal infections of the scalp such as ringworm can cause the
hair to become weak and break furthering hair loss problems. It is a common cause
for hair loss in children and can be contagious.
4. Medical Conditions and Surgery: Hair loss also occurs due to underlying
medical conditions such as lupus and diabetes and acts as an early symptom of the
disease. Increased hair shedding is also observed after a major surgery or chronic
illness. It is caused due to stress related to the illness or surgery and is automatically
cured after a few months.
5. Protein and Vitamin deficiency: Deficiencies of vitamin and protein in the diet
result in hair loss. Iron deficiency is one of the main causes.
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Types of Hair Loss:
Based on its causative factors, hair loss is classified as temporary and permanent. You must
have heard of “Common baldness” also referred to as pattern baldness. Heredity and genetics
play a major role in male and female pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness causes in a
receding hair line and subsequent hair loss over the years while female pattern baldness is
characterized by thinning of hair across the entire scalp. The hair loss in such cases is generally
permanent and little can be done to reverse the condition. Temporary hair loss on the other
hand is a condition where the hair falls but, grows back once the causative factors are treated
and corrected.
How is Hair Styling related to Hair Loss?
You may be surprised that certain hair styles and treatments can cause hair loss. The fancy
pigtails, Cornrows and perms, use of tight hair rollers lead to hair loss as they pull the hair very
tight causing strain on the hair follicles. This type of hair loss is termed as Traction Alopecia. It is
temporary in nature and the hair will grow back normally once the pulling is stopped. However,
repeated styling causes scalp scarring resulting in permanent hair loss. Frequent heat styling,
chemical treatments, dying and coloring are also factors responsible for hair loss problems.
Consulting a Doctor for Hair Loss
To get the most effective hair loss remedy, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. The doctor
will make enquiries about your diet, health and whether you are taking certain medications
and accordingly rule out the possible cause for hair loss. Thus, by understanding the root
cause of the problem it becomes easier to suggest a proper treatment measure. He may also
recommend a physical exam to determine a scalp infection.
Hair Loss Treatments
Treatment of hair loss is based on the factors causing it. For example if it is caused by a
medication, stoppage of the medication will relieve hair loss problems. In case of scalp
infections antifungal medications can help reverse hair loss. Besides these measures, there
are several over the counter and prescriptions medicines and topical applications that can help
reduce the intensity of hair fall. There are hair loss treatments as well but, they are costly.
Conquering Hair Loss the Natural Way
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Hair loss products and treatments can help cope with hair loss, but few natural remedies and
simple tips can stop or reduce hair fall problems. Good scalp and hair hygiene will prevent
development of scalp infections. Keep your hair combs and brushes clean and avoid sharing
combs to restrict the spread of infections.
Brushing techniques also matter. Use brushes and combs that have wide-spaced bristles and
teeth. While combing divide the hair into small sections and comb one at a time holding the hair
gently against the scalp. Wet hair has greater elasticity and tends to break more when combed.
Therefore, towel dry your hair before running the comb through it.
Your diet should be rich in essential proteins, vitamins (Vitamin H, B, C, E, A and Omega 3 fatty
acids), minerals (Zinc) and other nutrients. It will prevent hair fall and stimulate hair growth.
Massage the scalp with warm olive or coconut oil at least twice or thrice a week and wash it
off with a mild shampoo. It nourishes the scalp, improves circulation and leaves hair looking
healthy, shiny and strong. Mira hair oil is an effective herbal remedy for hair loss and to
stimulate hair growth. Herbal remedies for hair loss include using Fenugreek (beneficial for hair
loss), Henna (a good conditioner), Aloe Vera (prevents hair fall and stimulates hair growth),
Jojoba Oil (hypoallergenic) and Horsetail (effective for pattern baldness).
Hair products are packed with harsh chemicals to produce immediate results but, they cause
hair to become dull and damaged in the long run. Choose quality products and avoid frequent
styling and chemical treatments.