Normal Cycle of Hair Growth

About 10 % of the hair on the scalp is in a resting phase at any given time. The resting hair falls after 2 to 3 months and new hair starts growing in its place. The growing phase continues for 2.25 to 6 yrs. During this phase each hair grows approximately 1 cm per month. At any given time about 90% of the hair on scalp will be in growing phase.

Few strands of hair fall as the part of normal hair growth cycle. But some people may experience excessive hair fall which is more than normal cycle. Excessive hair loss can affect men, women and children.

Causes of Hair Loss

1. Hormonal imbalance in men and women: In men high concentration of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in hair follicles causes hair fall. In women hormonal imbalances during pregnancy and after delivery cause hair fall.

2. High amount of sebum in scalp clogs pores of scalp and prevent nutrition to hair follicle.

3. Inadequate nutrition causes hair fall.

4. Stress, worry, lack of sleep, worry and anxiety cause hair fall

5. Long standing diseases like typhoid, viral infections, anemia, surgery etc cause general debility which lead to hair fall

6. Some medicines used for gout, chemo therapy of cancer, birth control pills, antidepressants etc cause hair fall

7. Diseases like lupus, diabetes cause hair fall.

8. Tying hair tightly pulls the hair from follicles and cause traction alopecia.

9. Heredity also causes hair fall.

10. Dandruff or Fungal infection of scalp.

11. Accumulation of dirt on scalp causes blocking of pores and weakens hair roots. This leads to hair fall.

According to Ayurveda the causes of hair loss are described as follows

1. Too much exposure to dust, sunlight, water and other pollutants.

2. Too much of sweating.

3. Irregular sleeping pattern.

4. Anxiety, depression, insomnia.

5. Unhygienic way of living

6. Diseases

7. Alcohol consumption.

Hair Loss Remedies

1. Liberal intake of vitamins.

2. High protein and iron rich diet.

3. Consumption of raw vegetables, fresh fruits, salads, green leafy vegetables regularly.

4. Washing hair regularly (twice weekly) with suitable shampoo.

5. Using relaxing techniques to overcome stress, anxiety and sleeplessness.

6. Preventing fungal infections of scalp.

7. Preventing hairstyles which pull hair.

Due to these causes the tridoshas get vitiated and cause hair loss. The vitiated doshas affect the scalp skin and cause hair fall occurs. Medicated oil with the herbs Bhringaraja (Eclipta Alba), Amalaki (Embelica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) is a best remedy for hair fall.    

Steps to prevent hair fall

• Regular use of mild shampoo keeps the dirt and grime off . Clean scalp is the first step towards healthy, unbreakable hair.
• Ten to twelve glasses of water keeps the internal system flushes and eliminates toxins. Great for your entire system and hair.
• Protein intake is necessary through consumption of leafy green vegetables, fruits and dairy products.
• Brahmi oil is great for a lustrous hair.
• Condition your hair twice in a week. Never apply conditioner to the hair roots which aggravates hair fall.
• Vitamins, iron, protein and other nutrients must be present in your food. Spinach keeps you and your hair hearty and healthy.
• Increase the intake of zinc. This prevents hair loss and premature greying. Food items like wholegrain flour contain zinc.
• Surprisingly, copper, stops hair fall. Contained in the blood serum, it prevents hair fall. Peanuts, cashew nuts, beans, whole milk and seeds contain copper. Have them to check hair loss.

Ayurvedic herbs repressing hair loss

Ayurveda has been man's best friends since the ages of ignorance. The herbs have contributed to improved blood circulation, clean scalp and great hair. Steps to give your hair an Ayurvedic treat:

• Wash your hair in sage tea and apple cider vinegar. This stimulates hair growth.
• Silica, in horse tail, makes your hair look shiny and keeps it strong.
• Licorice extracts prevent hair fall.
• To stimulate hair growth use rosemary, birch, stinging nettle and horsetail and massage your hair.
• Dry hair feels best in marshmallow and burdock tea.

Natural ways of reducing hair fall

• Aromatherapy: Mix lavender and bay oil with almond or sesame oil and massage on your scalp.
• Head Massage: Massage your head, everyday, for a few minutes. It increases blood circulation followed by healthy hair and reduced hair fall.
• Rosemary and Sage: Boiled with burdock and nettle, these are wonderful for your hair.
• Nettle Root Extract: Rich in vitamins A and C along with the presence of various minerals, it is a great treatment for hair loss.
• Saw Palmetto Extract: It is an anti-androgen which works well on male hair. However, women, on hormone therapy or oral contraceptives must not use this ingredient.