Hair loss
As we look more into hair care, we cannot ignore the issue of hair loss.
Hair loss is caused by two major problems; breakage and shedding.
Breaking of hair is when the hair breaks due to an
imbalance of important forces within the hair strand. Broken hairs
do not fall naturally from the head, but are typically a sign of mishandling or abuse.
In the stages before a hair ultimately breaks, the hair first becomes discolored and experiences cuticle loss. Eventually, the fibers begin to split and ultimately there is breakage.
Hair can be weakened and damaged by anything from rough handing and sun exposure to coloring and straightening chemicals.
Breakage is also more common with a hair's age; older hairs, usually the hairs nearest the ends, have the greatest tendency to break due to normal wear and tear. When breakage isn't a response to physical manipulation and abuse, it is most often triggered by the lack of moisture in the hair strand. Other types of breakage may be caused by the over- structuring of the hair strand with protein treatments
done in excess.
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Shedding is natural. Shedding occurs when the hair falls out from the root, and the shed hair will have the bulb at the end. Our scalps shed daily, but in a synchronized manner so it is not detectable. This is due to a synchronized hair growth cycle, and the shed hair is usually at the last stage of the cycle. We lose about a hundred hair daily.
In its truest sense, shed hair is hair that has reached the end of its growing cycle and naturally falls from the scalp along with its tiny, white "root" attached.
This is not the actual hair root that is secured deeply within your scalp, but it is the bulb root or base of the hair strand found on the scalp-originating end. It appears white because the hair stops producing melanin (color) at the point in its growth cycle right before it gets ready to fall.
If your actual hair root came out along with the hair, you would no longer be able to produce hair from that same place on the scalp ever again!
If a hair does not possess this white root bulb, then it is not a naturally shed hair, rather, a broken one. Shed hair tends to be longer in length than broken hairs which are generally short pieces of varying lengths.
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Excessive shedding is problematic. It leads to decreased hair volume and thickness. This is because the scalp loses more than the hundred normal hair strands.
Possible causes
There are a few factors that will cause excessive shedding:
*styling methods that place stress on the follicles
*birth control/menstrual cycles/menopause
*pregnancy
*heredity (runs in the family)
*crash dieting/ low protein diets, poor diet
*illnesses with high fever as a prevailing symptom
*anemia, thyroid disorders, and a host of other chronic disorders
* certain medications and major surgeries and treatments like chemotherapy
* prolonged stress and depression.
* malnutrition - where your diet is not rich in nutrients and minerals.
* scalp infection and wounds eg fungal infection,
There are many treatments for shedding hair, from shampoos to oils.
Herbs to help with shedding and hair loss
Panax Ginseng: Used in Asia for thousands of years, Ginseng’s well known benefits include promoting vascular circulation and regulating cellular metabolism. Ginseng helps to nourish and strengthen hair when used as hair tonic or even as oral supplement.
Ginkgo Biloba is a very popular herbal remedy that is thought to help with many problems, among them improving the circulation of blood to the brain and skin. The majority of herbalists who prescribe this for loss of hair do so believing that the increase of blood to the brain and skin delivers more nutrients to the hair follicles and so promotes hair re-growth.
Neem can help with hair problems like hair loss and premature graying , where loss of hair or loss of color is caused by imbalances and health issues, rather than normal aging. It is a popular and traditional remedy for skin conditions and hair loss in South Asia. It has been used therapeutically for thousands of years to treat
skin conditions such as.
psoriasis, eczema and ringworm and as an insect repellent. Its
antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties help to treat the scalp and stimulate hair growth.
Stinging Nettle blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT; this is the main cause of hair loss in men. It can be bought in either pill or capsule form and is said to be more effective when used in combination with saw palmetto or pygeum.
Green Tea (Camellia Sinesis) is another popular herbal remedy as it is believed that the enzyme
5-alpha-reductase is inhibited by the catechins found in the green tea. Some herbalists claim that you will reduce the risk of male pattern type baldness if you drink several cups of green tea or take it in capsule form on a daily basis.
Aloe Vera: The gel that is taken from Aloe Vera plant is known for its ability to calm irritated skin and has the properties of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
When massage onto the scalp, the gel restores the PH balance of the hair and seals in the moisture content of the hair, making it an excellent hair conditioner. Beside protecting the scalp and hair, Aloe Vera also stimulates hair production and is used as a remedy against Alopecia.
Oils that help with shedding and hair loss
Coconut oil:
Ever wondered why people from Kerala have such thick and healthy hair? It has a lot to do with their hair care routine that involves coconut oil.
Coconut oil penetrates well within the hair shaft
and prevents hair from losing moisture by acting as a sealant. As a result, hair is less likely to suffer damage and stays dense as well as strong.
The natural antioxidants and nutrients found in coconut oil will deliver critical resources to improve your hair's softness and luster. Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E, vitamin K and iron and effectively eliminates dandruff while boosting hair growth.
The scalp and hair are high in bacterial content. Coconut oil contains both antifungal and antibacterial properties to protect against dandruff and lice. Both of these potential problems limit hair growth. The lauric acid that coconut oil is rich in has significant action against viruses, bacteria and fungi.
Olive oil:
Prevent DTH Production. DTH is the culprit in
many cases of hair loss, as it causes the hair follicle shaft to narrow. Olive oil actually stops this from happening, which means you can hold onto your hair for longer.
Dandruff treatments – Dandruff is usually caused when the scalp becomes dry and flaky, causing those unsightly white flakes. When massaged into the scalp it will moisturize your scalp, and eliminate dandruff.
Use the treatment as often as needed until the problem fades and then just once or twice a week to keep it from reoccurring.
Olive oil also has antibacterial properties and antifungal properties that fight off common scalp and hair problems. Head lice and dandruff are two examples of conditions that can be either prevented or hampered by the application of olive oil to the scalp.
Castor oil:
Castor oil is not a miracle cure for baldness but it can be used as a treatment to stop the loss of hair, cure thinning hair and make the hair thick and luxurious once more.
Castor oil is filled with some excellent vital nutrients such as vitamin E, minerals and proteins, which are required for healthy hair. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Scalp infection can cause major hair problems like bald patches, itchy scalp, etc. This can also stop hair growth. Castor oil’s anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, you can fight pathogens and micro-organism causing these problems. Apply it on regular basis to make your scalp infection-free.
Just take some castor oil, and massage it to your scalp and roots. Wash it off, after leaving it for an hour or two.
Ricinoleic acid that is present in castor oil helps to protect your hair and stimulates circulation of nutrient rich blood to your scalp
Almond Oil
When it comes to hair care, sweet almond oil is highly effective because of its emollient or softening action. Rich in vitamins D and E and minerals such as calcium and magnesium, almond oil acts as a natural moisturizer for your hair, preventing it from turning dry and brittle. As a result, there is lesser hair loss.
And the nutrition your hair receives ensures it stays healthy, thick and strong, and also grows faster. However, if you have an allergy to nuts, it is best to avoid almond oil.
You can mix these
oils if you want to. Castor oil is very thick and so you can mix with olive or coconut oil to make it lighter.
To get benefits from both the herbs and oils, you can use
oil infusions or add the herb essential oils to a carrier oil.
You can easily get the oils, tinctures and dried herbs from a health store or pharmacy near you.
