Hair loss or baldness can be caused by various reasons. It can be caused by heredity, certain medical conditions, or certain medications you may be taking. Hair loss may also be caused due to hormonal imbalances. A thyroid gland being overactive or underactive may cause hair loss. Proper treatment for the thyroid disease usually helps to control hair loss. Other types of hormonal imbalances, like those related to the male and female hormones, androgens and estrogens may also cause hair loss.
Hair loss caused due to medication usually stops when you discontinue the use of that medicine. Hair loss especially in children may be caused due to certain infections too. A fungal infection of the scalp can lead to hair loss and such an infection can be treated with anti fungal medication, and the hair loss controlled.
Other than those mentioned above some of the other common causes for hair loss could be an improper diet, emotional stress, and infections. Alopecia areata, which is a skin disease, is a common cause for baldness on the scalp or hair loss all over the body. Over 4 million people in the United States are affected by this condition. 1.7% of the total population is affected by alopecia areata although certain races like the Japanese, display a lower incidence of the condition.
There are certain medicines that are used to treat alopecia. Minoxidil which is an external application medicine, is one medicine that is available without a prescription. Application of the medicine on the area affected by hair loss may help to slow down or prevent baldness. Cortisone injections to the scalp can also be used to treat alopecia areata. How effective these medicines are to the treatment of alopecia depends on the cause of hair loss.
Performing aerobic exercises regularly can help to lower androgen levels in your body. Exercise also keeps you fitter and helps to control stress and increase circulation, thus acting as a hair loss inhibitor. The application of Anthralin to the scalp can also help to control hair loss. Anthralin is a tarry synthetic substance that is applied externally on the area affected by hair loss and later washed off.
Some kinds of alopecia may be treated by steroids injected into the scalp or by the use of ultraviolet light. BHP can be treated by the consumption of beta sitosterol. Beta sitosterol, which is found in certain seed oils, helps by reducing cholesterol, thus controlling BHP. You may also opt for surgical treatment to reverse hair loss. Hair transplantation is a commonly used surgical method, although some consider it to be an extreme measure to reverse hair loss. Consumption of certain unsaturated fatty acids like gamma linolenic acid can also help, since they act as 5 alpha reductase inhibitors.
Here are some natural ways to try and arrest hair loss:
- Apply a fine paste of black pepper and seeds of lime to the affected area. This is particularly effective to treat patchy baldness.
- Tricomin comprises powerful copper peptides. These help by making hair follicles stronger.
- Liquorice powder made into a paste with milk may also be applied to the scalp.
Try to include natural foods in your diet and avoid the over indulgence in junk foods and highly processed foods.
Take positive steps to lower your stress levels. Stress reduces body nutrients
Apply a mixture of 6 tablespoons of plain natural yoghurt and one egg white (whisked until foamy) to the scalp
Ensure that you consume enough proteins as a part of your diet.