Common, natural hair care issues.

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Common hair loss causes and solutions

Shedding hair is a healthy process because it allows new hair re-growth on the scalp. Normally 10 percent of our hair is in the telogen (resting) phase. After 2 or 3 months, the hair fiber that were in the resting phase falls out to allow for new hair to grow in its place.

Any disturbance in the normal hair growth cycles can lead to excessive hair loss. Some of the common causes of hair loss are discussed below:

Imbalance in the level of hormones

Hormonal imbalances are the major reasons for hair loss in both genetic and other types of hair loss. In women hormonal imbalance is one of the most common causes of hair loss. Hormone related hair loss generally occurs when there is an excess of the testosterone hormone. The excess testosterone is converted to DHT by an enzyme called 5 alpha-reductase present in the hair follicles. DHT (dihydrostestosterone) miniaturizes the hair follicle and results in thinning of hair. The hair follicle dies and hair fiber finally falls out.

Thyroid hormones also play a major role in hair growth. Any disruptions in the normal production levels of thyroid hormones can be a cause of hair loss. Hair follicles contain receptors for thyroid hormones and are very sensitive to the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. Both too little and too much of thyroid hormones can push hair follicles into a dormant telogen state. With hair prematurely going into the resting (telogen) phase at a faster rate, hair loss problems become more acute.

Nutrition in hair loss

Lack of proper nutrition is also linked to hair loss. Hair growth is a constant metabolic activity which requires adequate food supply. Without sufficient food supply to follicles, their normal metabolic activity decreases eventually resulting in diffuse hair loss.

Apart from regular intake of food, an adequate presence of minerals (silica, zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium etc.) vitamins ( vitamins B, vitamin C and vitamin E etc. ), protein and amino acids in the diet are necessary for healthy hair growth. Some of the nutrient supplements are also required for proper functioning of hormones that are responsible for androgen metabolism. In addition to minerals, fatty acids are essential in the food to promote a healthy growth of melonocyte cells.

Stress and hair loss

Stress is also among the common reasons for increased hair loss. Research is still going on to find out the exact mechanism of how stress affects normal hair growth. Experts generally take the view that the hair follicles are surrounded with a network of nerve cells. Any disruption in the normal nerve cells’ signals leads to adverse effects on the hair follicles and their growth.

Hair loss induced by stress becomes more evident sometime after you find the texture of your hair becoming dull and lifeless. Stress also seems to affect the sebaceous glands which produce more sebum to make them oilier. The hair follicles ages early, stop growing and enter the resting (telogen) phase.

The best thing about this stress-induced hair loss is that it is temporary in nature and hair growth will be fully restored once the reasons for the stress fade away.

Harmful Chemicals present in hair care products

Synthetic hair care products generally contain harmful chemicals which can have severe, negative effects on hair follicles.

Propylene glycol (PG) is a liquid substance used in the formulation of hair care products and other skin cosmetics. Isopropyl is used in hair color rinses, body rubs, perfumes cosmetics and unconcentrated essential oils. It is basically a toxic solvent and denaturant, potent enough to transform the composition of other chemicals.

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is a detergent used in shampoos, hair conditioners and other toiletry products. It damages the hair and can cause serious irritation of the skin. Formaldehyde is another poisonous chemical, used in some cosmetics, including shampoos, and conditioners as a preservative.

Adequate care using natural hair care products is absolutely necessary to promote healthy hair growth. Apart from natural products, a disciplined lifestyle combined with a balanced nutritious diet is the key for healthy hair. Here are some natural hair care tips which will help you to achieve a beautiful wave of hair.

Avoid smoking and stimulating drinks containing caffeine and carbonated sodas. They may decrease the normal rate of hair growth and weaken the body.

Take a healthy diet that includes vitamins like B group vitaimns, vitamin C, E and K. Hair growth is stimulated by protein rich foods including meat, eggs, cheese, seeds and nuts.

Eat fish as it is rich in protein, essential fatty acids and natural oils which are essential for hair growth.

Have a good night’s sleep and take plenty of rest to maintain healthy hair.

If you are a restless sleeper, it is better to use satin pillow covers. Cotton pillow cases tend to catch the hair easily and help break up the hair cuticle by the constant rubbing.

It is better for women to tie the hair on the top of the head instead of leaving it loose when going to sleep

It is better to use natural shampoo or soap to clean hair.

To enable hair growth one natural remedy involves mixing grinded licorice with milk and applying in the bald patches.

Use natural oils like Mahabhringraj, Amla or Arnica oil to massage the roots of the hair gently.

Hair loss can be controlled with the intake of all natural diet supplements and the use of natural hair care products. Natural hair care products are generally safer when compared to synthetic ones. Also, take preventive measures and keep stress to a minimum so that you can have beautiful hair which will give you an enviable crowning glory.