HAIR LOSS - AN INEVITABLE REALITY!

It makes the head lighter and the heart heavier!

Almost everyone you meet today is working to improve one or the other aspect about their hair. We try umpteen numbers of products in the hopes of beautifying our locks. In spite of all our efforts, hair fall doesn’t seem to be leaving us.

Before freaking out about your hair loss, it is important to understand that some amount of hair loss is part of the hair growth cycle and hence completely normal.

There are 3 distinct stages in the hair growth cycle:

What Is The Hair Growth Cycle?

Our hair doesn’t just magically appear on our heads and then fall off randomly. Each strand of our hair is part of a cycle wherein they are created, grow and eventually fall off. This cycle ensures that our hair does not grow out of proportion and also does not fall out all together!

There are 3 distinct stages to this cycle.

The first stage is the creation and growth phase known as Anagen. In this phase the cells in the roots of one’s hair divide rapidly which results in new hair growth. Generally about 80% to 90% of your hair is in this phase at any given point of time. On an average the growth phase lasts for 3 to 5 years. It can be longer or shorter depending on the genetics, age, nutrition and overall health of a person.

The second stage is the transitional phase known as Catagen. It is a short phase and lasts only for about 2 weeks. In this phase the hair detaches itself from its blood supply and stops growing. 1% to 2% of your hair is in this phase at any given point of time.

The final stage is the resting phase known as Telogen. In this stage the hair is finally released and falls out. The hair follicle then continues to remain inactive for about 3 months after which the whole cycle is repeated. 10% to 15% of your hair is in this phase at any given point of time.

Which Factors Increase Our Hair Loss?

As we have seen above, hair in the telogen phase is ready to be shed out. Now there are some factors which push more hair than the ones which are ready into the resting phase, thus increasing hair loss.  Some of these factors that act as a cause of hair loss include genetics, hormonal changes, changes in diet, nutritional deficiencies, stress and side effects of certain medications.

Thus, some amount of hair loss will always be a part of your life. What you can do though is to make sure you only lose the hair that is ready to be lost as part of the normal hair growth cycle and no more.

Some useful tips for hair fall control can be seen below:

• Eat a healthy and nutritious diet rich in iron and proteins as they help promote hair growth. It can include black raisins, dried figs, fruits, green leafy vegetables, beans, fish, meat, nuts, eggs, and seeds.
• Take nutrient supplements, if necessary.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Keep your scalp clean.
• Don’t brush your hair when it is wet and never brush too harshly.
• Trim your hair at regular intervals. It helps keep split ends at bay and also reduces hair entanglement, thus reducing hair loss.
• Avoid tight braids or ponytails as they pull at the roots of the hair, making them weak.
• Use a scarf or a cap while stepping out in the sun as prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays of the sun can damage hair cuticles.
• Refrain from multiple hair loss treatments. Instead take necessary medical treatment.  

Does Homeopathy Really Help Control Hair Loss?

Many of the reasons responsible for hair loss cannot be treated by external measures and need medical care. Hair loss is often a sign of underlying problems or ailments. The good part is that both hair loss and underlying conditions leading to hair loss can be treated effectively by the medium of homeopathy. Even genetic hair loss is treatable under homeopathy. Homeopathic treatment for hair loss is natural, safe and free of side effects thus making it an ideal mode of treatment when it comes to hair fall control.

Your hair is your best accessory. Do your tresses a favour and do something for your hair today that you will be grateful for tomorrow.