What is Baldness?
There are on an average 100,000 to 150,000 hairs on the human scalp. Hairs grow from follicles that are sac
like structures under the skin. At any time 90% of the hair are in the growth phase, which lasts an average of
4 to 5 years, after which it enters the resting phase, which lasts for 2 to 4 months. At the end of the resting
phase, the hair falls out naturally and is replaced by a new hair. Some hair loss, 50 to 150 per day, is normal.
Baldness or alopecia results when hair loss occurs at an abnormally high rate, replacement occurs at an
abnormally slow rate or when normal hairs are replaced by thinner, shorter ones.
What are the causes of Baldness?
Heredity and aging. Hormonal changes. A serious illness or fever. Medication such as cancer chemotherapy
or too much Vitamin A. Emotional or physical stress. A self-induced reduction of hair by pulling it out
(traction alopecia). Poor nutrition. Disease. Childbirth. Scalp Infection. Hair Treatments and use of
chemicals.
What are the types?
Androgenic alopecia also known as male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss. It occurs
more frequently in men than in women. It is a permanent type of hair loss and occurs in a characteristic
pattern on the scalp. The hair loss begins at the temples and at the top of the head towards the back, causing a
receding hairline and a bald spot. Balding may begin at any age after puberty and can range from partial loss
to complete baldness. Hormonal imbalance, mainly testosterone, and genetic factors are responsible for this
type of hair loss. Alopecia areata leads to patchy hair loss on the scalp. The exact cause is not known, but it
is thought to be the result of the body’s immune system attacking the hair follicles. Traction alopecia is
caused due to long-term pulling on the hair. This is caused by certain hairstyles, such as tight braids. The hair
loss is usually reversible once the cause of the pulling is eliminated.
How to diagnose Baldness
The doctor first asks if there is a family history of baldness. He may also examine a few hairs under a
microscope or check the scalp for signs of skin damage. Other questions related to the person’s diet, hair-care
procedures, medications taken and recent illness, if any, may be asked. In some cases the doctor may order
blood tests or a skin biopsy to help make a diagnosis.
What is the treatment of Baldness?
Hair transplantationThis involves the transplantation of hair follicles from areas of the scalp where hair is
still growing to areas where it is not. This carries a low risk for skin infections and may cause minor scarring
in the donor areas. Local application of drugsA drug called minoxidil, when applied to thinning areas of the
scalp daily, is believed to be effective in preventing further hair loss and in growing new hair. The drug helps
in dilating the blood vessels, thereby affecting the blood supply and the supply of hormones to those areas of
the scalp that are losing hair. Another drug called finasteride taken in a pill form daily, helps in preventing
further hair loss in most cases and growing new hair in some cases. The use of such drugs may help to
reduce hair fall but it is generally seen that when the application is stopped, regrown hair fall out. Side
effects such as irritation of the scalp are also quite common. Corticosteroids: Injections of cortisone into the
scalp can treat alopecia areata. Treatment is usually repeated monthly. Doctors sometimes prescribe
corticosteroid pills for extensive hair loss due to alopecia areata. Cosmetic treatments Synthetic hair: A
hairpiece can be custom made to cover a balding area. It is important not to neglect the scalp under the
hairpiece, which should continue to be washed regularly.

Alopecia/Hair loss
Hair loss can affect just your scalp or your entire body. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or medications. Anyone can experience hair loss, but it's more common in men.

Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness. Some people prefer to let their hair loss run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss and to restore growth. Before pursuing hair loss treatment, talk with your doctor about the cause of your hair loss and treatment options.

Symptoms:
Hair loss can appear in many different ways, depending on what's causing it. It can come on suddenly or gradually and affect just your scalp or your whole body. Some types of hair loss are temporary, and others are permanent.


Signs and symptoms of hair loss may include:
Gradual thinning on top of head: This is the most common type of hair loss, affecting both men and women as they age. In men, hair often begins to recede from the forehead in a line that resembles the letter M. Women typically retain the hairline on the forehead but have a broadening of the part in their hair.

Circular or patchy bald spots: Some people experience smooth, coin-sized bald spots. This type of hair loss usually affects just the scalp, but it sometimes also occurs in beards or eyebrows. In some cases, your skin may become itchy or painful before the hair falls out.

Sudden loosening of hair: A physical or emotional shock can cause hair to loosen. Handfuls of hair may come out when combing or washing your hair or even after gentle tugging. This type of hair loss usually causes overall hair thinning and not bald patches.

Full-body hair loss: Some conditions and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can result in the loss of hair all over your body. The hair usually grows back.

Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp. This is a sign of ringworm. It may be accompanied by broken hair, redness, swelling and, at times, oozing.


When to see a doctor?
See your doctor if your child or you are distressed by hair loss and want to pursue treatment. Also talk to your doctor if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss or more than usual hair loss when combing or washing your or your child's hair. Sudden hair loss can signal an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.


What causes hair loss?
People typically lose about 100 hairs a day. This usually doesn't cause noticeable thinning of scalp hair because new hair is growing in at the same time. Hair loss occurs when this cycle of hair growth and shedding is disrupted or when the hair follicle is destroyed and replaced with scar tissue.


Hair loss is typically related to one or more of the following factors:
Family history (heredity): The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition called male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. It usually occurs gradually with aging and in predictable patterns — a receding hairline and bald spots in men and thinning hair in women.

Hormonal changes and medical conditions: A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems. Medical conditions include alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh), which causes patchy hair loss, scalp infections such as ringworm and a hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania (trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh).

Medications and supplements: Hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout and high blood pressure.

Radiation therapy to the head: The hair may not grow back the same as it was before.

A very stressful event: Many people experience a general thinning of hair several months after a physical or emotional shock. This type of hair loss is temporary.

Certain hairstyles and treatments: Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair tight, such as pigtails or cornrows, can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hot oil hair treatments and permanents can cause inflammation of hair follicles that leads to hair loss. If scarring occurs, hair loss could be permanent.
Risk factors

A number of factors can increase your risk of hair loss, including:

Family history of balding, in either of your parent's families
Age
Significant weight loss
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and lupus
Stress
Prevention
Most baldness is caused by genetics (male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness). This type of hair loss is not preventable.


Below tips may help you avoid preventable types of hair loss:
Avoid tight hairstyles, such as braids, buns or ponytails.
Avoid compulsively twisting, rubbing or pulling your hair.
Treat your hair gently when washing and brushing. A wide-toothed comb may help prevent pulling out hair.
Avoid harsh treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, hot oil treatments and permanents.
Avoid medications and supplements that could cause hair loss.
Protect your hair from sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light.
Stop smoking. Some studies show an association between smoking and baldness in men.
If you are being treated with chemotherapy, ask your doctor about a cooling cap. This cap can reduce your risk of losing hair during chemotherapy.

Hair thinning can turn out to be quite daunting and painful; thanks to the increasing level of pollution, stress and poor quality of water. Not only this, thinning of hair can happen due to various other factors like sedentary lifestyle, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, hormonal imbalances, poor hair care, and genetics. According to experts, many people are facing hair-related problems like hair loss and hair thinning, which are at an all-time high. But fret not; there are foods that may help you increase your hair volume naturally. And the best part is that they are right there in your kitchen.



Home Remedies For Hair Thinning

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is packed with proteolytic enzymes, which are known to repair dead skin cells on the scalp. It helps stimulate hair growth from dormant hair follicles, increasing hair volume. It also acts as a great conditioner and leaves your hair all smooth and shiny. It not only promotes hair growth, but also prevents itching on the scalp and reduces dandruff. Oral consumption of aloe vera juice helps maintain smooth, radiant skin and promotes hair growth too.

How To Use Aloe Vera To Prevent Hair Thinning

- Slice aloe vera leaf with a knife and extract about 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel from its leaf.
- Whisk the gel till you get a smooth consistency.
- Now, massage the gel into your scalp with your fingertips.
- Massage it for about 5-7 minutes; leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse it out with warm water.

2. Eggs

Eggs are considered to be great for hair growth and thickness. They are loaded with essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamin B12, iron, zinc and omega-6 fatty acids. This home remedy is used to accelerate hair growth and volume.

How To Use Egg To Prevent Hair Thinning

- Take a bowl and add one egg along with one tablespoon of olive oil. You may use coconut oil too for this mask.
- Stir the mixture till you get a smooth mixture.
- Now, apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, working it in from the roots to the tips.
- Leave it on for about 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with shampoo and cool water. Make sure you don't use warm water to wash your hair.

3. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla is nutrient-dense and has a lot of health-benefiting properties. Applying it or even drinking it may make your hair thicker and bouncier. Amla is rich in vitamin C, which is assisted by various minerals, nutrients, amino acids, and antioxidants, etc. that help amla in fighting against all the hair weakening factors.

How To Use Amla To Prevent Hair Thinning

In a bowl, add 2 teaspoon amla powder and lime juice and mix the two ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
Now, apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, working it in from the roots to the tips.
Leave it on until it dries up.
Wash it off with a shampoo and cool water. You may also use conditioner post washing your hair.

Whether you eat them, drink them or simply apply them, these foods can do wonders for your hair and the results can be seen so quickly that you wouldn't want to let go of it!

Seborrhea or dandruff can be a very distressing as well as an embarrassing problem. Dandruff, primarily caused due to dryness, refers to the white flakes that fall off your scalp. The problem of dandruff is common for both men and women, irrespective of age. Dandruff is such a problem that cannot be cured easily but can only be controlled.

There are many remedies for controlling dandruff. Eight such remedies are mentioned below:

1. Use anti-dandruff hair care products: Using anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners can help you to control your problem of dandruff.

2. Avoid oiling your hair on a regular basis: Dandruff, at times, tends to increase if your scalp is excessively oily. So, to avoid it, try not to oil your hair very often. Also, if you have an oily scalp, make sure to use the correct hair care products to control the problem.

3. Apply lemon juice: Lemon juice is known to be a very effective remedy for treating dandruff naturally. Apply lemon juice all over your scalp to combat the problem of dandruff.

4. Baking soda: Baking soda is an effective remedy. It helps to reduce the excess oil on your scalp, henceforth will help in reducing dandruff.

5. Use virgin olive oil: Massage warm virgin olive oil on your scalp, this can help you to reduce your problem of dandruff to some extent.

6. Include more vitamins in your diet: A healthy diet can help you to deal with your problem of dandruff more efficiently.

7. Mental stress: Reducing your mental stress can help you to control dandruff, as most hair problems occur due to this pshyshological problem.

8. Use the right comb: Try using an appropriate comb for your hair. If the comb hurts your scalp, then the skin of your scalp may turn flakier resulting in more dandruff.

Following the above mentioned tips can help you to deal with your problem of dandruff efficiently.

Numerous individuals suffer from hair loss and hair fall problems, which inevitably cause low self-esteem and low self-confidence. Although this is not a life threatening condition, this disorder can cause serious self-esteem issues in individuals. Most individuals with extreme hair loss issues are uncomfortable in having a social life and face a constant suffering from within.

There have been numerous kinds and types of medications for treating and preventing hair loss. However, homeopathy has proven to be amazing without causing any side effects. Homeopathy is an alternative medicine which uses no harsh chemicals and works on the principle of triggering the healing process in the body.

Possible situations that cause hair loss-

1. Stress

2. Too much vitamin A intake

3. Pregnancy (hormonal changes and stress)

4. Menopause

5. Heredity

6. Lack of protein

7. Anaemia

8. Various hormonal imbalances

9. Deficiency of vitamin B

10. Thyroid problems

11. Alopecia Areata

12. Drastic weight loss

13. Ageing

Homeopathic medicines stimulate the hair roots to promote regrowth. The medicines used in Homeopathy to aid hair regrowth are all of natural origin and therefore, safe for use among persons of all age groups. The main advantage of opting for Homeopathic medicines for hair regrowth is the absence of any related toxic side effects. Some of the most common homeopathic treatments to prevent hair loss are-

1. Hair loss due to Alopecia Areata: This disorder is caused due to the immune system, which mistakes hair for foreign objects and attacks it, thereby causing erratic loss of hair. The individual loses hair in patches haphazardly. There are numerous medicines for specific treatments of Alopecia. Some of them are listed below-​


- Fluricum Acidum: This not only fights alopecia, but is also efficient in preventing hair fall after Syphilis, where hair breakage, hair fall and hair tangles increase immensely.

- Phosphorus: This is very effective in treating alopecia and can also be used to heal other gastrointestinal problems, blood, bones and nervous tissue problems.

- Calcarea carbonica: This is one of the best homeopathic medication for hair regrowth. It also prevents itching and sweating of the scalp.

- Vinca minor: This is very effective in treating alopecia along with dandruff. Abnormal hair growth can also be treated with this medication.

2. Hair loss due to Dandruff: Dandruff is a common problem and the worst part is that it brings intense hair fall with it. Dandruff is caused generally due to eczema and psoriasis. The medications that can be used are as follows-

- Psonorium: Best treatment for preventing dandruff and hair loss caused along with it

- Mezereum: Heals rashes and lesions and tackles hair fall in crusty scalps

- Kali sulphuricum

- Natrum muriaticum

- Pulsatilla pratensis

3 . Baldness: Mostly affects men. Some of the recommended medicines include:

- Silicea

- Baryts carbonica

- Lycopodium clavatum

However, it is advised that in case of hair loss, before you consume any medicines, consult a homeopathic practitioner for a thorough treatment.