Reasons for Hair Loss - Some observations

Caring for your hair is an important aspect of personal grooming and healthy hair is a sign of robust health. Though dandruff or dead cell is a common problem affecting the young and old alike, many a time hair fall comes as a forewarning of other diseases like thyroid, high BP, hormonal changes, diabetes, obesity and PCOD. People who observe special diets to become slim are prone to hair loss because they become deprived of nutrients.

• Retention of hair works in different ways in men and women. Men have a tendency to lose hair unless it is kept short which makes it essential for them to go for a hair cut every now and then.
• There is a general tendency to apply oil in a bid to attain healthy hair growth. But there is no scientific basis to this as our scalp is gifted with a natural secretion called sebum that gives its natural sheen and keeps dryness at bay.
• But change in climate, excessive use of shampoos, low water level and hair treatments like colouring and straightening can damage the sebum glands. Most alarming is the fact that stress can cause hair fall among children from the age of four. A feeling of insecurity and various reasons like parental incompatibility have to be checked.
• Alopecia Areata is another medical condition where a person loses hair in circular patches usually from the scalp; however there are cases where there is hair loss from other parts of the body. If hair is lost only from the scalp, it is termed alopecia areata totalis and if it is only from other body parts it is termed alopecia areata universalis.
• Many nutrients like zinc are necessary for the healthy growth of hair. When under extreme stress, a condition called zinc depletion sets in resulting in hair loss and even greyness. Often, a lifestyle change like change in water can also contribute to the condition called alopecia or hair loss.
• Constant wearing of caps can cause monk fringes (loss of hair in the covered area). There are seven stages in alopecia and many come in for treatment at the fourth stage when it’s difficult to bring in any improvement.
• So it is important to consult a specialist before it is too late. Genetic factors are also a reason for extensive hair fall. For the correct treatment of hair loss, it is vital to study the history of the patient and not every one can be administered the same treatment.
• But eating right and consuming at least two litres of water a day helps control hair loss to a certain extent.