It is considered normal to lose 40-50 strands of hair everyday, especially if you wash it everyday.
But if the rate of hair fall is worrying, or your hair has started to come out in tufts, and you aren't able to maintain the same volume of hair - there could be cause for concern.
Treating hair fall and encouraging hair re-growth becomes easier when the cause can be identified.
Reasons for severe hair fall are - trichotillomania (compulsive psychological urge to pull out one's hair), genetics (a major factor in baldness), hair styling (like perming, colouring, ironing etc.),
Skin diseases like ringworm infection on the scalp and lifestyle diseases like diabetes.
Malnutrition and side-effect to certain drugs like in chemotherapy, acne and diet pills also cause hair fall.
There is no immediate remedy to controlling excessive hair fall, but by continually practising certain changes, there will be significant improvement in the long run.
As hair is a barometer of general health, following a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise) is desirable. Vitamin B &E, iron, calcium and zinc are needed.
Drink lots of water.
The chances of infection on your scalp are higher when it remains dirty. So shampoo and condition always, with reliable products.
Avoid unhealthy hair practices like frequent blow-drying, tight hairstyles, ironing, perming, rough toweling wet hair etc.
If you use hair gel, make sure you wash it off the very next day.
Massage your scalp with lukewarm oil. Apart from the goodness of oil, massaging improves blood circulation.
If split ends bother you, trim them off frequently.
Always oil/shampoo from root to tip.
Take good care of your hair before it begins to fall out.
Washing hair with tender coconut water/coconut milk is said to be helpful.
Curd/ a decoction of used tea leaves work well as natural conditioners.
Shikakai (Acacia concinna) powder is also healthy for hair. You can complement its benefits by adding the paste of fresh curry leaves.
Lifestyle improvements are also highly recommended.
A lot of hair loss/graying is directly linked to mental stress. Meditation may prove effective in this counter.
Good sleep is necessary for overall health, including the hair.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco use.
If despite all this you are still losing hair, maybe it's time to blame genetics. Hair replacement/using a hairpiece may be an option. Or else, let your shiny pate be the new fashion statement.
