What is hair loss (alopecia)?

When you brush or wash your hair, you probably have noticed that you lose hair. Shedding is normal. In fact, most people lose 50 to 100 strands a day. This is usually not a problem because new hair is always growing. Hair thinning or balding happens when the loss of hair is greater than the new growth.

What causes hair loss?

Genetics plays a big role in hair loss. According to webmd.com, 95% of baldness or hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men and woman is hereditary and the remaining 5% is due to many reasons (see below). Alopecia is the slow and steady thinning or balding, common as men and women age. Men will notice bald patches and a receding hairline, while woman usually just have thinning of the hair and a widening of their hair part.

When hair loss is sudden or not in conjunction with aging, it can be for a range of reasons:

• Infections: Fungal infections such as ringworm on the scalp.
• Hormones: Females might experience hair loss due to pregnancy, menopause or puberty.
• Medications: Some medications cause hair loss.
• Hair products: Excessive hair styling can damage the hair and make it thinner.
• Medical Conditions: Thyroid disease, anemia, low vitamin levels, and other medical factors can cause hair to thin or fall out.
• Major Surgery: A few months after general anesthesia, you might notice some hair loss. It should regrow after time.
• High levels of stress: Stress can cause hair follicles to go into a resting phase after a stressful or traumatic event and then fall out a few months later.

What are conventional medical approaches for hair loss?

If you see a doctor for hair loss, they will try to figure out the cause of your hair loss by looking at the scalp and giving you some tests. Depending on your cause of hair loss, they will suggest some sort of treatment or procedure. Many of them are just ways to cover up your hair loss.

Options for treatment generally include:

• Medication such as MyOxin, Rogaine or Propecia.
• Hair transplant, grafting, or restoration surgery
• Wigs
• Laser therapy.

What are alternative treatments for hair loss and how can you facilitate hair growth?

• Balance your hormones. Excess estrogen can cause your hair to thin or fall out. Focusing on getting your hormones in balance can bring your locks back to their normal state.
• Put oil on the scalp and massage your head. This can stimulate hair growth and encourage your scalp and hair follicles to produce more oil. Jojoba, olive oils and argan oil are good choices hair growth.
• Watch your diet. Eat a variety of healthy foods filled with minerals, vitamins and healthy oils. Eating well will nourish your body and your hair will reflect this. Foods like walnuts, leafy greens, fish, and eggs are said to help with your hair.
• Vitamins such as vitamin C and biotin, silica can help strengthen hair.

Of course, essential oils traditionally have also been used to facilitate hair growth. For more information, see the Useful Essential Oils tab.