HAIR FALLS

Hair is formed in minute pockets in the skin, called follicles. An up growth at the base of the folic, called the papilla, actually produces hair; when a special group of cells turn amino acids into keratin, a type of protein of which hair is made.

The rate of production of these protein " building blocks." determines hair growth. The average growth rate is about 1.2 cm per month , growing faster on women between the ages 15 and 30. A single hair generally lasts 2-6 years, and is then replaced by a new hair.

Remember that it is normal to lose as much as 50-100 hairs a day. Once the hair follicle dies, it never again produces hair. But there are instances in which the follicle has not died, but only has stopped producing hair. Careful treatment restores hair growth.

CAUSES—

Inadequate nutrition: Drastic reducing diets, Poor diet, lacking vitamin B6, deficient in folic acid often become completely bald.

Heredity (especially in men), 

Hormonal factor: Thyroid disease like Hypothyroidism 

Aging

Localized hair loss could also be caused by scarring following a wound or an operation, Surgery, Radiation (X-ray therapy)

Other factors include 

Poor circulation

High fever or other acute illness, diabetes, chronic cold, influenza and anaemia,

Medicinal drugs: anesthesia, birth control pills, 

Stress (depletes B vitamins):such as worry, anxiety and sudden shock. Stress leads to a severe tension in the skin of the scalp.

Poor skin: It makes the roots of the hair weak, resulting in the falling of hair. 

Unclean condition of the scalp can also cause loss of hair.

Sudden weight loss, obesity, after menopause, Hypothyroidism 

Iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency.

Use of hair dyes, hot air dryers.

Some women lose some hair 2-3 months after childbirth because hormonal changes, during late term, tended to block normal hair loss; this is reversed within 6 months.

THINKS TO REMEMBER:

• The circulation in the scalp (which is poorer in men than in women) needs to be improved. Massaging the scalp daily helps. Keep the scalp and hair clean; however, do not wash the hair too frequently. Avoid excess shampooing.

• There should be adequate protein in the diet (especially vegetable seeds, such as sesame, pumpkin, sunflower, almonds), 

• A variety of factors affect hair loss. Minerals and vitamins are also important for hair growth. Take a good supplement at least twice a day. Drink fresh  vegetable juice at least once a day. 

• Avoid salt, sugar, tobacco, and alcohol. Over consumption of salt and sugar increases dandruff and hair loss. 

• Beware of the drug, minoxidil. Although given to restore scalp hair, it is high-priced and may cause heart damage. The hair it produces is of a poor quality, and tends to fall out when the drug is terminated.

• Some people put a little cayenne pepper on their scalp. It surely will bring the blood, and might even produce some hair! But it may get in the eyes! Most people are not prepared to deal with this extreme method.

• Never use strong soaps or hair sprays. Only use mild castile soaps.

• Hats and wigs are apt to cause hair to fall out faster, since they limit the air to the scalp.

HOME REMEDIES

Persons with a tendency to lose hair should thus take a well balanced and correct diet, made up of foods which in combination should supply all the essential nutrients. It has been found that a diet which contains liberal quantities of ( i) seeds, nuts and grains, ( ii) vegetables and (iii) fruits would provide adequate amounts of all the essential nutrients. 

Several home remedies have been found useful in the prevention and treatment of the loss of the hair. 

> The most effective among these remedies is a vigorous rubbing of the scalp with fingers after washing the hair with cold water. 

The scalp should be rubbed vigorously till it starts to tingle with the heat. It will activate the sebaceous glands and energize the circulation of blood in the affected area, making the hair grow healthy.

> Amla oil, prepared by boiling dry pieces of amla in coconut oil, is considered a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth. 

> A mixture of equal quantity of fresh amla juice and lime juice used as a shampoo stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss.

> Lettuce ( salad-ka-patta) is useful in preventing hair loss through deficiencies. A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is said to help the growth of hair if it is drunk to the extent of half a litre a day. 

> Daily application of refined coconut oil mixed with lime juice on the hair, prevents loss of hair and lengthens them. 

> Application of the juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also considered beneficial. 

> Amaranth, known as chaulai-ka-saag in the vernacular, is another valuable remedy. Application of its fresh leaf-juice helps the growth of the hair and keeps them soft.

> Mustard oil, boiled with henna leaves, is useful in healthy growth of hair. About 250 grams of mustard oil should be boiled in tinned basin. 

A little quantity of henna leaves should be gradually put in this oil till about 60 grams of these leaves are thus burnt in the oil. The oil should then be filtered through a cloth and stored well in a bottle. A regular massage of the head with this oil will produce abundant hair.

> Another effective home remedy for loss of hair is the application of coconut milk all over the scalp and massaging it into the hair loss. It will nourish the hair and promote hair growth. 

The coconut milk is prepared by grinding the coconut shavings and squeezing it well.

> Washing the hair with a paste of cooked black gram dal, (urad dal) and fenugreek (methi) lengthens the hair. 

> A fine paste made from pigeon pea or red gram

(arhar dal) can also be applied regularly with beneficial results on bald patches. 

> Regular use of castor oil as hair oil helps the luxuriant growth of the hair.