We all lose hair everyday - this is part of the natural hair growth cycle. The 10% of our hair which is in a resting phase would fall out every 2 or 3 months with 90% of the hair in a growth phase. When the hair fall is in excess of the usual limits, people get concerned. These include: Alopecia areata: This results in very rapid hair loss and affects both male and female. This is usually caused by a disorder of the immune system when the natural white cells attack hair follicles. When all the scalp hair is lost it is called Alopecia Totalis. Alopecia Universalis is a rare condition when the entire body hair is lost.

Genetic reasons: Called male pattern baldness, this can affect about 25% of men by the time they are 30. Male hormone testosterone could also be another contributing factor. Testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which slows down or stops hair growth and produces weaker, shorter hair. Men not having any testosterone would not suffer from male pattern baldness.

Skin diseases: yet another cause for hair loss which affect the scalp. Some of the skin diseases include dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp fungus such as ringworm and tinea captis.

Sudden illness or fever: after any serious illness or fever, you could experience large chunks of hair falling out. This is generally a temporary phenomenon.

Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging could also be the other reasons for hair loss. There are several other reasons for hair loss other than these main ones.

With the right hair loss treatment, you can stop hair loss as well as promote re-growth. Here are some natural ways you could treat hair loss:

1. One way is to include vitamins A, B, C and E in your diet. This promotes hair growth. What are the roles of these vitamins? They provide sebum, promote blood circulation to the scalp by enhancement of oxygen absorption and collagen.

2. Care for the scalp: It would help a lot if you regularly massage your scalp using herbal oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil. Some conditions of alopecia areata can be effectively treated with essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood.

3. Avoid scalp abuse: Stop daily use of harmful chemical shampoos and blow drying. Hair and scalp get damaged by chemical treatments such as coloring and straightening. Even daily hair wash with hot water can damage the hair and scalp as hair then turns brittle and the natural oils dry up.

4. Use of herbal care: There are some very effective options here. Use powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner. If you are looking for a powerful anti-oxidant which can prevent graying and hair loss, you would get it in amla powder, which is the richest source of natural vitamin C. Shikakai, often called as the Fruit of hair, has a low pH. You could then use henna which acts like a natural conditioner.

5. Change in Lifestyle: Stress, an important contributor to hair loss can be reduced by exercising and meditation. Quit the Cancer Stick: The nicotine blocks the blood passage to the scalp, reducing blood supply to this region. Avoid excessive sun exposure as UV rays can burn and damage the scalp.