Every hair growth cycle would involve this. The balance 90% is in a phase that is growing. Hair loss tends to get noticed when the loss is beyond the usual limit. These include: Why does hair loss take place? Alopecia areata: Affecting both men and women, the loss is rapid. The cause is usually some immunity disorder where the white cells attack the hair follicles. Alopecia Totalis is another reason for hair loss where all the scalp hair has fallen. Infrequently a condition called alopecia universalis occurs where hair is lost from the entire body.

Genetic reasons: Called male pattern baldness, this can affect about 25% of men by the time they are 30. Though the reason is genetic another contributing factor is testosterone the male hormone. Testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which slows down or stops hair growth and produces weaker, shorter hair. Men without testosterone would never have male pattern baldness.

Skin diseases: this is a common reason for hair loss and it could affect the scalp too. The particular skin conditions which cause hair loss include: dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp fungus such as ringworm and tinea captis.

Sudden illness or fever: this could also cause massive hair loss. This is generally a temporary condition however.

Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging could also be the other reasons for hair loss. These are the main reasons for losing hair but there are others.

Hair loss can be treated when you can stop hair fall and promote re-growth. Here are some natural ways you could treat hair loss:

1. Have plenty of vitamins A, B, C and E. These promote new hair growth. There are several ways these vitamins work to promote hair growth: they provide sebum and promote blood circulation to the scalp by increasing oxygen absorption and collagen.

2. Caring for your scalp: If you regularly massage your scalp with herbal oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil you would be greatly benefited. Some conditions of alopecia areata can be effectively treated with essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood.

3. Avoid scalp abuse: Avoid daily use of chemical shampoos and blow drying. Chemical processes like coloring as well as straightening can damage your hair and scalp. Even a daily hair wash with hot water can damage hair as well as the scalp with the drying up of natural oils and hair breaking easily.

4. Herbal therapy: Powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner can be effective therapy options. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant. Shikakai, often called as the Fruit for hair can make an excellent shampoo with its natural low pH. After this use henna as a natural conditioner.

5. Reduce stress: Take the help of exercises and meditation to reduce stress levels, which is another factor in hair loss. Smoking is bad for the scalp: This is because the nicotine from cigarettes restricts blood flow to the scalp by constricting the relevant blood vessels. To avoid sunburn and damage to the scalp caused by UV rays, avoid sun exposure.