What is baldness?
Baldness or hair loss in medical terms is called ‘alopecia’. This condition is more common in men compared to women.
What causes baldness?
Baldness may be caused due to the following reasons:
Hormonal changes
Ageing
Illness
Hereditary
Trauma
Burns
What are the different types of baldness?
The type of baldness depends on its causes. The various types of baldness are mentioned below:
Alopecia areata:
This condition is characterized by sudden loss of hair in one particular area, which grows back after several months. However, if all body hair is suddenly lost, re-growth may not occur. The cause of this type of hair loss is not specific.
Female-pattern baldness:
Female-pattern baldness differs completely from male-pattern baldness. Here, the hair generally thins all over the head, but the frontal hairline is maintained. Female-pattern baldness very rarely results in total hair loss.
Male-pattern baldness:
Male-pattern baldness is a hereditary condition usually. The condition may begin at any age. Hair loss often begins on the front, sides and on the crown of the head. Some men develop a bald spot or just a receding hair line, while others may lose their hair completely.
Toxic alopecia:
Toxic alopecia may occur following a severe illness or high fever. Some medications, (Example: Thallium, high doses of vitamin A and retinoids) may cause toxic alopecia. The condition is characterized by temporary hair loss. Cancer and thyroid medications can cause hair loss.
Scarring alopecia:
Scars prevent hair from growing back. Scarring may occur due to any reason like burns, injury or x-ray therapy. Scarring may also occur due to bacterial or fungal skin infections, lichen planus, lupus disease, tuberculosis and skin cancer.
Trichotillomania (hair pulling):
Hair loss may be caused due to Hair pulling, a habit most common among children.
Alternative remedies:
Ayurvedic remedies:
Prepare a mixture of the following:
Brungaraj oil(100ml)
Amalaki oil(100 ml)
Japakusum oil(100ml)
Coconut oil(300ml)
Mix well and make it warm before applying. Then, apply on scalp, at least twice a day.
Aromatherapy:
The following essential oils prove to be helpful in the treating hair loss:
Cedarwood
Lavender
Lemon
Grapefruit
Bay
Rosemary
Jojoba
Chamomile
Take any of the above mentioned essential oil and mix it with a suitable carrier oil. Massage it into the scalp. Wrap hair with plastic. Place a warm towel around it. Leave it for 3 hours or overnight. Apply a mild shampoo and wash your hair well.
Homeopathic remedies:
Kali carbonicum: This remedy is suggested for dry, thinning hair.
Natrum mur: This remedy is recommended, when hair loss is accompanied with dandruff
Fluoric acid: This remedy is suggested for brittle hair that falls out in small tufts, causing heavy hair loss.
Lycopodium: This remedy is suggested for premature balding and graying and for hair loss after childbirth.
Home remedies:
A mixture of Aloe Vera and herbal triphala powder when applied to the scalp, can give notable results in a period of four months.
A hair pack made by mixing Amla (Indian goose berry) and 1 egg, when applied to the scalp regularly can give good results. This pack should be applied and left for ½ hour, then washed out.
Massage almond oil on scalp atleast 2-3 times daily, can stop hair loss and it promotes hair growth.
Vitamin Therapy:
When the diet is inadequate in B-complex vitamins, hair loss occurs. Especially B6, biotin and folic acid and the minerals such as magnesium, sulfur and zinc are important for the maintenance of healthy hair. The Vitamins such as B5 (pantothenic acid) and B3 (niacin) promote hair growth.
Yoga:
The following yoga exercises can prevent hair fall:
Headstand
Downward- Facing Dog posture
Camel pose
Cobra pose
Others:
(The following methods are just included for your information. They are not alternative therapies)
Hair transplant
Strip or flap grafts
Scalp reduction |
