We all lose hair everyday - this is part of the natural hair growth cycle. Expect to lose hair from the 10% which is in a resting phase. When the hair fall is in excess of the usual limits, people get concerned. These include: Plenty of reasons cause hair loss. Alopecia areata: This is noticeable when one or more spots appear on the scalp. This is the result of dysfunctional immune system when the white cells of the body attacks the hair follicles. Alopecia Totalis occurs when all of the scalp hair is lost. Alopecia Universalis is a rare condition when the entire body hair is lost.

Genetic reasons: This causes 25% men to be affected by male pattern baldness by age 30. Not just genetic, the male hormone testosterone could also play a role. Unhealthy hair is produced or hair production is stopped by Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) generated by the conversion of testosterone. Men not possessing any testosterone would also not have male pattern baldness.

Skin diseases: this could also be responsible for hair loss and it can affect the scalp. Such conditions 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 a temporary event though and soon passes off.

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

Hair loss can be treated when you can stop hair fall and promote re-growth. Some of the natural means for hair loss treatment include:

1. Incorporating Vitamins A, B, C and E is essential for good hair growth. You might ask how these vitamins are going to help. They provide sebum as well as improve blood circulation to the scalp by more oxygen absorption and collagen.

2. Scalp care: Use herbal oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil for regular massaging of the scalp. Some natural therapy like essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood, are known for their efficacy in the treatment of alopecia areata.

3. Beware of scalp abuse: Avoid using harsh chemical shampoos daily and do away with blow drying. Hair and scalp get damaged by chemical treatments such as coloring and straightening. Daily hair wash with hot water depletes hair of natural oil and turn break-prone.

4. Going the herbalk way: Try using powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner. It is also excellent in preventing graying and hair loss. It has a natural low pH. You could then use henna which acts like a natural conditioner.

5. Reduce stress: Take the help of exercises and meditation to reduce stress levels, which is another factor in hair loss. Quit the Cancer Stick: The nicotine blocks the blood passage to the scalp, reducing blood supply to this region. Avoid over exposure to the sun as the UV rays could damage your scalp.