Hair loss can affect just the scalp or the entire body. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or medications. Anyone can experience hair loss, but it’s more common in men.

Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from the scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness. Some people prefer to let their hair loss run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss and to restore growth.

SYMPTOMS

Hair loss can appear in many different ways, depending on what’s causing it. It can come on suddenly or gradually and affect just the scalp or the whole body. Some types of hair loss are temporary, and others are permanent. 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HAIR LOSS

Gradual thinning on top of head 

 This is the most common type of hair loss, affecting both men and women as they age. In men, hair often begins to recede from the forehead in a line that resembles the letter M. Women typically retain the hairline on the forehead but have a broadening of the part in their hair.

Circular or patchy bald spots

Some people experience smooth, coin-sized bald spots. This type of hair loss usually affects just the scalp, but it sometimes also occurs in beards or eyebrows. In some cases, your skin may become itchy or painful before the hair falls out.

Sudden loosening of hair

 A physical or emotional shock can cause hair to loosen. Handfuls of hair may come out when combing or washing your hair or even after gentle tugging. This type of hair loss usually causes overall hair thinning and not bald patches.

Full-body hair loss

Some conditions and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can result in the loss of hair all over the body. The hair usually grows back.

Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp. This is a sign of ringworm. It may be accompanied by broken hair, redness, swelling and, at times, oozing.

CAUSES

Family history (heredity)

The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition called male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. It usually occurs gradually with aging and in predictable patterns a receding hairline and bald spots in men and thinning hair in women.

 Hormonal changes and medical conditions

 A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems. Medical conditions include alopecia areata, which causes patchy hair loss, scalp infections such as ringworm and a hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania. 

 Medications and supplements

 Hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout and high blood pressure.

 Radiation therapy to the head

The hair may not grow back the same as it was before.

 A very stressful event

 Many people experience a general thinning of hair several months after a physical or emotional shock. This type of hair loss is temporary.

Certain hairstyles and treatments 

Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair tight, such as pigtails or cornrows, can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hot oil hair treatments and permanents can cause inflammation of hair follicles that leads to hair loss. If scarring occurs, hair loss could be permanent.

Risk factors

• Family history of balding, in either of your parent’s families
• Age
• Significant weight loss
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and lupus
• Stress 

HOMOEOPATHIC  REMEDIES: 

Fluoricum Acidum: It is considered excellent for hair loss, especially alopecia areata, where the patient loses hair from spots on the scalp. It is also adept at dealing with the resulting hair fall after a period of sickness, hair breakage, hair fall caused by syphilis, and hair gets tangled a lot. It is recommended by a lot of Homoeopathic doctors.

Phosphorus: This is made from the potentization of inorganic phosphorus. It is a medicine that is capable of curing a wide array of diseases. While it is popular for treating alopecia, it is also used to heal issues of the gastrointestinal tract, blood, nervous tissue, and bones.

Calcarea Carbonica: It has been found to be one of the best Homoeopathic medicines for hair regrowth. It is often prescribed to patients for whom hair loss is accompanied by intense itching and sweating of the scalp.

Vinca Minor: Vinca Minor is efficient in treating alopecia when it is accompanied by dandruff. It is also used to treat abnormal hair growth i.e. when the hair grows out like white wool.

Lycopodium Clavatum: This is one of the best Homoeopathic medicines for preventing a number of hair-related problems. Lycopodium is a wonderful remedy for hair loss, premature graying of the hair, and even baldness. It is prepared from club moss (fungus), which is potentized for its usage. This homeopathic medicine also tackles premature balding.