What Is Alopecia?

You wake up to see clumps of hair on your bed. You think it`s a one-off situation but it never stops. Over and over again, you lose large clumps of hair until you actually start to see hairless areas on your scalp. This is alopecia.

Alopecia is a common condition, especially in women. It is important to know what causes it and the available treatment and management options. Let’s find out more about this distressing hair condition. Alopecia is a hair condition that is usually defined by hairless patches appearing on the scalp and other areas of the body. It happens when you lose large clumps of hair regularly. In some cases, you may notice your hair thinning and breaking off above its roots.

In many cases, the hair grows back within a few months after different types of treatments. Sometimes, your hair grows back in one area of the scalp, and it may be thin in texture.

Although this condition is not deadly, it can ruin one’s appearance and self-confidence. In some cases, it can lead to depression and low self-esteem.

In the US, alopecia affects up to 50% of men and 25% of women over age 50. Seeing that alopecia is a common condition, it’s important to examine some of its familiar causes.

5 Causes of Alopecia

Hormonal Imbalance

Excessive secretion of hormones like dihydrotestosterone could cause alopecia in men. Also, low estrogen levels after pregnancy can trigger excessive hair loss.

Infections

Alopecia is also caused by bacterial infections like syphilis and Demodex folliculorum. These infections can damage the hair follicles and lead to excessive loss of hair.

Side Effects of Medication

Oftentimes, medication administered for diabetes, high blood pressure or birth control pills may have alopecia as one of its many side effects. You may want to speak with your physician to recommend another drug for you if this is the case.

Cancer

One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer patients is excessive hair loss. In some cases, it is responsible for up to 90% of hair loss.

Hypothyroidism

This is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to secrete enough hormones. This can lead to chronic hormonal imbalance and ultimately, hair loss. Alopecia can also be genetic.

Types of Alopecia

There are six major types of alopecia. Each of these types is defined by peculiar characteristics. Let’s find out more about them.

Alopecia Areata

This is a condition arising from the malfunctioning of the immune system. In this situation, the immune system attacks and damages the hair follicles. This results in excessive hair loss.

People who have alopecia areata will have one or more bald patch(es) appearing on their scalp. In extreme cases, it can result in a total loss of hair on the scalp. This is known as alopecia totalis.

Alopecia Universalis

This is a condition in which there`s an entire hair loss all over the body, including facial hair and eyebrows.

Alopecia Barbae

This is the loss of hair in a single patch across the beard area.

Androgenetic Alopecia

This refers to the thinning of the hair until it becomes almost transparent. It is usually referred to as male/female baldness.

Cicatricial Alopecias

Also known as scarring alopecias, this type of extreme hair loss is made up of a series of rare conditions that cause permanent hair loss.

Traction Alopecia

Traction Alopecia is a condition that is common in Asian and African women. Protective hairstyles adorned by these women often put too much pressure on the hair shaft and follicles leading to hair loss.

Does alopecia have treatments? Yes it does. Fortunately for all of us, there are several natural remedies for this condition. Let’s discuss seven of them.

7 Natural Remedies for Alopecia

Onion

For centuries, onion has been used for treating a number of conditions. Onion has a number of active ingredients that can help to prevent hair loss. One of these is sulfur which stimulates hair growth by repairing the hair follicles.

For this treatment, you’d need a medium-sized onion bulb, a food processor, and a strainer. First, grind the onion in a paste then strain it to extract the juice. Next, apply the juice over the affected area then leave it in for about 15 minutes. Next, wash off the solution with warm water, then allow your hair to dry naturally. Repeat this process twice a day to restore your hair fully.

Coconut Oil

As far as your hair is concerned, coconut oil can do no wrong. This ointment is rich in vitamin K, Vitamin E, iron and other nutrients that work to stimulate hair growth and repair hair loss.

The coconut oil treatment for alopecia is simple and easy to use. First, warm up two or more tablespoons of natural coconut oil in a microwave. Next, massage it neatly into your scalp, then leave it in for 12 hours. Wash off the mixture from your hair, then leave it to air dry. Do this every day. It’s best to use this treatment in the evening.

Honey

Apparently, honey doesn’t only work for great waffles and french toast. It also works as a great remedy for alopecia. Applying honey on your hair regularly will rid it of any impurities while strengthening your hair follicles. Here’s how to use it.

This treatment needs only ½ cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of buttermilk. First, mix the honey and olive oil together, then warm the mixture up in a microwave. Next, add the buttermilk to the mixture, stir it thoroughly then apply it over your scalp neatly.

Leave the mixture in your hair for 30 minutes then wash it off with organic shampoo. Repeat this every fortnight.

Lemon

Lemon isn’t only for making lemonades, it is also a great remedy for alopecia. Lemon is rich in different vitamins and minerals including vitamin B, vitamin C, and folic acid. These vitamins and minerals work to improve hair growth.

It also helps to balance your body’s pH levels by removing dead hair cells. This treatment works well with aloe vera. Add ½ lemon to 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. First, squeeze the lemon to extract the juice. Mix the extract with your aloe vera gel then rub this mixture all over your hair.

Leave it in your hair for about ½ an hour then rinse it off with cold water and shampoo. Do this thrice a week for the best result.

Aloe Vera

For your hair health, aloe vera is the best solution for you. Aloe vera has a number of skin and hair benefits. It also contains different properties that accelerate hair growth by improving blood circulation to the hair.

Simply apply aloe vera gel on your scalp then massage it into all parts of your hair. After 20 minutes, rinse it off with warm water. Do this once in two days.

Mustard Oil

Just like mustard seeds, mustard oil has healing properties that rejuvenate hair cells because it is rich in omega 3-acids. These acids nourish your hair and prevent hair loss too.

Apply some mustard oil in your hair and leave it all night. Wash it off the following day with cold water and organic shampoo.

Rosemary Leaves

This herb is one of the most effective treatments for alopecia. It contains flavonoids that stimulate blood circulation to the hair follicles and repair damaged hair cells. Rosemary leaves are made up of natural compounds like phenolic diterpenes, carbonic acid, and rosmarinic acid.

For this treatment, you need 4 tablespoons of dried rosemary oil and 4 cups of water. Simply heat the water then add the rosemary leaves to it. Allow it to soak overnight. The next day, rinse your hair with the solution after washing it with organic shampoo. After 5 minutes, rinse your hair with cold water. Repeat this treatment three times a week to strengthen your hair roots and follicles.

Now that you Know…

Alopecia can be quite depressing, especially when it looks like you can do nothing about it. However, there’s no need to keep dealing with excessive hair loss that ruins your appearance and confidence. Use any of these natural homemade remedies and say goodbye to alopecia today!