The usual cycle of hair growth lasts for 2 or 3 years in which hair grows about l centimetre every month. At least 90% of our hair grows at any one time and 10% of our hair is at its resting place at any one time and after 3 to 4 months the resting hair falls out and new hair commence to grow in its place. It is natural to shed hair each day since it is part of this cycle. But some people suffer excessive hair loss which may affect men, women and even children.

There are several factors that cause excessive hair loss. It can be after an illness or a major surgery that one experience sudden hair loss. It is due to stress of the illness but it is temporary. Hormonal problems may also cause hair loss. You may experience hair loss if your thyroid gland is over or under active. Both men and women may suffer hair loss if their androgens and estrogens are out of balance and it may be treated by correcting the hormone imbalance.

Usually women after having a baby three months after, experience hair loss which is also related to hormones. When a woman is pregnant, high levels of certain hormones keep the body to keep hair that would usually fall out and when the hormones go back to pre-pregnancy levels, the usual cycle of growth and loss begins again. Taking some medicines can also cause hair loss but when you stop taking the medicine hair loss stop. Some infections may trigger hair loss like fungal infections of the scalp which maybe treated with antifungal medicines.

For a great remedy to help with hair loss, look for a product called Shikakai, which thickens the roots and promotes hair growth.