Alopecia hair loss is a medical term for loss of hair, partial or complete, mostly on the scalp but it is also used to refer to hair loss on any part of the body. Hair growth is in a cycle and at any given point of time 90% of your hair is growing and 10% is in its resting phase. Hair fall is a natural is natural process because the resting hair falls in two to three months’ time. However, hair loss is abnormal in some people due to various reasons and the condition is known as alopecia. Alopecia is different from deliberate removal of hair for aesthetic purposes and is involuntary and worries people. There are different types of alopecia and defined according to the cause and extent of hair loss. Sometimes alopecia is due an irresistible urge to pull out your own hair (trichotillomania) or due to excessively tight hairstyles like ponytails and braids. Alopecia may progress to the extent of baldness (traction alopecia). Traction alopecia may also be due to burns caused to the scalp by caustic solutions to remove curls or heat treatment of hair to change the structure of hair. Alopecia areata is hair loss in patches and alopecia universalis is a medical condition of fast and complete loss of hair on all parts of the body including eyelashes and eye brows. Hair loss may also be due to the aging factor but early hair loss is normally attributed to genetics and may run in families.

There is no known cure for alopecia. However, alopecia treatment is available for promoting hair growth. Most treatment options involve use of corticosteroids that may be applied topically or ingested or injected directly in the affected area. Where alopecia is due to intake of certain medications, changing the medicine may arrest hair loss.

Where alopecia hair loss is due to a medical condition including thyroid disease and bacterial or fungal infection the underlying disease has to treated. Hair growth usually resumes after resolution of the condition. Treatment is also available through various types of surgery, such as hair transplants, scalp reduction, skin grafts or skin lifts.

In many cases coping with alopecia may be a better option than seeking alopecia treatment. A healthy diet that is rich in proteins, whole grains, vegetables rich in vitamins A and B and trace elements like zinc and magnesium are healthy ways of coping with hair loss. You may also try to conceal baldness.

Natural remedies are a better and safer means of treating hair loss. Many herbs like Gingko Biloba promote scalp health by increasing blood circulation. Used along with a healthy and balance diet these are effective remedies for promoting hair growth. Alopecia hair loss may also be prevented with homeopathic remedies that help in increasing circulation in hair follicles.