Baldness can be one of the most embarrassing situations to endure. Hair loss is not just physical. It takes an emotional toll as well. It is a difficult experience for anyone; man, woman or child. For many of us our hair is the ultimate accessory so when faced with thinning hair and bald spots it can be quite discouraging.

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. The cause of hair loss varies from genetics to hair care routines. If someone in your family has alopecia you are at a higher risk to develop it. While we cannot change who we are related to we can control other factors that contribute to hair loss. Several autoimmune diseases such as Thyroid Disease and Diabetes may affect hair loss. Seasonal allergies are a culprit too. If you are experiencing hair loss and unsure why take some time to study the side effects of medicines you are prescribed to take. Examine your lifestyle-do you have a healthy diet? Do you get enough sleep? Are you stressed? All of these factors are linked to alopecia but a definitive cause is unknown.

Alopecia Universalis is the total loss of hair including eyelashes and eyebrows. This is the most severe type but also very rare. Traction alopecia is probably the most common type of hair loss. It can occur from excessive and tight pulling (i.e. ponytails, cornrows) or too often. Certain products contribute to hair loss also. Avoid products that dry out your hair or on the other extreme are very heavy and clog the pores in your scalp. Traction Alopecia while the most common is also the easiest condition to prevent. It can be easily corrected once identified.

I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata or spot baldness several years ago. When I first noticed a thin spot in the middle of my head I immediately assumed it was the type of relaxer I was using so I switched products. My hair still didn't begin to grow back so I figured it was due to relaxing my hair too often so I tried to wait longer in between relaxers. Again, no real progress so I decided to just deal with it and wear styles that covered the thin area. I happened upon a stylist who could do wonders with short hair so I kept my hair short to disguise the growing baldness. Eventually, my hair began to come out in different areas...it was no longer just in the mid section of my head and became harder to hide. I asked a friend to take the clippers to it and shave it close (my first big chop was not by choice!) Once my hair was cut close the thinning areas became more prevalent. I had several quarter sized spots all over my head. Finally, I decided to see a dermatologist. My choices for treatment included a steroid injection into my scalp or a topical cream and medicated shampoo. I chose the latter. Since my hair was so short I decided to use a texturizer, still not believing I could live without chemically treated hair. Unfortunately, the shampoo stripped my hair of all the chemicals! I wasn't ready to go natural yet so I stopped using the shampoo and continued to struggle with thinning areas in my hair.

Two years ago I made the decision to go natural. Since then I have not had major issues with alopecia. I still have an area of hair that does not grow as fast as the rest; however, I no longer have any bald spots. My hair is the healthiest it has ever been. Very recently I began to try natural recipes instead of commercial products to wash, condition and moisturize my hair. Within weeks I could see a visible difference.

One piece of advice to anyone experiencing hair loss is to educate yourself but be careful not to self diagnose. Simply changing hair care habits may not be enough When one product doesn't work we are quick to find another in our search to find that miracle conditioner or moisturizer that will bring our hair back. We may even exchange one harsh treatment to our hair for another. It may be necessary to visit a doctor. If hair loss problems are ignored or untreated it could lead to scarring that may cause permanent damage and prevent re-growth. Anyone experiencing hair loss should take action quickly. Don't allow a bout with alopecia to keep you from a healthy scalp and a head full of hair. Be encouraged.