We naturally lose 50 to 100 hairs everyday.  New strands should replace them.  When the hair is not replaced, thinning, and eventually balding, results.  The most common type of hair loss is male pattern baldness.  It is thought that the follicles are programmed to stop hair production when there are high levels of male hormones.

Specifically, it is the hormone dehydrotestosterone (DHT) that can shut the hair follicles off.  This is a highly active from of testosterone that some men make more of than others. In other cases, some men have more receptor sites for this hormone on their scalp, which increases the absorption of this hormone by the cells, and thus hair loss as well.  The herb saw palmetto has been proven to slow the conversion of regular testosterone into DHT.  While not a miracle, clinical evidence shows that this herb has made a difference for some.  Dehydrotestosterone has also been linked to the development of prostate cancer.

Women can experience a similar type of hair loss due to hormone changes (i.e.: postpartum and at menopause) but it is usually not as extensive.

There are many factors, other than hormones, that contribute to hair loss.  They include heredity, aging, poor circulation, acute illness, malnutrition, radiation exposure, skin disease, high fever, iron deficiency, diabetes, hypothyroidism, stress, fungal infection and chemical hair dyes.

Conventional treatment of hair loss has become mainstream thanks to commercial and shopping network advertisements.  Rogaine is a topical solution used for male pattern baldness.  It can cause heart changes when used for extended periods of time and the quality of hair it produces is poor.  Finasteride is used for hair loss in young men but was originally designed for prostate cancer.  It does grow hair but results last only as long as the medication is taken.  Topical cortisone or special scalp radiation therapy is also used in some cases of hair loss.

Topical natural treatment for hair loss involves the use of shampoos and conditioners containing biotin, silica, vitamin C, vitamin E and jojoba oil.  Use apple cider vinegar as a rinse to help hair growth.  Scalp massage stimulates circulation and can stimulate hair growth.  Be gentle when drying your hair and avoid using a blow dryer.  Use a pick instead of a brush or comb.  Sunlight, seawater, permanents and hair dyes dry the hair and should be avoided.

Another topical product you might consider is polysorbate 80.  Polysorbate helps to clean out the hair follicle from the build up of dead cells and unhealthy fats called "sebum".  By cleaning the hair follicle with products like polysorbate you can improve the thickness of individual hairs and in some cases slow hair loss.

Most natural treatments for hair loss focus on optimizing the body's levels of the important nutrients it needs to maintain and stimulate the growth of healthy hair, and also on cleansing the scalp to ensure the health of hair follicles.

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants that protect hair follicles from damage.  Drink lots of filtered water each day.  Eat foods that are high in biotin, such as brewers yeast, brown rice, green peas, lentils, oats, soy products, sunflower seeds and walnuts.  Avoid products containing raw eggs because they prevent biotin absorption.

Undertake pleasurable activities and exercise regularly to reduce your stress level.  Ensure that you are getting consistent and adequate sleep.

The following list of supplements can be used for hair loss.  Adult doses are given.  (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS).