There are several causes for hair loss.  Certain medicines can cause hair loss. People often find their hair loss slows down when they stop taking the medication. Medications such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines used to treat gout, chemotherapy medications, excessive amount of vitamin A, antidepressants and birth control pills can all cause hair loss.

Certain bodily infections can also cause hair loss, such as fungal infections to the scalp in children. Infections such as these can easily be treated with antifungal medications and the growth soon reoccurs.

Certain diseases such as diabetes or lupus can also cause hair loss. Hair loss is often regarded as a warning sign for disease so it is therefore important to find and treat the cause.

Improper care to the hair can also cause hair loss. Hairstyles such as pigtails or cornrows, tight rollers all pull on the hair causing a condition known as traction alopecia. However, this condition can be prevented if the pulling is stopped prior to the scalp scarring. It is important to note that scarring can cause permanent hair loss. Hot oil treatment and chemicals that are used in permanents (perms) also cause the hair follicle to swell, resulting in scarring and loss of hair.

So, how often should the scalp and head hair be washed?  The answer is not too often.  In average, once weekly in the summer and once every ten days to two weeks in the wintertime is often enough.  However, more frequent washing may be advisable under special circumstances such as dirty work conditions or for treatment of diseases of the scalp.

What should it be washed with?  The answer is ordinary soap in an ordinary way with soft water.  Shampoos are an extravagant way of buying a weak solution of soap, even those touted herbal, hypoallergenic or vitamin enhanced shampoos, are simply scented detergentes with a lathering agent.  Most brands are so concentrated that they actually work better when they are diluted.  Shampooing too often can strip your hair of its natural oil, which may result in brittle and broken strands.

A daily massage on your scalp may help you have your hair grow.  Give your scalp a three-four minute massage each day to increase blood flow to your hair follicles, using your fingertips to rub very gently all over your scalp.  If you are not gentle, you may pull hairs out of your head.