Hair loss has become one of the most common and dreaded problems faced by both men and women alike, more so, as hair plays an important role in a person's appearance throughout life. Beautiful, healthy and nourished hair can instantly enhance a person's attractiveness, especially in women. However, hair loss which is increasingly affecting generations has become a constant cause of worry for a large number of youths.

There are a number of different kinds of hair loss patterns affecting both men and women. The most common of them all is called 'Androgenetic Alopecia'. It is more common in men than in women, and affects men at a much early stage. It occurs gradually, due to male hormones and a hereditary tendency. It results in hair loss throughout the scalp, more on the frontal part.

In women too hair loss occurs genetically, but it is not as much noticeable or fast as in men. And contrary to the male-pattern baldness, the frontal hair in this case is least affected. In their case, the hair starts thinning, but the hair loss is not so much noticeable and starts late. This kind of hair loss is also called Female-pattern Baldness.

Another type of hair loss is called 'Alopecia Areata', in which patches of hair is lost from the scalp.

A third type occurs 2-3 months after pregnancy or due to acute illness or stress. It is called 'Telogen Effluvium'.

Hair loss in men can be attributed to DHT (Di-hydro Testosterone). It is a combination of male hormone, Testosterone, and androgen receptors, along with dirt and sebum. Hair particles which are sensitive to DHT, shrink when contacted with it, and finally shut down completely, causing hair to fall.

Besides these, hair loss in men or women can also occur due to chronic illness such as various deficiency diseases, thyroid problem, etc., or due to scalp infections, or as a reaction to strong medication such as anti-cancer drugs, or even due to excessive hair treatments or styling.

Each hair goes through three different stages during its growth cycle. These include:
- Anagen: It is the growing phase during which the hair bulb lies deep inside the scalp. This phase lasts for about 1000 days.
- Catagen: It is the intermediate stage when the hair bulb rises to the surface, and lasts for about 10 days.
- Telogen: This is the last stage called the Shedding phase, during which the hair bulb sheds. This phase lasts for about 100 days.

In order to maintain healthy looking hair and make them last longer and prevent baldness, it is necessary to take some measures to look after your hair. It is important to eat a balanced diet which contains all the essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fats, in right amounts. Besides, one must take steps to lead a stress-free life. Also, it is necessary to take adequate amounts of calcium in your diet to strengthen your hair.