Strong, healthy hair is vibrant and shiny and a good crop of hair can take years off your appearance by making you look younger and fresher. Unfortunately, everyone loses between 40 and 120 strands a day, depending on how much hair you have, your age, your hormones and your hair's growth cycle.

If you notice that your hair is much thinner now and you aren't even 30 yet, it may mean that new hair is not replacing the hair you are losing, which can be a sign that something is wrong, but it's still not a reason to panic. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. The hair loss of this type can affect men, women and children.

Many people suffer from hair loss due to various factors like: Stress, Prolonged illness, Nutritional deficiency, Crash diets that lack sufficient protein, Iron and Vitamins, Hormonal imbalance – thyroid gland problems (either overactive or under active), Chemical and Physical stress to the hair shaft from Hair Coloring, Perming, Permanent straightening or lengthening, Severe emotional Stress, Infection of the scalp – Fungal infections and Medications.

If you've noticed that your hair is getting progressively thinner, ignoring the issue is by far the worst action you can take. While some hair loss problems can resolve themselves, some will simply get worse as time goes on.

When to see your doctor?

  • You are losing hair in an unusual pattern
  • You are losing hair rapidly or at an early age (for example, in your teens or twenties)
  • You have any pain or itching with the hair loss
  • The skin on your scalp under the involved area is red, scaly, or otherwise abnormal
  • You have acne, facial hair, or an abnormal menstrual cycle
  • You are a woman and have male pattern baldness
  • You have bald spots on your beard or eyebrows
  • You have been gaining weight or have muscle weakness, intolerance to cold temperatures, or fatigue

How to Prevent Hair Fall?

  • Stress management and eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins (especially biotin) and minerals (particularly zinc) are, therefore, extremely necessary to arrest hair loss. Just like your skin and body, your hair also needs a balanced diet to stay healthy. By including sources of essential fatty acids in your diet, you can give your hair back its strength and luster. Foods such as tuna, sardines and such oily fish, and nuts, olives and avocados are rich in essential fatty acids. Sprinkling flaxseed and pumpkin seeds over your salad is also another great way to get these Essential fatty acids in your diet.
  • Hair treatments -- perming, straightening and colouring -- are also damaging to your mane and lead to hair fall. Be prepared for at least a 10 percent reduction in hair volume two months after any such  treatment. To minimise damage, do not repeat these treatments too often -- once or twice in a year at the most. Also use appropriate aftercare products.
  • Holding a hair dryer too close to the scalp is another reason for hairfall -- the heat can cause lasting  damage. Use a diffuser attachment on the dryer, holding it at least eight to 10 inches away and never wait till your hair is bone-dry -- always leave a little moisture in. Cold air drying is, in fact, the  best method. Also avoid hot rollers and tongs if you value your locks.
  • Steer clear of tight hairstyles that pull your hair taut. Indian mothers enthusiastically twist their  daughters' hair in tight plaits, thinking this will increase hair length -- it actually only serves to  encourage a receding hairline and balding in the frontal areas of the scalp. So keep your hair looking  neat, but don't pull and manipulate it too hard.

In spite of following these guidelines, if you are still losing too much hair, consult a doctor.