Noticing a larger-than-usual clump of hair in a tub drain or on a hairbrush -- early signals that hair loss is underway -- can be alarming for any woman. Females are not supposed to lose their hair.

The first thing to know is that hair loss (the medical term is alopecia) is not just one condition, but several. How to treat it, cure it or learn to live with it will depend on what caused it. The good news is that most female hair loss is temporary and reversible, and even when it isn’t, there’s a lot that can be done about it.

Temporary and reversible causes

Hair can thin or fall out due to hormonal changes following childbirth, going off birth-control pills, severe illness with high fever or surgery. These are temporary conditions, which usually resolve on their own once the body stabilizes.

In the case of other hair-loss triggers -- thyroid abnormalities, a hormonal imbalance, anemia, flare-ups of lupus or diabetes, certain medications (chemotherapy drugs, drugs used to treat heart problems, high blood pressure, arthritis, gout and depression), megadoses of vitamin A, crash diets resulting in rapid weight loss, extreme emotional stress, hairstyles that pull the hair too tightly or some chemicals used in hair straightening or perms -- the problem is reversible as soon as the cause is eliminated. Hair almost always regrows when chemotherapy is completed and when thyroid disease, anemia or other disorders are brought under control. In the same way, when emotional stress is relieved or hair abuse stops, so usually do the hair-loss effects.

Conditions requiring treatment

Androgenetic alopecia. This most common type of hair loss results in hair thinning on the top and sides of the head. The predisposition for it is hereditary. While this condition most commonly occurs after menopause, it may begin as early as puberty.

Alopecia areata. This type of hair loss affects less than two percent of the population and results in either patchy hair loss from the scalp or, more severely, in total loss of hair from the scalp and body. It affects both sexes and most often strikes children and young adults. While its exact cause is unknown, it is thought to be a disorder of the autoimmune process, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles. For reasons that are also unknown, alopecia areata sometimes goes into spontaneous remission and hair grows back.

Cosmetic options

Cover-up products. For women with minor hair loss, such as a widening part of a small sparse area on the crown, there are topical hair-building sprays that bind thousands of tiny hairlike fibers to existing hair to cover thin spots on the scalp. They stay in place until shampooed out and do not smear or stain.

Hair extensions. To add volume to thinning hair, there are many kinds of human or synthetic hairpieces, some woven or braided onto existing hair, others clipped or bonded to the head. Depending on how the hairpiece is attached, it may be removed at night or worn for as long as a month.

Wigs. Women with complete hair loss (temporary or permanent) will find a full selection of natural-looking, lightweight and comfortable-to-wear wigs in a wide range of styles and colors -- made of human hair, synthetic fibers, or a combination of both.

NO COST TIPS ON STOPPING HAIR LOSS

Below are some free tips that you can use to help stop hair loss and keep your existing hair healthy and looking great. Print these out, and keep them handy for reference from time to time. Please don't take these lightly. They are very important and best of all, they are free. The only thing they require is your time and commitment.

Massage your scalp with your fingertips (not your nails) daily to stimulate and promote circulation to your scalp.

When using hair dryers, always keep the heat a good distance from your scalp and hair. Avoid heating the scalp and hair excessively.

Avoid getting hair creams, lotions, styling gels and sprays directly on the scalp as this will clog up your hair follicles. Use a light hold spray if you want.

After swimming in a pool, shampoo your hair as soon as possible to remove any chlorine residue. Chlorine is extremely damaging to the hair and scalp.

Avoid over-exposing your hair and scalp to the wind and sun.

Comb or brush your hair and scalp gently with about 50 - 100 strokes in the morning and at night. This helps break up hardened sebum that is clogging your hair follicles. Doing this alone will help in growing new hair.

Avoid tight hats and caps as they contribute to poor circulation, depriving the hair of proper nutrition. Sweat, dirt and grime around the rim inhibit follicle health and contribute to build-up.

Always consult your health care provider for extreme fallout and thinning. A medical condition or medication could be causing hair loss side effects.

Strive for balance and harmony in both your personal and professional lifestyle. High stress factors can cause our body to react by fluctuating hormone levels. This in turn causes excessive oil secretion (sebum) which results in hair loss.

Pregnancy, nursing, menopause even birth control medication cause constant changing factors on your nutritional needs and hormonal levels which contribute to hair loss and fallout.

Avoid "crash and fad" diets. Proper nutritious meals along with vitamin and mineral supplements is a key factor for healthy hair and skin.

Regular use of the hair oil with light massaging on the scalp is essential.