Tired of losing precious strands of hair every day? Hair fall is a common concern, causing fear of early baldness. Addressing hair fall, thinning, and bald patches early is crucial. Home remedies are an effective, safe alternative to chemical products, helping stop hair fall and improving hair quality.
Many people desire long, lustrous hair, but inadequate nourishment and damage can hinder growth. Hair is made of keratin, produced in hair follicles, with new cells pushing out old ones at about six inches per year.
What causes hair loss?
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
1. Pollution:
Exposure to air pollution can cause damage to hair cuticles resulting in the weakening of hair follicles.
2. Genetics:
A family history of hair loss can make you more likely to experience it. The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that happens with ageing. Hereditary conditions like androgenic alopecia, causing male-pattern and female-pattern baldness, are common, leading to gradual hair loss in predictable patterns.
3. Stress:
Emotional stress and stressful physical events like major surgery or chronic illness can cause severe body stress leading to the weakening of hair follicles.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies:
Lack of essential nutrients like selenium, zinc, iron, protein, biotin, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate can cause hair thinning and loss.
5. Medications:
Certain drugs, like those used in chemotherapy, can lead to hair loss. Hair loss can also be a side effect of drugs used for other illnesses, such as cancer, thyroid, depression, heart problems, neurological disorders and high blood pressure.
6. Hormonal Changes:
Hormonal imbalance in pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, thyroid problems, and PCOS, can cause both permanent and temporary hair loss.
7. Poor Hair Care:
Excessive styling, excessive use of hair care products, tight hairstyles, too much blow drying and chemical treatments can damage hair. Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair tight, such as pigtails or cornrows, can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Overuse of shampoos causes drying of hair and scalp resulting in breakage.
8. Ageing:
Natural ageing causes hair to thin and fall out.
9. Scalp Health:
Conditions like dandruff and fungal infections can contribute to hair loss.
Addressing these factors early and opting for natural remedies can help prevent hair loss and improve hair quality.
Symptoms of hair fall
The most visible sign of hair loss is excessive falling and lessening of hair.
Hair loss can manifest in various ways depending on its cause and type. Common symptoms include:
1. Gradual Thinning:
This is the most common form of hair loss that occurs with ageing, affecting the top of the head in men and broadening the parting in women. Women may notice a widening parting or less fullness in their ponytail.
2. Receding Hairline:
It is typical in male-pattern baldness, often visible as a receding hairline or bald spots.
3. Patchy Bald Spots:
Loss of small patches of hair on the scalp or eyebrows, sometimes accompanied by itching or pain.
4. Scaly Patches:
Ringworm or scalp infections can cause red, swollen, scaly patches that may ooze.
Additional symptoms may include burning or stinging before sudden hair loss, intense itching, and tenderness.
Natural Treatment Tips to Help Regrow Your Hair
Embrace natural remedies to boost hair growth and follow these simple tips to promote hair growth and address hair loss:
1. Increase Protein Intake:
Firstly, increasing protein intake is crucial, as the body needs protein to grow new hair. Keratin is a type of protein that is present in the hair strands. A deficiency of this protein can lead to hair loss. Incorporating protein-rich foods into the diet helps bring back lost shine and lustre, improving the volume and quality of hair. Some excellent sources of dietary protein include beans, eggs, dairy, fish, nuts, lean meats, and seeds. It's recommended to consume 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight.
2. Boost Iron Intake:
Boosting iron intake is another important step. Iron is essential for healthy hair growth, and good sources include dates, fenugreek leaves, kidney beans, rice flakes, oysters, pumpkin seeds, spinach, white beans, red meat, and turkey. Those who do not eat meat might require higher iron intake due to lower absorption rates from plant sources. You can include a high-quality iron tablet to fulfil the daily needs of the body like Steadfast Nutrition's Iron tablet if deficient in iron.
3. Massage your Scalp:
Scalp massage is a simple yet effective method to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which encourages hair growth. The increased circulation helps supply nutrients to the hair follicles, improving overall hair health. Use your fingertips in a circular motion or a scalp massage device daily. Regular massaging can improve scalp health and hair thickness over time.
4. Apply Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil, also a hair care oil, is known for its ability to prevent loss of hair protein by binding to hair proteins, decreasing their loss during hair washing and enriching the scalp’s microbiome. Depending on your hair type, you can use it as a leave-in treatment before washing or apply it to both the scalp and hair to keep them healthy. To restore lustre and shine to dry and damaged hair, regular oiling is recommended.
5. Use Rosemary Essential Oil
Essential oils are derived from plants through techniques like distillation or evaporation. While essential oils are most famous for their aromatic capabilities have long been used in alternative, Eastern, and homeopathic medicines because of their efficacy and low risk of side effects. A 2015 study published in the National Library of Medicine established that rosemary oil gave the same results as minoxidil, a popular treatment for hair growth but without the side effect of less scalp itching.
6. Consider Taking Supplements:
Supplements that contain a combination of vitamin C, biotin, and zinc have been found to promote hair growth. For best results, take these supplements twice daily for at least six months. Steadfast Nutrition's CollaStead is also a great supplement to add to your daily routine since it provides collagen that builds hair proteins and strengthens the skin, which supports the roots of the hair.
Fish oil supplements, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can improve hair density and thickness while also reducing inflammation and protecting the scalp from dryness. This can be particularly beneficial for overall hair health. Fish Oil (containing Omega-3 capsules) is one of the easiest ways of getting the desired results of having your daily dose of fish oil. Try Steadfast Nutrition's Fish Oil made from high-quality sources to impart the best benefits to your hair. Consider supplements containing aloe vera, ginseng, iron, collagen, and multivitamins for additional benefits. These supplements are known for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss.
7. Apply Onion Juice:
Using onion juice on the scalp can promote hair growth and improve circulation. Onion is rich in sulphur which is also found in keratin, a major component of hair, promoting collagen production. Onion also prevents hair breakage and thinning and heals the itchy scalp, reducing dandruff. Blend a few onions, squeeze out the juice, and apply it to the scalp for at least 15 minutes before washing it off with shampoo, increasing volume and hair strength.
8. Take Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera is another natural remedy that can soothe the inflamed scalp, condition hair, reduce dandruff, and unblock hair follicles. Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the scalp a few times a week, or use products containing aloe vera to maintain the shine and colour of the hair. You can have the benefits of the natural Aloe Vera supplement with Steadfast Nutrition's Aloe Vera capsules. Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, and E, which promote cell growth and lustrous hair. However, more research is needed to confirm conclusively that aloe vera can prevent hair loss.
9. Other Home Remedies:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances scalp pH and boosts growth.
- Coffee: Detoxifies the scalp and enhances growth.
- Fenugreek seeds: Rich in nutrients promoting growth.
10. Avoid Excessive Heat and Styling:
Avoiding excessive heat and styling is critical for preventing hair damage. Heat treatments can make hair brittle and prone to breakage. Opt for air drying and consider investing in cold air styling tools.
11. Have a Balanced Diet:
Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like protein, iron, vitamins,
omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium and selenium ensure that hair follicles receive the nourishment they need to grow strong and healthy hair. A deficiency in any of these nutrients can lead to hair thinning, hair loss, and slow hair growth. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, and its growth and health depend on the proper intake of essential nutrients. Therefore, for optimal hair health and growth, it is essential to consume a varied and balanced diet that includes a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and protein.
12. Maintain Scalp Health:
Massaging the scalp with regular oiling and washing and cleansing it to promote healthier hair from roots, using gentle hair care products with fewer chemicals. Regular oiling will prevent the scalp from drying up and will lock the moisture.
13. Brush your Hair Regularly:
Regular brushing with a boar bristle brush can stimulate blood circulation in the scalp and promote stronger roots.
14. Regularly Trim your hair
Regular trimming of hair reduces breakage and maintains hair health as it helps in getting rid of split ends. It also affects hair growth, so getting hair trimmed is a better option.
15. Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Sun:
Exposure to the sun’s UV radiation for a prolonged period can cause damage to hair cuticles affecting keratin, which can make the hair dry and brittle.
When to Contact a Doctor About Hair Loss
Hair loss may not directly impact overall physical health, but it can significantly affect psychologically and lower self-esteem. If you are concerned about hair loss, particularly if you are losing hair despite taking supplements or making dietary changes, it is advisable to consult a doctor. A dermatologist may be recommended for further testing and treatment. Key signs that warrant a doctor's visit include:
- Sudden, significant hair loss
- Hair loss from both the scalp and body
- Sudden shedding that results in bald patches
- Experiencing burning or itching on the scalp
Depending on the cause, a healthcare professional may suggest specific treatments, including:
- Specially formulated shampoos
- Supplements
- Prescription medications
- Cosmetic treatments
In some cases, hair transplantation procedures like follicular unit transplant (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) may be recommended.
Conclusion
Hair is a significant aspect of confidence for many people. Preventing hair loss and promoting healthy hair growth can often be achieved with various home remedies along with a nutritious diet. Implementing these remedies can help you achieve healthy, long, shiny, and thick hair.
Typically, it is normal to lose around 100 strands of hair per day. However, if you notice an increase in hair loss, there may be an underlying condition that needs attention. Consulting a doctor can help identify the cause and determine the best treatment.
While there is no instant solution for hair growth, steps such as maintaining a healthy, nutrient-rich diet with adequate protein, using appropriate hair care products, and reducing heat and chemical treatments can boost hair health and growth. If you are concerned about hair loss or struggling with hair growth, consult a doctor to understand the underlying reasons and explore potential treatments.
