Hair loss has become a common concern, whether due to genetics or the constant stress we have been subjecting our hair to (dyeing, styling, heat treating, etc.). But how do you get to the root of the problem? Is it safe to take supplements or chemical treatments, or should you try natural alternatives? Continue reading to learn more.
What Causes Hair Fall?
When your hair falls excessively from your scalp, it can cause baldness. While hair loss mainly affects the scalp in many people, it may also affect the entire body for a few people. Factors that could be held responsible for triggering hair loss are:
A family history of hair loss that is commonly referred to as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness Hormonal changes due to childbirth, pregnancy, thyroid problems, and menopause Medical conditions like alopecia areata, ringworm, and hair pulling disorder Medications used to treat cancer, arthritis, heart problems, high blood pressure, and gout Radiation therapy Certain hairstyles that include tying your hair too tight Heat styling that includes permanent straightening, blow drying, and curling Lack of proper nutrition
Some factors may also increase your risk of losing hair. They are:
Advancing age High levels of stress Significant weight loss Conditions like diabetes and lupus
Those affected by hair loss usually show one or more of the following signs and symptoms.
Signs And Symptoms
The symptoms of hair loss may include:
Gradual thinning of hair on top of the head Circular or patchy bald spots Loosening of hair Hair loss in the entire body Scaly patches on the scalp
These symptoms may vary from one individual to another, depending on the underlying cause. It is best to see your doctor immediately if you notice any of the above symptoms.
How To Test Hair Fall
Your doctor may suggest one or more of the following tests to find out the cause of your condition:
Blood test Pull test that includes pulling several strands of your hair by the doctor to determine the stage of the shedding process. Scalp biopsy, where the sample from your scalp or hair plucked from the scalp is tested. Light microscopy to examine hairs that are trimmed at their bases.
Once the cause of your hair loss is determined, you can discuss the treatment options with your doctor.
What Are The Available Treatments For Hair Loss?
Treatment for hair loss may include:
Medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) that is approved for both men and women, finasteride (Propecia) for men, and other drugs like spironolactone and oral contraceptives for women. Hair transplant surgery or restoration surgery that includes taking skin patches with multiple hair follicles and implanting them onto bald patches. Laser therapy to improve hair density.
While these treatments may help you deal with hair loss, there is a high chance of recurrence if the cause is hereditary. Also, most of the medications used to treat hair loss come with side effects like reduced libido, scalp irritation, and an increased risk of prostate cancer in men. The other treatment methods like hair transplant surgery and laser therapy may be heavy on your pocket and may have side effects like scarring. Hence, instead of investing your time and money in such treatments, if you have mild hair fall, it is better to opt for natural alternatives that are completely safe for your scalp and skin. Listed below are some excellent home remedies that are proven to help with hair fall.
11 Home Remedies To Control Hair Fall
1. Vitamins
Deficiencies in vitamins H, D, and E are associated with hair loss. Restoring such deficiencies by supplementing these vitamins may help restore hair growth (1). However, remember that over supplementation of these vitamins, as well as vitamin A, can cause severe side effects like alopecia.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can penetrate deep into your hair shafts and prevent protein loss. This helps reduce hair damage and breakage often caused by physical trauma like styling and use of harsh products (2). 1-2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil You may do this at least two times a week. Read: How to stop Hair Fall
3. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla (Emblica officinalis) possesses hair growth promoting activity. It has a proliferative effect on the dermal papilla cells in the hair follicles (3). Fresh amla juice (as required) You may do this 1-2 times a week.
4. Yogurt
Yogurt is a rich source of probiotics, which are known to lead to an acidic pH. An acidic pH can alter your hair cuticles, giving you a shinier mane and preventing damage that may trigger hair breakage and loss (4). A bowl of probiotic-rich yogurt Consume a bowl of probiotic yogurt. You can consume this once daily for best results.
5. Methi (Fenugreek)
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) possesses hair growth promoting properties. It not only reduces hair loss significantly but also stimulates new hair growth (5).
½ cup of fenugreek seeds Water
You may do this once a week.
6. Onion Juice
According to a study published in the Journal of Dermatology, the topical application of crude onion juice to the scalp can aid hair regrowth, especially in cases of alopecia areata (6). ½ onion You may do this 1-2 times a week.
7. Chinese Hibiscus
The leaves and flowers of Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) show hair growth promoting activities and can be used to deal with hair loss (7).
1-2 hibiscus flowers 5-6 hibiscus leaves Coconut oil (as required)
You may do this once a week.
8. Green Tea
Green tea contains a polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG stimulates the growth of the dermal papilla cells of the scalp and can help in the prevention as well as treatment of androgenetic alopecia (8).
1 green tea bag 1 cup of hot water
You may drink this 1-2 times daily.
9. Egg Yolk Mask
The water-soluble peptides in egg yolk possess hair growth stimulating properties that may be useful to treat hair loss (9). 1 egg yolk You may do this once a week.
10. Henna
Henna can help with hair regrowth when applied topically. It works almost as well as minoxidil (a drug used to treat hair loss) in treating hair fall caused by telogen effluvium (10).
1 cup of henna leaves Water (as required)
You may do this once in a week.
11. Curry Leaves
Curry leaves help in retaining the natural pigmentation of your hair while also stimulating hair growth (11).
A handful of curry leaves ½ cup of coconut oil
You may do this once every week. All these remedies can help reduce hair fall and may also reverse it if you follow them diligently. Remember, these remedies will take time to show results, so patience and consistency are key. In addition to the above remedies, here are some tips that may help prevent hair fall and damage.
How To Prevent Hair Fall
Avoid tying your hair tight. Shutterstock Do not twist, rub, or pull your hair. Handle your hair gently while combing and washing. Avoid using harsh treatments on your hair like curling irons, hot oil treatments, or hot rollers. Stop taking medications or supplements that could be contributing to hair fall. Protect your hair from the damaging sun rays by using hats and scarves when you step out. Quit smoking. Ask your doctor for a cooling cap if you are undergoing chemotherapy.
Does cutting hair short reduce hair fall? Check out the below infographic to learn more tips to help control hair fall. No, cutting your hair short will not reduce hair fall. Your hair feels thicker right after a haircut as it is thicker at the base. Does having long hair make your hair fall out? No, having long hair does not cause it to fall out unless you are always pulling and tugging at your hair. How can I stop my hair from falling out due to medications? If you notice that a certain medication is causing your hair to fall out more, stop taking it immediately and discuss the possible alternatives with your doctor. What should we eat to stop hair fall? Fatty fish rich in omega-3 like salmon, mackerel, and herring can help promote hair growth (12). Citric fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and berries can also help with hair fall due to their high vitamin C content (13). Why does hair fall in winter? Your hair falls more during winters because the air is dry. The dry climate tends to suck out all the moisture from your scalp. A dry scalp causes your hair to become dry as well, thus increasing the chances of hair breakage and hair fall. The heating system installed inside homes during winters can further aggravate the damage done to your hair, thus causing it to fall more. Is milk good for the hair? Yes. Milk is packed with proteins and vitamins that help support healthy, thick hair (14). Does flaxseed reduce hair fall? Possibly. Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins that may promote hair growth (15), (16). Is eating rice good for hair? There is a lack of scientific evidence that suggests eating rice boosts hair health or growth.
