It is normal for a person to lose up to 125 hair strands a day—it occurs at the end of the hair growth cycle. However, some people lose more hair than is normal. Some causes of excessive hair loss include ageing (androgenetic alopecia), medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, chemotherapy treatment, ringworm or other fungal infections.
Certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, can also contribute to hair thinning and falling, as can hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, emotional stress, pregnancy and mechanical stressors on the scalp, such as tight hairstyles. If you are experiencing hair loss, there are some natural therapies that can help, so try not to worry too much.
Nutrition for Hair Loss
The role of diet in maintaining hair health is paramount. Stick to a healthy diet that provides enough protein, as it contains the amino acids that the body needs in order to build new cells, including new hair cells. There are five amino acids that are particularly important for hair growth – cystine, cysteine, methionine, arginine and lysine. If you do not get enough protein on a regular basis, growing hair will move into the resting phase and shed a few months later. The best sources of protein are lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, soy, nuts, seeds and grains.
Carbohydrates are also necessary as they provide the energy for activity, and help in the growth of tissue, including hair. They are a source of B vitamins, which are essential to healthy hair growth. Eat plenty of unrefined carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, beans and wholegrains. Dietary fats are used in energy production and can come from both animal and plant foods. Try to get healthy fats from plant sources. Essential fatty acids, which can be obtained from fatty fish, nuts, olive oil and a variety of fruits and vegetables, are also beneficial.
Source: StyleCaster
Herbal Remedies for Hair Loss
Several types of herbal remedies can help with natural hair growth and can be used either internally or externally. Some internal hair loss herbal remedies include:
- Ginkgo biloba improves blood circulation to the brain and skin, thus delivering more nutrients to the hair follicles and promoting the regrowth of hair.
- Green tea has natural chemicals called catechins that help to inhibit an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. DHT leads to male pattern baldness.
- He Shou Wu is also known as Fo-Ti and is a Chinese herb that is traditionally used to combat hair loss and greying. It increases blood flow to the scalp and prevents damage to hair follicles.
- Pygeum works in a similar way to green tea in blocking DHT. Taking pygeum as a supplement can help to prevent hair loss and improve hair thickness.
- Saw palmetto is used for males suffering male pattern baldness as it slows down hair loss and reduces the uptake of DHT into the hair follicles.
- Stinging Nettle is thought to block the conversion of testosterone into the more harmful DHT. It contains high levels of iron and vitamin C, both of which are essential for healthy hair. The plant's root is used to make a tea that supports the hair growth cycle. In addition to drinking it, you can massage it into your scalp to stimulate follicle growth.
For external use, the following herbal remedies may be used:
- Aloe vera activates the production of nitric oxide and an enzyme called superoxide dismutase, two substances that may work together to stimulate hair regrowth.
- Onion is high in sulphur, which is believed to be a hair healing mineral.
- Capsicum is a skin irritant that draws blood and nutrients to the scalp and it also encourages histamines to be released, which stimulates cell division and hair regrowth.
- Safflower oil dilates the blood vessels and allows the blood to deliver more nutrients to the hair follicles.
Massage for Hair Loss
Massage is an effective hair loss treatment that improves blood circulation to the scalp and promotes hair growth. Massaging the scalp regularly can help to reduce stress levels, which can lead to hair loss. It also helps to loosen up dirt and sebum that may be clogging the pores on the scalp and leading to hair loss.
To massage your scalp, use your fingertips and massage in a circular motion. Be sure to massage the temples, the top of the head, and the back of the head. You can also use a light massage oil or cream to help improve the effectiveness of the massage. For best results, try to massage your scalp at least once a day.
Essential Oils for Hair Loss
There are a number of essential oils that can help with hair loss. Some of the most effective ones include lavender, rosemary, sandalwood and peppermint oils. All of these oils have been shown to help stimulate hair growth and support healthy hair growth. In addition, they also help to maintain a healthy scalp, which is important for preventing hair loss. You can massage these oils into your scalp to help improve blood circulation and promote hair growth. Alternatively, you can add them to your shampoo or conditioner for best results. Before using a therapeutic oil, make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil.
These are just some of the many natural hair loss remedies that can be used to promote the natural growth of scalp hair. The best way to tackle hair loss is to seek the advice of a healthcare professional who can help you identify the underlying cause and recommend the best treatment options.
Originally published on Jun 15, 2008
