Overview
Hair loss is becoming a common problem in the majority of people, affecting one-third of the population. A healthy individual loses 100 hair stands each day which is a natural phenomenon. When hair falls excessively from the scalp, it can cause baldness. Hair loss affects the scalp but it may also affect the entire body.
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Factors That Could Be Held Responsible For Triggering Hair Loss Are:
- A family history of hair loss is commonly referred to as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness.
- Hormonal changes due to childbirth, pregnancy, and menopause may cause hair loss. After the age of 35, women experience hormonal imbalance which can cause hair loss. This happens due to excessive dihydrotestosterone (DHT) conversion. Estrogen is the prime female hormone but testosterone and other androgens such as DHEA also occur in the female body. After a certain age, they begin to convert these androgens to DHT.
- Aging slows down the rate at which hair grows. Hair strands get smaller, thinner, finer, and less pigmented.
- The common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia or Genetic hair. The gene can be inherited from either the maternal or paternal side of the family. A person is more likely to have it if both of the parents had hair loss.
- Medical conditions like alopecia areata, thyroid, PCOS, ringworm, and hair-pulling disorder
- Medications to treat cancer, arthritis, heart problems, high blood pressure, and gout.
- The hormones in the birth control pill that suppress ovulation can cause thinning of hair, especially in women with a family history of hair loss. Sometimes hair loss can occur after discontinuing the pill. Other drugs associated with hair loss are blood thinners and medicines for high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, and depression.
- Certain hairstyles that include tying of hair too tight
- Heat styling procedures including permanent straightening, blow-drying, and curling.
- Deficiency of essential nutrients such as iron, copper, zinc, vitamin D, and proteins may cause hair fall.
- Extreme stress and lack of sleep can cause sudden hair loss which could last for several months. Minimize the stress through exercise, meditation, yoga, and massages.
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Tips For Controlling Hair Fall
- Shampoo & Conditioner
It is important to understand the scalp type and choose the right shampoo as well as conditioner. Hair cleansing depends on the nature of the scalp. Over-washing hair with dry scalp can cause hair fall. Not washing oily locks regularly may cause hair fall. Use shampoo which is not loaded with chemicals including sulfate, paraben, and silicone. It can make tresses brittle and prone to breakage. A good conditioner contains amino acids that repair and smoothens damaged hair.
- Diet And Exercise
Feed your hair right nutrients including protein and iron. Yog, exercises, and meditation are effective in reducing hair fall.
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- Chemical Hair Treatments
Undergoing rigorous hair treatments like straightening, perming and coloring is harmful to your tresses. Avoid blow dry and curling on wet hair. It boils the water of the hair shaft and makes them brittle. Keep blow dryer on the lowest heat setting. Apply a fortifying leave-in conditioner and a protective spray.
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- Oiling
Oil massage improves blood circulation and nourishes the roots. Massage your hair once a week with suitable hair oil. Cover it with a shower cap. Wash off with a mild shampoo after 40-50 minutes.
- Styling Products
Chemically laden hair products could prove harmful in the long run. Try natural home remedies.
Natural Remedies To Treat Hair Fall
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.
Ingredients:
- Fresh amla juice (as required)
How to use
- Apply fresh amla juice to your scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with a mild cleanser.
- Follow up with a conditioner.
- Repeat it 1-2 times a week.
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Yogurt
Probiotics have an acidic pH. Yogurt is a rich source of Probiotics. An acidic pH alters hair cuticles, giving shiny locks. It prevents damage that may trigger hair breakage as well as hair loss.
Ingredients
- A bowl of probiotic-rich yogurt
How to use
- Consume a bowl of probiotic yogurt once a day for the best results.
Or
- Mix 2 tbsp of yogurt with 1 tbsp of honey and lemon in a bowl.
- Apply it on the scalp and roots.
- Leave it for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
- Use this paste once a week.
Methi (Fenugreek)
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) possesses hair growth-promoting properties. It not only reduces hair loss significantly but also stimulates new hair growth.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of fenugreek seeds
- Water
How to use
- Soak half a cup of fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
- Grind the seeds and make a paste.
- Apply it as a hair mask.
- Leave it on for 30-50 minutes and rinse it off with water.
- Do this once a week.
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Onion Juice
The topical application of onion juice to the scalp can aid hair growth.
Ingredients
- ½ onion
How to apply
- Blend the onion and strain the mixture to obtain the juice.
- Apply it to the scalp and leave it for 30-50 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
- Do this 1-2 times a week.
Curry Leaves
Curry leaves help in retaining the natural pigmentation of hair while stimulating hair growth.
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Ingredients
- A handful of curry leaves
- ½ cup of coconut oil
How to apply
- Add a handful of curry leaves to half a cup of coconut oil and heat it in a saucepan.
- Once the mixture reduces to a black residue, switch off the stove and allow the oil to cool.
- Strain the oil to remove the leaves from the mixture.
- Apply the oil to your scalp. Leave it on for 30-50 minutes.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
- Follow up with a conditioner.
- Do this once a week.
Beetroot
Beetroot is rich in vitamins C and B6, folate, manganese, betaine, and potassium, all of which are essential for healthy hair growth. It acts as a detoxification agent by keeping the scalp clean.
How to use
- Boil 5 beetroot leaves and grind along with 5-6 henna leaves.
- Apply this paste on your scalp and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Repeat it once a week.
Also Read- Coconut Milk: Benefits, Properties And DIY Home Remedies For Healthy Hair And Skin
Aloe vera
Aloe Vera is an effective home remedy to curb hair loss and to boost hair growth. It reduces scalp problems such as itching and flaking.
How to use
- Take the stalk of Aloe Vera and extract the pulp.
- Apply it to hair and scalp and leave it for 40 minutes.
- Rinse with water.
- Repeat it three to four times a week for better results.
All these remedies can help reduce hair fall and may also reverse it if followed diligently. Remember, these remedies will take time to show results, so patience and consistency are key.