If you’ve noticed more hair in your brush lately or if your hair is falling out in clumps, you may be experiencing hair loss. While it is normal for anywhere between 50 and 150 hairs to fall out every day, if you start losing more there may be a problem. By the age of 35, 66 percent of men experience some amount of hair loss, with that number increasing to 85 percent by age 50. Women also suffer hair loss as well, usually due to hormones from things like pregnancy, menopause, or birth control pills. There are typically four leading causes of hair loss, including hereditary, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and medications.
Hair loss sufferers often turn to topical hair loss products or even hair replacement surgery to try to regain some of the hair they have lost. However, these conventional treatments can have harsh side effects. Before turning to more drastic measures, it is essential to find the real causes behind your hair loss. There are many natural remedies for hair loss that you can begin today. Both dietary and lifestyle changes will help with hair loss. There are also supplements, oils, and hair masks that are natural products for hair growth that have proven to work as well as conventional topical products.
Nutritional Remedies for Hair Loss
One of the most significant indicators of healthy hair and skin is a balanced, nutritious diet. Making good choices in the foods you eat can help remedy hair loss. Eat a variety of foods every day and choose a high protein diet that boosts your intake of vitamins and minerals. Foods like nuts and seeds are high in fiber and healthy fats that will help hair growth. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is vital for healthy hair growth. Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like wild-caught fish will lower inflammation and create a healthier scalp. Experts also recommend drinking green tea which contains antioxidants that promote hair growth.
There is also a variety of foods that experts recommend avoiding. Foods with unhealthy fats have been proven to increase inflammation and the production of DHT, a male hormone which can cause hair loss. Foods high in sugar can also increase DHT and cause inflammation, which leads to hair loss. Highly processed foods are filled with unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium, making them the enemy for healthy hair growth. Be careful to balance your caffeine intake as well. In small doses, caffeine can actually benefit hair health, but too much caffeine has been shown to cause dehydration and hormone imbalances.
The bottom line is if you want to support healthy hair growth you should look to fill your diet with a variety of foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Avoid fats, sugars, and sodium that can increase the production of DHT and lead to inflammation and hormone imbalance. Making these nutritional choices can help support hair growth and be one of the best natural remedies for hair loss.
Lifestyle Changes for Excessive Hair Loss
There are a few lifestyle changes that are excellent natural remedies for hair loss. Both physical and emotional stress is actually a significant factor in hair loss. Work to reduce stress to help prevent hair loss. Get plenty of sleep, and make sure you leave time for relaxation in your everyday life. Many people also try therapeutic massage to reduce stress and help with circulation.
Be gentle with your hair. Don’t overdo brushing or washing, which can thin out hair. If you’re worried about hair loss, avoid rubber bands, dyes, perms, and hair tools like straighteners or curling wands that can be hard on your hair.
If you already have naturally thin or thinning hair, there are some things you can do to help create the illusion of thicker fuller locks. Keep your hair short, so it does not hang and appear even thinner. Use a side part to draw the eye away from the scalp, where hair is often known to thin. If you are looking to boost volume, try hair volumizing products or hair extensions to make your hair look thicker.
Vitamins as Natural Remedies for Hair Loss
Some supplements contain nutrients that may be helpful for your hair. These added nutrients can support and promote healthy hair growth as well as many other health benefits.
Iron deficiency can cause hair loss. However, you should only take iron supplements if you have been diagnosed with anemia. Taking 100 milligrams of the supplement pygeum twice daily can improve hair growth. Pygeum can help with male hair loss by blocking DHT binding sites and improving prostate health. Both fish oil and aloe vera can help to thicken hair and reduce inflammation naturally.
There are also a variety of B-complex vitamins that are natural remedies for hair loss. In general B vitamins have been known to help with healthy stress management, another leading cause of hair loss. B7 vitamin, also known as biotin, helps naturally thicken hair. B5 can be used to support adrenal glands leading to healthier hair. Zinc deficiency often leads to thin and brittle hair and nails. Use zinc supplements to strengthen hair, boost your immune system, and repair your gut as well.
Essential Oils as a Natural Remedy for Hair Loss
Essential oils are known for their restorative and healing qualities, and aiding in hair loss is no exception. There are several essential oils available that make for great natural remedies for hair loss. Rosemary oil is one of the most popular essential oils for stimulating hair growth. Research published in 2015 shows that rosemary increases cellular metabolism, working as well as a conventional topical hair loss treatment known as minoxidil.
Jojoba oil can moisturize hair follicles in the scalp so that new hair grows in healthy and strong. Simply massage jojoba oil into the scalp, leaving it on the roots of your hair for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse out using your usual shampoo and conditioner without any greasy residue left behind. Spikenard oil is also known for promoting hair growth and slowing down the graying process. Research done shows that spikenard extract has the potential to speed up the hair growth process.
A combination of peppermint, rosemary, and sage oil mixed with one tablespoon of olive or coconut oil creates a great mixture to massage into the scalp. Apply this blend of oils to the scalp and hairline 1-2 times daily to increase scalp circulation and stimulate new hair growth. Another oil known to strengthen dried hair follicles and fight dandruff is safflower oil. It can nourish your scalp, deeply penetrating follicles and enhancing hair cells from within.
Try Some Natural Masks & Rises for Hair Loss
There are lots of products around the house that can make great natural remedies for hair loss. Applying these products as a mask or rinse can nourish and strengthen hair.
Coconut milk makes a great hair mask because it is rich in vitamins that moisturize your hair, leaving it stronger and healthier. Reverse dryness in the roots of your hair by massaging coconut milk into your hair, cover with a towel, and leave it for at least 20 minutes. Once the coconut milk has thoroughly soaked into your scalp, rinse it away with cold water.
Create a Greek yogurt mask with 2 tablespoons of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey, and the juice of 1 lemon. Mix the ingredients to make a paste and apply to the roots of your hair. Leave the yogurt mask on for 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly in cold water. Full of vitamins and probiotics, Greek yogurt and honey make a great mask that is extremely beneficial for your hair.
Surprisingly, onion juice is another way to help regrow hair naturally. A study done found that the sulfur content in onions helps increase blood circulation, they promote collagen growth, and help fight scalp infections. Create a mask for your hair by grating an onion for its juice and adding 1-2 teaspoons of honey. If you want to reduce the harsh smell of the onions, add rose water to the mixture. Work the blend into your scalp and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Rinse using shampoo. You can apply this mixture to your hair once a week to encourage hair growth.
Using egg whites, create a hair mask that will enrich your hair with essential nutrients for hair health. Mix egg whites with a teaspoon of olive oil until they make a paste. Apply to your hair and leave the mixture on for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with water and shampoo, repeating twice a week as necessary. The high protein in eggs boosts the keratin protein that hair is made of.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to strengthen your hair, trying these natural remedies for hair loss can be both safe and effective. Expensive treatments and chemicals aren’t necessary to promote healthy hair. Experiment with these natural tips and tricks today and watch as your hair becomes thicker and healthier.
