Home Remedies for Hair Loss

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a common problem among many people. Fortunately, there are many home remedies that can help you make your hair strong and prevent hair loss. Some of them include eating a proper diet, using coconut oil or olive oil, amla or Indian gooseberry, neem, brahmi, alfalfa, amaranth and regular head massages using castor oil. These remedies are simple and can dramatically reduce hair loss.

Having thick and healthy hair is something that each one of us longs for. Hair loss can he covered or hidden by opting for different hair styles, using scarves or hats but it is always a better choice to do something about naturally making your hair strong. Having hair that is healthy from the scalp can be very important as you get older. There are several medications and surgical procedures available that help prevent hair loss, but when given a choice between natural and artificial, a natural solution is almost always the best choice.

Hair loss can be different for different people. It is seen both in men and women as they age. Whatever the underlying reason for your hair loss may be, it can make the hair loss either gradual or sudden. Hair loss can also be either temporary or permanent. An average human sheds 50 to 100 strands of hair a day. With more than 100,000 hairs in the scalp, losing 100 wouldn’t make much difference. However, when this continues to happen or increase over a period of time, it can become a major problem.

Common Causes of Hair Loss

Hormones: The most common factor for baldness among males and females (more percentage in males) are the hormones and the genes that carry them. In many cases, a hormonal imbalance can even cause permanent hair loss. In males, the testosterone hormone triggers the start of hair loss, whereas in females, it can be due to pregnancy, child birth, use of birth control pills or the onset of menopause.

Medical Conditions and Medications: A number of medical conditions like thyroid, or certain skin and scalp infections may cause huge amounts of hair loss. Medications that are used for the treatment of health conditions like cancer, depression, high blood pressure, thyroid, and heart problems can also cause hair loss.

Androgenetic Alopecia: Hereditary factors may also contribute to hair loss in both men and women. In men, the hair loss happens on the scalp and in the case of women, there is a visible thinning over the top and front of the scalp.

Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune disease where the hair follicles are attacked by the immune system. This generally begins in childhood and if someone in your family suffers from this disease, there is a heightened risk of also having the disease.

Cicatricial (scarring) Alopecia: This is a rare condition wherein the hair follicles are destroyed and scar tissues are formed in place of the follicles.

Poor Nutrition: Hair loss that happens due to poor nutrition is often the result of crash diets and eating disorders. A lack of protein and iron in the diet can also lead to hair loss.

Vitamin A: Excessive consumption of vitamin A can also cause hair loss.

Trichotillomania: This is a condition where a person feels irresistible urge to pull out their own hair. The sufferers feel a constant urge to pull hair from the scalp, and other parts of the body.

Other: There are other causes such as menopause, stress, and giving birth which that have also been connected to hair loss.

Home Remedies for Hair Loss

Since there are many reasons for hair loss, there are also many ways to control or stop hair loss. People spend money on various products on the market but they don’t see any solid results. There is nothing better than adopting natural ways to regrow your hair as well as strengthen the follicles.

Here is a list of some home remedies to reduce and prevent hair loss:

Amla: Use of amla or Indian gooseberry, also known as Emblica officinalis in biological terms, is considered to be a great home remedy for enriching hair growth. Amla helps to stimulate hair follicles and improves the texture of hair. Oil extracted from the fruit has been proven to be beneficial for thousands of years. It is an important ingredient in many hair tonics and is known to strengthen the hair, stimulate growth, and reduce hair loss. Indian gooseberry oil, when mixed with rich coconut oil, works wonders in stimulating hair growth. Amla powder, along with lime juice, can be applied to the scalp and washed with amla water. This keeps the hair shining and strong.

Amaranth: Amaranth, also known as amaranthus, belongs to the cosmopolitan genus of herbs. Amaranth is used in the human diet in the form of seeds as well as leaves. It carries high amounts of calcium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamins. The leaves have also been found to have properties that prevent hair loss and avoid premature graying of the hair. The juice from the fresh leaves of amaranth, when applied to the hair, helps to keep hair soft and prevent hair loss.

Coconut Milk: The water from a grated coconut is coconut milk and the oil content that coconut milk contains is very high. Coconut milk is used in Ayurvedaic methods to deal with many conditions. Apply coconut milk to the scalp, leave it for 15-20 minutes after covering with a towel, and then rinse it with cold water; this will help to reduce hair loss. This also makes hair softer. Massaging the scalp with pure coconut milk is beneficial for hair growth. The milk can be applied directly to the hair roots.

Coconut oil: Coconut oil contains lauric acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, which are responsible for maintaining good health and have been proven highly beneficial for hair growth as well. Coconut oil makes the scalp free from dandruff. It is an excellent conditioner for hair and ensures re-growth. Applying coconut oil mixed with lime water and lime juice prevents hair loss and lengthens the hair.

Brahmi: Brahmi, also known as Centella asiatica, has many medicinal properties, one of which is its use in treating hair loss.

Alfalfa: Alfalfa is a medicinal herb whose leaves, sprouts, and herbs are used to treat medical conditions. The juice of alfalfa, along with carrot and lettuce juices, can be consumed on a daily basis. This mixture of juices has been advocated as a very effective remedy for hair loss.

Olive Oil: Olive oil can be applied to the scalp and the ends of the hair tips before going to bed in order to improve the hair strength and prevent hair loss. After the application of olive oil, it can be washed off with baking soda for best results.

Mustard Oil and Henna Leaves Combo: Henna leaves, when boiled using mustard oil, help in the healthy growth of hair and as a treatment for baldness. After boiling both the ingredients together, it should then be filtered using a piece of cloth. This can be stored for future use. Massaging your scalp with this oil every day will yield the best results.

Neem: Neem, also called Azadirachta indica, has many beneficial properties. The flower, seed, leaves, and fruit are used in many Ayurvedic medications. Neem leaves can also be boiled in water. The water should then be strained when cool. Use this water to wash your hair. The oil of the neem leaves also works as an excellent remedy for hair loss. Massaging the scalp with the oil will strengthen the hair roots and reduce hair loss.

Onion: Onions are found to be beneficial for extreme hair loss. Onions can be ground into a paste and then should be applied on the scalp. After a while, a small amount of honey can be applied. This should be washed off later with warm water.

Black Beans and Fenugreek Seeds: Fenugreek seeds should be soaked in water overnight and made into a paste, then applied on the scalp and  left for 40 minutes before being washed off. A paste of cooked black beans mixed with fenugreek seeds when applied on the scalp and hair can lengthen the hair and prevent hair loss.

Spinach and Lettuce: If the hair loss is due to a vitamin deficiency, juice made of spinach and lettuce can be applied to the scalp. Also, drinking lettuce and carrot juice can aid in reducing hair loss.

Castor Oil: Castor oilextracted from the castor seeds (scientific name Ricinus Communis) is known for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. The FDA has recognized castor oil as ‘Safe and effective’. Castor oil is beneficial for overall hair growth and helps in preventing and reducing hair damage. Castor oil should be applied to the hair scalp using the finger tips. Due to the thick consistency of the oil, it is best to avoid getting too much of the oil into the hair. Cover your head for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.

Head Massage: Getting a head massage will help improve blood circulation, which in turn keeps the hair follicles active. Use almond oil or coconut oil for massaging into the scalp. Hot oil massages will remove stress and help you relax.

Herbal Massage: A combination of lime, fenugreek seeds, soap nut pods and curry leaves can be boiled and used to wash your hair. This mixture helps to improve circulation, reduce stress, and give the scalp nourishment for the healthy growth of hair.

Proper Nutrition: Hair loss can also be due to lack of iron and protein in diet. Consume foods such as vegetables, lentils, dairy products, fish, and poultry products that are good sources of iron and protein to reduce and prevent hair loss.

Others: Avoid the use of hair cosmetics, gels, dyes, and blow dryers, as they may cause hair damage and hair breakage. Use loosely fitting hair clips and smooth hair pins to minimize hair breakage. Also, avoid vigorous combing or brushing of hair.

The home remedies and measures mentioned above will help you prevent hair loss. Apart from this, it is equally important for an individual to get proper amounts of rest and have sound sleep, avoid stress, and eat nutritious food. These are some of the best ways to rejuvenate your lost hair and prevent future hair loss!