Hair loss and thinning are becoming increasingly common in a majority of people out there. Blame it on the genes or the continuous trauma we have been putting our hair through (styling, coloring, and so much more), hair loss is on the rise. How do you treat this problem from the root? Are medications safe, or should you try out natural alternatives? Keep reading to find out.
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. 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
You Will Need
1-2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Massage virgin coconut oil gently into your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for at least an hour before rinsing it off with a mild cleanser.
- Follow up with a conditioner.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this at least two times a week.
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
You Will Need
Fresh amla juice (as required)
What You Have To Do
- Apply fresh amla juice to your scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off using a mild cleanser.
- Follow up with a conditioner.
How Often You Should Do This
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
You Will Need
A bowl of probiotic-rich yogurt
What You Have To Do
Consume a bowl of probiotic yogurt.
How Often You Should Do This
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
You Will Need
- ½ cup of fenugreek seeds
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Soak half a cup of fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
- Grind the soaked paste and apply it as a hair mask.
- Leave it on for 30-60 minutes and rinse it off with water.
How Often You Should Do This
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
You Will Need
½ onion
What You Have To Do
- Blend the onion and strain the mixture to obtain the juice.
- Apply the juice to your scalp and leave it on for 30-60 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
How Often You Should Do This
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
You Will Need
- 1-2 hibiscus flowers
- 5-6 hibiscus leaves
- Coconut oil (as required)
What You Have To Do
- Blend the hibiscus flowers and leaves.
- Add a little coconut oil to this mixture.
- Apply it to your scalp and spread some to your hair.
- Leave it on for 30-60 minutes.
- Rinse it off with a mild shampoo and condition your hair.
How Often You Should Do This
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
You Will Need
- 1 green tea bag
- 1 cup of hot water
What You Have To Do
- Put a green tea bag in a cup of hot water.
- Steep for 5-10 minutes and strain.
- Allow the solution to cool a bit.
- Drink the tea.
How Often You Should Do This
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
You Will Need
1 egg yolk
What You Have To Do
- Whisk the egg yolk.
- Apply it to your scalp and leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off using a fragrant shampoo and follow up with a conditioner.
How Often You Should Do This
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
You Will Need
- 1 cup of henna leaves
- Water (as required)
What You Have To Do
- Blend the henna leaves with water to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to your scalp and spread the remaining mixture through the length of your hair. Leave it on for an hour.
- Rinse it off with water.
- You may use any organic henna powder if fresh leaves aren’t available.
How Often You Should Do This
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
You Will Need
- A handful of curry leaves
- ½ cup of coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- 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 and spread it through your hair. Leave it on for 30-60 minutes.
- Rinse it off with a mild shampoo.
- Follow up with a conditioner.
How Often You Should Do This
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.
Pantene Advanced Hair Fall Solution Hair Fall Control Shampoo
Pantene Advanced Hair Fall Solution Hair Fall Control Shampoo cares for your hair and provides nourishment from root to tip. It helps reduce hair fall and gives you the freedom to leave your hair open without worrying about breakage.
The Advanced Pro-V formula is enriched with fermented rice water that makes your hair stronger and controls hair fall within 14 days. The shampoo is most effective on hair fall caused by styling damage and breakage. For best results, the shampoo is recommended to be used along with the Pantene Advanced Hair Fall Solution Conditioner and the Pantene Open Hair Miracle Serum.
Pros
- Contains fermented rice water
- Reduces hair fall
- Makes hair stronger
- Works from root to tip
- Shows results in 2 weeks
Cons
- Contains sulfates
How To Prevent Hair Fall
- Avoid tying your hair tight.
- 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.
If you want luscious locks, you need to invest in a good hair care regimen. Treating your hair with care from a young age can help prevent hair loss and thinning that occurs due to damage. If you are experiencing hair loss due to hereditary or other underlying factors, it is best to consult with a doctor and use the remedies and tips listed here to assist ongoing medical treatments.