Hair loss can be distressing—a cosmetic concern for some people. Losing hair in midlife is something not only men worry about but also impacts women differently, especially their mental well-being and self-esteem. Let’s understand what are the ways and home remedies to control hair fall and growth.
However, hair loss is inevitable due to age. As we get older, our hair may begin to lose volume and thickness. In some cases, some shedding is temporary and linked with changes in diet, certain treatments, nutrient deficiencies, hereditary hair loss, or lifestyle changes. Other losses may be more permanent and don’t stop until an underlying condition is treated.
Home Remedies to Control Hair Fall TOC
Understanding Hair Loss
Everyone has a different thickness of hair and different amount of hair thinning is normal for everyone. The hair on the head goes through a life cycle of growth, resting, and shedding. We all are prone to lose hair on our heads, but it’s more common in the male population.
Most people have more than 100,000 strands of hair on their heads. It’s common for average people to lose around 50-100 strands of hair per day. Usually, a strand of hair grows for two to six years before it sheds.
However, if you experience more sudden loss, loss in patches, or overall thinning, one must consult a doctor.
Symptoms of Hair Loss
Hair loss can take several different patterns. Signs and symptoms of hair loss may include:
- Gradual thinning on top of the head (the most common type of hair loss as people age)
- Circular or patchy baldness (on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows)
- Sudden loosening or coming out in handfuls (when combing or washing your hair or even after gentle tugging but is temporary)
- Full-body hair loss (from loss of hair all over your body from cancer chemotherapy)
- Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp (a sign of ringworm)
Causes for Hair Loss
Many people lose hair on just their scalp, but some people also lose hair on their face or other parts of their bodies—temporary or permanent.
Following are the key causes of hair loss:
- Aging
- Genetics (family history)
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Hormonal changes (pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, thyroid)
- Hair trauma (tight hairstyles, hair treatment especially with heat)
- Medical conditions (thyroid problems, major infections, insect bites, scalp infection)
- Nutrient deficiencies (low iron, low vitamin D, low Zinc, low selenium, low protein)
- Sudden weight loss
- Chemical allergies (bleaching, hair color)
- Severe stress (physical or emotional)
- Excessive smoking
- Side effects of medication (birth control, depression, gout, heart issues)
- Skin conditions (psoriasis, folliculitis)
Home remedies to control hair fall
To know what are the most effective home remedies for hair fall control and growth, we must know the underlying cause of hair fall first.
The following home remedies may encourage new hair growth, make the hair strands stronger and healthier and reduce breakage and hair loss. Though there is no way to change the texture of the hair follicles.
- Eat a nutritious diet and hair-healthy foods that contain healthy fats, more protein and iron, and a range of vitamins that can help thicken thinning hair. Examples include fatty fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, yogurt, lean meat, fruits, leafy greens, types of beans, etc.
- Take multivitamin supplements (vitamin A, B, C, D, iron, selenium, zinc) or eat foods that naturally contain such nutrients as fish, nuts and seeds, broccoli, liver, mushrooms, etc.
- Take regular scalp massages with herbal oils or warm plain oil (coconut, olive, sesame, peppermint, pumpkin) to promote blood flow and help nourish the hair follicles, as well as the scalp. It slows down hair loss and deeply moisturizes the hair you already have.
- Use essential oils (lavender, rosemary, peppermint) with a carrier oil (almond, coconut, jojoba) to boost hair growth. It is a promising treatment for a receding hairline.
- Switch to a mild shampoo to stimulate the hair follicles. Some shampoos contain chemicals that strip sebum (oil) from the scalp and can be harsher on the hair.
- Applying onion juice or eggs or green tea regularly to the scalp may have a positive effect on hair loss and help hair regrowth.
- Give up smoking as some of the toxins in cigarettes can damage hair follicles and create a hormonal imbalance.
- Appy orange puree contains vitamins and nutrients on the scalp that may improve the hair’s natural sheen and make it appear thicker.
- Rub aloe vera gel directly into the hair and scalp that may help strengthen the hair and thicken it over time
- Put scalp or hair mask to seal the nutrients in the strands and to treat undernourished areas by directly delivering nutrients where it’s needed most.
- Apply herbs (henna leaves, hibiscus, amla, tulsi, neem, rose petals, ginseng) containing certain phytochemicals that may promote hair growth on the scalp.
Prevention of Hair Loss
No matter the cause of hair loss, it’s important to adopt an appropriate hair care routine to reduce breakage and help the hair you still have to remain full and healthy.
Following are the ways to prevent hair loss and encourage hair growth:
- Eat a nutritious diet
- Control high-stress levels
- Avoid very tight hairstyles (pony tales, hair bun)
- Avoid hair accessories that can cause hair breakage (hairpins, clips, and rubber bands)
- Avoid hot styling products that can damage and break the hair (blow-dryers, straightening irons, curling irons)
- Wrap hair in a microfiber towel before blow-drying.
- Avoid excess shampooing or hair brushing hair.
- Use a gentle shampoo that does not remove moisture.
- Use a moisturizing conditioner to reduce breakage and split ends.
- Experiment with different conditioners and other safer hair products to help keep the hair moisturized.
- Try sleeping in a satin cap or with a satin pillowcase, to avoid hair breakage at night.
- Limit the use of bleach, relaxers, and hair dyes.
- Limit hair washing to 3 times a week or less.
- Avoid hair brushing when hair is wet.
The Bottom Line
Hair loss is a concern for some people, particularly from pattern baldness. It can develop differently, depending on a person’s sex.
As a person gets older, like the rest of the body tissues, the hair also loses strength and volume. In many cases, people can improve the strength of overall health by using easy home remedies. However, while homemade hair loss remedies can work, it is important to know the reason why you are losing your hair before beginning any home treatments. Consult a doctor if you notice a sudden and significant hair loss, as this may be a sign of an underlying condition.
Hair loss can easily affect your self-esteem, appearance, and confidence. You may at times feel powerless and clueless over your own body, but the truth is there’s a lot you can do to slow down or even reverse your hair loss.
Using some home remedies for hair fall control and growth and also, taking good care of the hair may help boost hair health, growth, thickness, and strength.
Don’t delay medical care. Get help today!