Hair loss has become a growing concern, with approximately 80 million men and women in the United States suffering from alopecia. It can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem, as statistics reveal that 90% of people experiencing balding are not happy with their physical appearance.
Most treatment options available on the market are either too expensive or have too many side effects, often leaving patients unsatisfied. In this article, we will cover the best hair loss remedies, from herbal oils and lifestyle modifications to over-the-counter treatments. These treatment options are safe, easy to use, and effective.
Understanding Hair Loss
If you are wondering how to treat hair loss, you need to first understand the type of condition you are suffering from, and what is causing it.
Types of Hair Loss
Here’s an overview of the 3 most common types of hair loss:
- Androgenic Alopecia: Also known as male or female pattern baldness, this type of hair loss is hereditary. It is the most common kind, affecting around 50% of people. Pattern baldness is progressive, characterized by thinning of the hair around the temple or scalp.
- Alopecia Areata: This autoimmune condition causes your immune system to attack your hair follicles, leading to bald patches on the scalp.
- Telogen Effluvium: This type of hair loss is sudden and temporary, caused due to stress, physical illnesses, or hormonal changes. It can also be caused by allergic reactions to medications such as anticoagulants, oral retinoids, or beta-blockers.
Common Causes Behind Hair Loss
Depending upon the cause, hair loss might be curable, so it is important to get it diagnosed. Here are some common triggers contributing to hair loss:
- Age: Cell regeneration slows down as you age. Your scalp also produces less oil, leading to weaker hair.
- Hormonal Changes: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) lead to higher androgen levels in the scalp, a hormone responsible for female pattern baldness.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Low levels of essential nutrients such as Zinc, Iron, Vitamin D, and Biotin can cause hair loss.
- Infections: Fungal and bacterial infections can cause itching and redness around the scalp, leading to hair loss.
- Hairstyling: Some hairstyling practices cause hair follicles to die, leading to hair loss. These include chemical treatments, heating rods, and tight hairstyles.
Best Nutritional Hair Loss Remedies
The best remedies for thinning hair start with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Here are some essential nutrients you should include in your diet plan.
Biotin
Biotin is an essential B vitamin that helps with hair loss by increasing keratin production. It also prevents shedding and breakage by nourishing the scalp. In a research study, 5 mg of daily biotin intake was successful in treating alopecia.
It is found in foods such as egg yolks, nuts, legumes, spinach, and cheese. Biotin supplements are also readily available in the market in the form of pills and syrups.
Zinc
A zinc-rich diet can help prevent male hair loss naturally. Studies have shown that zinc deficiency can lead to male pattern baldness. Optimum levels of zinc can inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone responsible for hair loss in men.
This essential mineral promotes keratin production and cellular growth, leading to healthy hair follicles. Here are some food sources with high zinc contents:
- Oysters
- Beef
- Blue crab
- Breakfast cereals
- Pumpkin seeds.
Iron
Some studies suggest that alopecia may be linked to iron deficiency, as it leads to lower hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin contributes to healthy hair by promoting cell regrowth. Without enough iron, hair follicles enter the telogen (resting) stage prematurely, leading to hair thinning and breakage.
An iron-rich diet, including foods such as chicken, broccoli, tofu, spinach, and oysters can treat hair loss linked to iron deficiency.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s nourish hair follicles and promote hair growth. They also work as a natural remedy for male pattern baldness by inhibiting DHT levels in the scalp.
According to the European Food Safety Authority, you can up to 5,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. Here are some food sources you should take:
- Mackerel (4,580 mg per serving)
- Salmon (2,150 mg per serving)
- Cod liver oil (2,438 mg per serving)
- Herring (2,150 mg per serving)
- Oysters (329 mg per serving)
Folic Acid
Folate found in Folic Acid promotes keratin production, a protein that makes up the natural structure of hair. Folic Acid deficiency can lead to hair thinning and balding. This essential B vitamin helps with blood circulation and cell turnover, helping with healthy hair and even premature graying.
The Center for Disease Control recommends you take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily to help with hair follicle stimulation.
Good sources of folic acid include:
- Dark green leafy vegetables (turnip greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli)
- Beans
- Peanuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Fresh fruits, fruit juices
- Whole grains
- Liver
- Eggs
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How to Treat Hair Loss with Lifestyle Changes
If you are experiencing unusual hair loss, you should take a closer look into your lifestyle, as daily habits have a huge impact on hair health. Here are some lifestyle tips to keep in mind.
Stress
Stress-induced hair loss can lead to brittle hair that breaks easily. In a study where mice were exposed to moderate stress, increased corticosterone levels were recorded, leading to reduced hair growth. Chronic stress also signals the body’s immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Here are some stress-management remedies for hair falling out:
- Yoga: Poses such as Sarvangasana, Sirsasana, and Vajrasana promote hair growth by improving blood circulation around the follicles. Yoga leads to reduced stress levels and healthier hair.
- Box Breathing: This breathing exercise works by normalizing your heart rate after a traumatic experience. It relaxes your nervous system and reduces stress levels.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation: PRM reduces cortisol levels, which is a hormone linked to stress-related hair loss.
Sleep
Not getting enough sleep weakens the hair follicles, making hair appear dull and dry. It also leads to the secretion of a stress hormone called cortisone, which worsens hair loss. A Korean study concluded that those with sleeping disorders have a higher risk of suffering from alopecia areata.
Here are some tips to improve your sleeping habits:
- Make sure your room is clean, dark, and quiet.
- Form a consistent routine; make sure you are going to sleep and waking up at the same time every night.
- Avoid taking meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
- Don’t use electronic devices right before you sleep.
Exercise
Here’s how regular physical activity can contribute to healthy hair growth.
- Increased Blood Flow: Physical activity stimulates blood circulation around the scalp. This leads to better absorption of nutrients and oxygen.
- Releasing Natural Oils: Sweating during exercise promotes the production of natural oils which are essential to nourish the scalp.
- Boosting Hormones: When we exercise, our bodies produce endorphins, ‘feel-good’ hormones which reduce the negative effects of stress on our bodies, including our hair.
You can include exercises such as swimming, jogging, and cycling to ensure improved blood circulation and reduced stress levels.
Best Advanced Hair Loss Remedies
When natural remedies fail, medical and surgical procedures might be the best remedies for thinning hair. Here are some advanced treatment options you can explore.
Finasteride
Finasteride belongs to a group of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It works by inhibiting DHT levels in the scalp, a hormone responsible for male pattern baldness. A 2021 study revealed that 1 mg/day of Finasteride significantly increased total hair count in male patients. Regular usage can also thicken existing hair, as male alopecia patients reported an increase in hair weight after two years of treatment.
It can take three to four months for finasteride to work. In some cases, you may notice improvement after a year of use. If you quit taking it, your progress will be reduced. Therefore, consistent usage is the key.
Common side effects of Finasteride include:
- Chills
- Cold sweats
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Bloating or swelling of the face.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil increases new hair growth in cases of hereditary hair loss. It comes in the form of a topical solution or foam. Minoxidil can reverse hair loss by:
- Reversing the shrinking of follicles
- Increasing blood flow around follicles
- Extending follicle growth phase
Australian dermatologist Rod Sinclair investigated oral doses as low as 0.625 and 1.25 mg for hair loss. The treatments reduced hair shedding in patients.
“The majority of our patients are on it for telogen effluvium and female or male pattern alopecia,” the subject matter expert said.
Moreover, 90% of men said they regrew hair after taking minoxidil for 16 weeks.
Some side effects of minoxidil include:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Skin rash
- Nausea.
Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)
PRP boosts healing, regeneration, and growth around the scalp. It also protects hair from premature shedding. A 2020 review found that PRP may help increase hair thickness and density.
This treatment is a three-step process, which involves drawing blood, processing it, and injecting it into the scalp. Here are some side effects you may face due to the process:
- Headache
- Itching
- Swelling
- Temporary discoloration
PRP treatments cost around $500 to $2500, depending on the practitioner, quality of equipment, and geographic location. It is important to get a licensed professional to perform the procedure to minimize risks.
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Hair Care Practices to Reduce & Stop Hair Fall
Gentle hair care is essential to keep your hair strong and nourished. From choosing the right products to minimizing heat damage, these hair hygiene tips will help you deal with thinning hair.
Avoid Tight Hairstyles
Hair strands are flexible, but research has revealed that tight hairstyles cause tension and damage the scalp, leading to scar alopecia. Hairstyles like tight ponytails, braids, cornrows, weaves, and dreadlocks create tension around the follicles, leading to a receding hairline.
Here are some hairstyles that don’t pull your hair back:
- Low bun
- Low Ponytail
- Space bun
- Loose braids
- Half top knot
Don’t Use Heat Styling Tools
High heat causes hair follicles to crack, leading to breakage, frizz, and split ends. Heat damage breaks the protein bonds present in hair strands, making the hair less elastic. The high temperature also strips the natural moisture present in hair, making it dry and dull.
Here are some styling tips that avoid heat damage:
- Lower the temperature: Avoid going above 410°F while using an iron, as the keratin in hair begins to melt after this point.
- Use a heat protectant spray: heat-resistant sprays minimize the damage by slowing heat conduction from the styling tool to your hair.
- Don’t style damp hair: Using heat styling tools on damp hair is equivalent to ‘frying’ your hair, as damp hair is fragile and prone to damage.
- Use heat-free styling tools: Using overnight rollers to curl your hair can be a great way of styling it without using heat tools.
- Invest in good-quality tools: Superior-quality tools use thermal protection that prevents hair damage.
Choose the Right Products
Harsh hair products contain chemicals that damage the hair, leading to more hair loss. Here is a list of ingredients to avoid in your hair products:
- Sulfates: This chemical detergent strips the natural moisture present in hair, leaving it brittle and irritated. They also form carcinogens that cause hormonal imbalance. The main sulfates to avoid are Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
- Parabens: This chemical causes neurotoxicity and leads to irritation. Butylparaben, ethylparaben, and methylparaben are some parabens that are commonly present in shampoos to increase their shelf life.
- Dimethicone: This is a form of silicone that dries up the scalp, causing build-up and irritation. It also blocks out moisture, preventing nutrients from flowing to the scalp and clogging the pores.
- Retinyl Palmitate: This ingredient causes skin issues such as redness, itching, peeling, scarring, and burning.
- Alcohol: When added to shampoos, alcohol has a drying effect, leading to damaged strands.
Don’t Bleach Your Hair
Bleaching works by raising your cuticles to allow the bleaching agent to penetrate through your hair. Repetitive bleaching can permanently raise your cuticle, leading to frizzy hair that breaks easily.
By bleaching your hair, you make it prone to external damage such as UV rays or dust. According to research, bleaching your hair breaks down the natural protein bonds present in your hair and damages the cuticles and cortex.
Massage Your Scalp Regularly
Research suggests that massaging your scalp regularly can improve blood circulation, leading to healthy strands. A 2019 survey revealed that scalp massages can treat male pattern baldness, as 70% of the male patients who massaged their scalp for 20 minutes a day experienced hair growth.
Follow these steps to massage your scalp at home:
- Start with a clean scalp.
- Using your fingertips, apply moderate pressure to your scalp and massage the area in tiny circles.
- Continue doing this around your entire scalp for 20 minutes.
- Repeat at least 2 times a week.
Herbal Oils as the Best Remedy for Hair Loss
Hair oils contain essential vitamins and nutrients that the hair needs to remain healthy. As per Almohanna et. al: “Micronutrients are major elements in the normal hair follicle cycle, playing a role in cellular turnover. The role of nutrition and diet in treating hair loss represents a dynamic and growing area of inquiry.”
Here are some herbal oils that benefit hair health.
Coconut Oil
Using coconut oil is one of the best hair loss remedies. This natural remedy for thinning hair is full of vitamin E and fatty acids that promote hair growth. It also protects the hair from harmful UV rays. This limits sun damage and improves overall hair health.
Here are some ways to use coconut oil for hair growth:
- As a conditioner: Shampoo your hair, apply a small amount of coconut oil, and comb your hair to evenly distribute it
- As a hair mask: Massage coconut oil through your hair and let it sit overnight.
- As a pre-wash hair protector: Rub coconut oil through your hair before you wash it to minimize damage caused by shampooing.
Rosemary Oil
Research suggests that rosemary oil promotes new hair growth and manages the symptoms of alopecia. It also soothes the scalp, preventing issues such as dandruff, redness, itching, and scarring.
As rosemary oil is highly concentrated, using too much of it damages the hair follicles, causing hair loss instead of hair growth. It must be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil.
Olive Oil
Enriched with fatty acids and anti-fungal properties, olive oil moisturizes your scalp and promotes hair growth.
Olive oil targets the following symptoms:
- Dryness
- Frizz
- Split ends
- Dullness
- Dandruff
To treat your hair with olive oil, take 10-15 ml in a small dish. Heat it to allow for penetration. Then, massage it into your scalp, going in circular motions.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin oil is the best natural hair loss treatment for men as it limits DHT levels in the scalp, a hormone causing male pattern baldness. It also delivers vital nutrients to the scalp by stimulating the hair follicles.
Here’s how you can make your own pumpkin seed oil at home:
- Cut 2 pumpkins and separate the insides.
- Separate the seeds and discard the leftovers.
- Roast the seeds in an oven set to 250 Fahrenheit for 20-40 minutes. Wait until the seeds are completely dry.
- Use a high-speed blender or pestle and mortar to crush the seeds, making a fine mash
- Transfer the mash to a cheesecloth. Drain the oil in a container.
- Store the oil in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, Zinc, and Copper, making it one of the best hair loss remedies. It contains microemulsions such as beeswax, carnauba wax, or esparto grass wax. So, it works as a natural conditioner, repairing damaged follicles.
Research confirms that jojoba oil promotes scalp health due to its anti-psoriasis and anti-inflammatory properties.
My e-book details 30 natural, clinically-supported remedies for hair loss. I’ve personally tested dozens of approaches to find the ones that really work. Get your copy now and start restoring your hair and confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Recognizing the type of hair loss you’re experiencing is crucial. Whether it’s Androgenic Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, or Telogen Effluvium, understanding the cause can help you take the right treatment approach.
- Essential nutrients such as Biotin, Zinc, Iron, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Folic Acid play significant roles in hair health. Incorporating these nutrients into your diet can help combat hair loss.
- It is vital to maintain stress and engage in physical activity to control hair loss. Techniques like yoga, box breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can reduce stress, which is often linked to hair loss.
- Medical treatments like Finasteride and Minoxidil or surgical options like Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) offer advanced solutions. Understanding their potential side effects is essential for making an informed decision.
- Gentle hair handling, avoiding harsh chemicals and heat styling, and using the right hair care products are key to preventing further hair loss.
- Utilizing natural oils such as Coconut Oil, Rosemary Oil, Olive Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, and Jojoba Oil can target symptoms like dryness, frizz, and dandruff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods thicken hair?
Foods rich in proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamins, such as fish, nuts, seeds, spinach, and avocados, can help thicken hair.
Can vitamins help with hair loss?
Yes, vitamins such as vitamin D, biotin, and zinc can help with hair loss by nourishing the hair and promoting healthy hair growth.
Can the lack of vitamin B12 cause hair loss?
Yes, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to hair loss, as it is essential for healthy red blood cell production, which impacts hair health.
How can I stimulate my hair follicles?
Stimulating hair follicles can be achieved through regular scalp massages and using essential oils like peppermint or rosemary.
How can I regrow my hairline?
Regrowing your hairline may involve treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine), laser therapy, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, alongside a nutritious diet and proper hair care practices.
Discover real, drug-free solutions in our e-book, backed by clinical research.
Topics include:
-Anti-inflammatory strategies for improved blood flow to the scalp
-How to balance estrogen and prolactin naturally
-The downside of frequently wearing hats
-Organic alternatives to Rogaine
-Ditching sulfates for a healthier scalp
-Unbound iron and its role in oxidative stress
And much more!
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