Approximately 80 million men and women in the United States suffer from hereditary hair loss or alopecia. While hair loss may not have direct physical impacts on your health, the emotional toll it takes can be stressful and embarrassing for many.
In this article, we will cover natural remedies for hair loss, including overlooked aspects such as lifestyle changes. Read to learn about natural ways to stop balding and start your hair loss journey today.
Types of Hair Loss
Understanding your hair loss is the first step toward treating it. It is important to understand the type of hair loss you might be facing, so you can make your treatment more effective.
- Androgenetic Alopecia: This is a type of genetically predetermined hair loss that is also known as male or female pattern baldness. It is caused due to an excessive response to androgens. The main hormonal driver behind this type of hair loss is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks hair follicles. The condition affects up to 50% of males and females and is characterized by progressive loss of hair after puberty.
- Alopecia Areata: This type of hair loss is caused when the immune system attacks follicles. Hair typically falls out in the form of small, round patches, around the scalp and face. The lifetime risk of developing alopecia areata in the general population is estimated at 2%.
- Telogen Effluvium: This is characterized by excessive shedding of resting or telogen hair, caused due to hormonal changes, increased stress, or reaction to particular medications. Telogen Effluvium can affect up to 50% of the scalp hair. It is considered to be temporary hair loss as it does not have genetic causes. Effective telogen effluvium treatment at home includes stress reduction and a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Nutritional Remedies for Hair Loss
Home remedies for thinning hair are a popular solution to treating hair loss. Here are some nutritional supplements you can incorporate into your diet to stop hormonal hair loss naturally.
Biotin
Biotin is an essential B vitamin that assists the body in fulfilling the required nutrients from fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It is used as a home remedy for alopecia as it helps in keratin production, a type of protein important for healthy hair and skin.
In a 2012 study, women with thinning hair were given supplements containing biotin. After 6 months of the treatment, they reported an increase in overall hair volume, including scalp coverage.
To use biotin as a natural remedy for hair loss, you can take a biotin-rich diet instead of taking additional supplements. Here are some food sources that contain high biotin content.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient that helps in achieving healthy hair. It reduces scalp damage by reducing oxidative stress in the scalp that causes hair follicles to break down.
The nutrient’s impact on hair health was recorded in a small study consisting of 38 participants who were given Vitamin E supplements. By the end of their treatment, they reported an average of 34.5% hair growth.
Adding Vitamin E to your diet plan can enrich your hair and fasten the recovery process. Some foods that are rich in Vitamin E include:
- Wheat germ oil
- Sunflower, safflower, and soybean oil
- Sunflower seeds
- Almonds
- Peanuts, peanut butter
- Beet greens, collard greens, spinach
- Pumpkin
- Red bell pepper.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These groups of nutrients are believed to be the best remedy for falling hair that is caused due to nutritional deficiency. The main types of omega-3s are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce hair loss by maintaining a healthy hair growth cycle. Moreover, they improve blood flow and hydration in the scalp, leading to strength and elasticity. In a study involving female participants, omega-3 was found to be 89.9% successful in reducing hair loss after a 6 month treatment period.
These nutrients can also help in lowering DHT levels in the scalp, a hormone that is responsible for male pattern baldness. This makes them particularly helpful in treating androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness).
Here are some omega-3 sources to add to your diet to reverse male pattern baldness naturally:
- Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, and trout are rich in fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA.
- Flax seeds: Rich in ALA, flax seeds can be crushed and sprinkled on yogurt, cereal, or salads to increase daily omega-3 intake.
- Chia seeds: Abundant in ALA, chia seeds can be easily consumed by adding them to meals and beverages alike.
- Walnuts: These nuts are rich in all three types of omega-3 fatty acids. You can consume them by snacking on them or adding them to your desserts, chutneys, cereals, salads, and shakes.
- Hemp seeds: These contain ALA and can be sprinkled on top of meals. You can also make hemp milk at home, or purchase hemp oil and use it as a dressing.
- Algal oil: Derived from algae, algal oil is a vegan source of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. Seaweed, nori, spirulina, and chlorella contain algal oil.
Zinc
Zinc is essential for cell growth. Optimum zinc levels have many benefits for hair, including:
- DHT synthesis
- Rapid proliferation of hair cells
- Growth of strong hair strands
A research study proved that zinc deficiency can lead to different forms of hair loss, such as alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. Similarly, in another double-blind study, zinc sulfate was successful in treating alopecia areata in 100 patients.
Consuming a zinc-rich diet can be the best telogen effluvium treatment at home. Some foods that have a high zinc percentage include red meats, seafood, oysters, dairy products, nuts, and whole grains.
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Herbal Hair Oils as Natural Remedies for Hair Loss
Herbal hair oils consist of a blend of enriching ingredients such as herbs, essential oils, and carrier oils. They have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for hair loss in Ayurvedic medicine.
Coconut Oil
The lauric acid in coconut oil is believed to be the key ingredient in nourishing hair as it penetrates the cuticles. Coconut oil moisturizes hair and protects it from heat, bacteria, and irritants.
One research study proved that as coconut oil has a low molecular weight, it absorbs into the scalp by penetrating the hair shaft. Therefore, it slows down hair loss and works as a home remedy for alopecia.
Many people recommend the following method for applying coconut oil: warm the oil, spread it evenly on the scalp, and leave it on overnight for optimal absorption. While this method is popular, feel free to explore other natural remedies for hair loss. Ingredients like eggs, aloe vera, and honey can also be combined with coconut oil to create various hair masks, each designed to address specific hair issues.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is obtained from the fruits of Prunus Amygdalus, natively found in the Middle East and South America. Rich in fatty acids, this oil helps improve hair elasticity, giving it a radiant and voluminous appearance. At a cellular level, it helps in repairing damage caused due to harmful chemicals.
The moisturizing emollient in almond oil works as a natural remedy for receding hairline, as it moisturizes hair and fills the gaps between cuticle cells. This helps in the regrowth of healthy, moisturized hair near the frontal region.
Fenugreek Oil
This oil is derived from the seeds of the fenugreek herb and is used to stimulate hair growth and improve the overall shine of hair.
In numerous research studies, fenugreek oil is shown to have an oestrogenic activity, which inhibits DHT levels in the scalp. Therefore, it can be used as an effective alopecia treatment at home.
Here are 3 effective ways to use this oil for hair growth:
- Hair Mask: You may take fenugreek powder and make a paste by mixing it with aloe vera or coconut oil to make a hair mask.
- Fenugreek Water: Boil two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in two cups of water for 10-15 minutes. Let it cool down, strain it, and use the water after shampooing.
- Fenugreek oil: Take some fenugreek seeds and heat them along with a carrier oil such as olive oil. Let the seeds infuse in the oil overnight, and apply the oil evenly on your scalp.
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Topical Hair Masks: Natural Remedies for Thinning Hair
Aside from nutritional supplements and herbal oils, hair masks made from conventional kitchen ingredients can be an effective natural way to prevent hair loss. Here are 3 hair mask recipes you can prepare in less than 5 minutes.
Protein-rich Egg Hair Mask
You will need:
- 1 egg
- ½ avocado
- 1 tablespoon honey
Procedure:
- Thoroughly combine the ingredients
- Gently massage the mixture into your scalp and hair and leave it on for at least 30 minutes
- Rinse, shampoo, and condition as you normally would
Eggs are rich in proteins and have been used for hair growth for centuries. In a research study, it was shown that the water-soluble peptides in egg yolks can be effective in inducing hair growth.
Moreover, minerals found in avocados, such as potassium and magnesium, may seal cuticle cells, which can help hair look smooth and shiny and prevent it from breaking.
Honey is seen to be packed with nutrients since it has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It promotes the growth of epithelial skin cells, which make up hair follicles. Natural emollients found in honey help in reducing hair breakage and frizz. In a research study involving 30 patients, the application of crude honey helped in curing seborrheic (scalp) dermatitis and associated hair fall.
Green Tea and Mustard Hair Mask
You will need:
- 1 green tea bag
- ½ cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
Procedure:
- Take a cup of hot water and brew the tea bag in it for 5 minutes
- In the tea, mix mustard powder and stir
- Apply the mask on the scalp, while including the tips, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes
- Rinse with a mild shampoo and repeat it weekly for best results
Green tea is consumed by millions due to its antioxidant properties. It contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is used to treat androgenetic alopecia.
Furthermore, mustard helps stimulate hair growth and heals split ends, hair thinning, and brittle and dry hair. It contains amino acids which act as antioxidants. Cysteine in mustard protects the body from free radicals which damage DNA and cell membranes.
Onion and Ginger Hair Mask
You will need:
- 1 onion
- 1 ginger
- A blending machine
Procedure:
- Rinse the ingredients with clean water
- Blend them to make a paste
- Massage into a clean scalp, and let it sit for an hour
- Follow with two rounds of shampoo to remove the unpleasant smell
The sulfur found in onions promotes strong and thick hair, hence reducing hair loss. It also contains collagen that promotes the growth of healthy hair cells. In a study involving patients suffering from alopecia areata, onion juice was used to promote healthy hair growth. After 4 weeks of treatment, hair regrowth was observed in 73.9% of the patients.
Ginger helps improve the circulation of the scalp while also stimulating each hair follicle, thus promoting strong hair growth. It is also rich in essential nutrients and fatty acids which fight hair loss and restore moisture content.
Stress Reduction Techniques to Stop Balding
Stress-related conditions such as anxiety can drastically increase hair loss. The impact of stress-induced hair loss was recorded in a study including a group of students. It was shown that prolonged stress exposure led to hampered hair growth in the subjects.
High stress elevates cortisol levels in the scalp, a hormone responsible for hair loss. Moreover, increased stress causes inflammation around hair follicles, thus leading to hair breakage.
Here are 3 effective stress reduction techniques that you can use to stop stress-related hair loss naturally.
Yoga
Yoga is a well-known meditative technique used to treat anxiety and depression. It works by soothing muscles and clearing one’s mind.
The impact of yoga on stress levels was recorded in a study involving 52 women. After 12 weeks of regular hatha yoga practice, a significant decrease in anxiety levels was recorded.
Here are 3 yoga poses you can try for reduced stress levels:
- Sirsasana: This headstand pose reduces stress levels and promotes blood circulation around the scalp region. Start in a kneeling position and place your forearms on the floor. Lift your hips while moving your feet toward your head. Hold this position for 60 seconds while inhaling deeply.
- Vajrasana: The thunderbolt pose improves digestion and aids better absorption of nutrients. Kneel on the ground with your legs and feet joined. Keep your back straight and sit with your heels up. Hold this position for 5 minutes while taking deep breaths.
- Uttanasana: This forward bending pose aids in fixing hormonal imbalances related to high stress levels. Standing with your feet hip-width apart, bend forward and reach for your ankles. Slightly bend your knees and stay in the same position for 60 seconds.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PRM)
This deep relaxation technique can reduce stress-related hair loss by relaxing the muscles and decreasing anxiety levels. It is based upon the simple practice of tensing one muscle group at a time, followed by a relaxation phase with the release of the tension.
As hair loss can be linked to high cortisol levels, PRM can be a great home remedy for alopecia by reducing cortisol levels. As seen in a research study involving university students, consistent PRM effectively reduced stress levels.
PRM is most commonly targeted towards one muscle group at a time. You can practice it while sitting upright or laying down. Use the following technique for different muscle groups, such as chest, abdomen, shoulders, or face.
- While inhaling, contract one muscle group
- Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds while focusing on the tensed muscle group
- Exhale and release
- Repeat for different muscle groups, gradually working your way upwards in your body
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise keeps the body and mind active. Moreover, it reduces stress levels by releasing ‘happy’ hormones known as endorphins. Aerobic exercise does not only reduce stress and anxiety but it is also found to be directly linked to hair problems.
In a Chinese study, the impact of regular aerobic exercise on the symptoms of androgenic alopecia was recorded. It was observed that the subjects reported a delay in the progress of alopecia.
Here are some types of exercise you can incorporate into your routine to release endorphins:
- Aerobic Exercises: Activities like running, cycling, swimming, and brisk walking increase the respiratory rate, which can lead to more endorphin release.
- Dancing: Types such as zumba, salsa, or even freestyle can elevate your mood by reducing stress levels while increasing your heart rate.
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): This type of workout involves short bursts of intense exercise alternated with low-intensity recovery periods. It is very effective at increasing endorphin levels in a short span of time.
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Key Takeaways
- Identifying the type of hair loss you have is essential for developing a treatment plan. Common types include Androgenetic Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, and Telogen Effluvium.
- Nutritional remedies such as those including biotin, zinc, and vitamin E can combat hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.
- Ayurvedic hair oils are used as herbal remedies for hair loss. Oils such as coconut oil, fenugreek oil, and almond oil have clinically-backed results in reducing hair loss.
- DIY masks including nourishing ingredients such as eggs, honey, avocados, and onions are all-natural ways to prevent hair loss.
- Stress management techniques such as yoga and regular exercise also count as natural thinning hair solutions as they reduce cortisol levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which herb is best for hair growth?
Rosemary is widely regarded as beneficial for hair growth due to its ability to stimulate blood circulation to the scalp.
What should I drink for hair loss?
Drinking green tea can help with hair loss as it contains antioxidants that may prevent hair thinning and support hair growth.
What foods should you avoid for hair loss?
Avoid high-sugar foods, refined carbs, and alcohol as they can lead to hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies that contribute to hair loss.
What vitamins are best for thinning hair?
Biotin, Vitamin D, and iron are essential vitamins and minerals that can help improve hair health and reduce thinning.
How do you activate hair follicles?
Massaging the scalp regularly with essential oils like peppermint or lavender can help activate hair follicles by increasing blood flow to the area.
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-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
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And much more!
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