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Natural Hair Loss Cures
Natural Remedies for Thinning Hair
Natural hair loss cures include the use of herbs, essential oils, and other natural supplements, and are safe remedies for thinning hair, and hair
loss prevention.
An average human adult has somewhere around 100,000 to 150,000 hairs on the scalp. At anytime, around 90 percent of the hairs are in the growing phase.
Depending on a person's age, the growing phase lasts from between two to seven years. When we are young, our hair usually grows for six or seven years before falling. As we
age, the growing stage gets shorter, lasting two to five years. More rapid hair loss begins in both sexes by age 50.
Hair loss is, in most cases, a natural occurrence and there is usually no reason to worry too much about losing a few hairs here and there. However, many of us are not too
comfortable to see our hair falling out, especially if the thinning or balding is becoming noticeable.
There are quite a natural hair loss cures that are safe to use to promote hair growth. These natural hair remedies include the use of herbs, minerals and vitamins,
aromatherapy, as well as a healthy balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. This page will tell you all about these cures, so please read on ...
Causes of Hair Loss
The most common causes of hair loss are:
- Genetics and Age: If one of your parents suffers from balding or hair loss, you have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the dominant baldness
gene from your parent! Genetically-attributed baldness is more common in men than women. "Male-pattern baldness" is the receding hairline and hair loss on top of the head.
About two-thirds of Caucasian men have male-pattern baldness by age 40.
However, women can also develop "female-pattern baldness" (which is also inherited) that can cause modest to significant hair loss when they age. The hair loss can first
become apparent in women by ages 25 to 30.
- Hormonal Imbalance: An overabundance or overactivity of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) within the hair follicle also leads to hair loss.
Another hormone that is connected with hair loss is progesterone. Menopausal women whose progesterone levels fall as a result of lack of ovulation will experience some
hair loss.
- Stress: Stress can cause hair loss and thinning in both men and women. The good news is, this type of hair loss is generally reversible - once the
stressful situation has passed, hair will re-grow.
- Health Conditions: Some health conditions, such as hypothyroidism or some autoimmune disorders, can also lead to thinning or baldness.
- Medications: Some medications can cause hair to fall out. For example,
* nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen;
* DHEA, for natural hormone replacement therapy;
* Some gout medications such as sulfinpyrazone (Anturane);
* Some psoriasis medications like etretinate (Tegison);
* Excessive amounts of vitamin A and drugs related to vitamin A, e.g. Accutane for acne.
Poor Diet: Hair loss can also be caused or aggravated by poor diet and nutrient deficiencies. For example, among women with thinning hair, the
most common reason when it comes to nutrient deficiencies is iron deficiency.
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Natural Hair Loss Cures - Herbs
Herbs that are effective for hair loss and thinning include:
- Saw Palmetto: Saw Palmetto is an Indian herb that has been used for years to treat prostate problems and urinary disorders in men. Recent
research has shown that this herb is also effective for hair loss in men. It acts by blocking the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which is responsible for converting
testosterone into DHT.
- He shou-wu (Polygonum multiflorum): Known commonly in China as "Fo Ti", and known in Europe and America as "Chinese Knotweed", this is a
Chinese herb and has been used by Oriental herbalists to slow or stop hair loss for years. It acts by strengthening the liver and kidneys and nourishing the blood.
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Natural Hair Loss Cures - Minerals
The following minerals are found to be essential in preventing or slowing hair loss:
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): MSM contains sulphur which helps promote hair development and growth.
- Silica: This is another mineral that assists hair development.
- Iodine: Iodine is vital to hair growth. A formula that includes iodine-rich ingredients such as chlorella, kelp etc. can help hair growth.
- Zinc: Zinc is another vital component to healthy hair. It is responsible for cell production, tissue growth and repair, and the maintenance of
the oil-secreting glands of the scalp.
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Natural Hair Loss Cures - Other Natural Supplements
Besides minerals, the following supplements are also essential in helping hair growth and maintenance:
- Biotin: Biotin is a member of the B-vitamin family. Its function is to assist in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and protein, and can be
found in foods like eggs and liver. The major benefit of biotin for many people is its ability to strengthen hair and nails.
Take a biotin supplement (2000-3000 mcg daily) or hair vitamins containing biotin if you are experiencing hair loss or thinning.
- Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): EFAs are a key component to healthy skin, hair and nails. A combination formula containing Omega-3 and Omega-6
fatty acids is a good supplement for hair loss.
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Natural Hair Loss Cures - Aromatherapy
Some essential oils are also beneficial and can be used in combination with the other natural hair loss cures to promote hair growth.
Essential oils that can stimulate hair growth include:
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Geranium
- Ginger
- Cypress
- Sage
In particular, rosemary has been found to have hair-strengthening properties. You can use the oil in various ways to promote hair growth. For example, take one or two drops
of the oil and massage it into your hair and scalp before a shampoo. Alternatively, you can add one drop of the oil to a cold water rinse when you have finished shampooing
your hair. Do not rinse out the rosemary oil.
You can also add a few drops (4 to 6 drops) of any of the oils above in your bath. These oils work on your circulatory and lymphatic systems and your hair will be stronger
if your body system is strengthened.
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Natural Hair Loss Cures - Diet
As you can see above, quite a few minerals and vitamins are needed for healthy hair and hair growth. You can get some such minerals and vitamins from your diet. Also,
a poor diet can aggravate hair loss; therefore, it is essential to eat a healthy balanced diet.
Your basic diet should include a lot of whole grains, vegetables, and good protein (e.g. fish, nuts, beans).
In particular, include foods rich in:
- Biotin: such as nuts, oats, and brown rice.
- Iron: such as green leafy vegetables, cashews, berries, figs, and dried fruits.
- Vitamin C (to absorb iron): such as citrus fruit.
- EFAs: such as fish, flaxseeds, walnuts.
Avoid eating processed foods or foods that contain saturated fats and sugar.
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Other Natural Hair Loss Cures
There are other minor things you can do to help prevent or slow down hair loss:
- Keep your hair clean: Dirt and oil can sometimes choke off new hair growth, so keep your scalp clean by washing it daily.
- Exercise regularly: Exercise promotes blood circulation everywhere, including your scalp.
- Manage your stress: Stress can cause hair loss, so manage your stress and be sure to get enough sleep.
- Be nice to your hair: Do not use chemicals to bleach or dye your hair. If possible, let your hair dry naturally instead of using a hair dryer.
References
Balch and Stengler, Prescription for Natural Cures, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2004).
The Doctors Book of Home Remedies, (Rodale, 2002).
Worwood, V.A. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. (New World Library, 1991).
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