As someone who suffers from excessive hair fall, I’ve been researching and mixing up ingredients to come up with home remedies. I’ve tried a couple of shampoos and conditioners, but none of them really help.
According to Femina, one reason behind hair fall is nutritional deficiencies wherein we lack essential nutrients like iron, copper, and zinc. One way to avoid this is by taking vitamins or having a proper diet.
Another reason for hair fall is birth control pills, because “the hormones in the pill that suppress ovulation can cause hair to thin, especially in women with a family history of hair loss,” as stated by Femina. Stress, especially at extreme levels, could cause hair loss, too. Over-treated hair can also lead to hair loss because hair products have toxic chemicals. As Femina notes, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), most commonly found in hair products, has a toxic effect on our immune system and is proven to destroy hair follicles. And of course, genetics is another reason for hair fall. It’s actually the most common cause of hair loss. You’re more likely to have it if both your parents have experienced it.
Try some of these natural remedies I’ve done at home to control hair fall:
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is the first plant oil used by mankind and is often referred to as the best oil to use on your hair. One study examined the effects of applying different oils (including coconut, sunflower, and mineral) to hair, and found that coconut oil prevents protein loss in hair better than mineral and sunflower oils, and even in hair that is “undamaged, bleached, chemically treated, and UV exposed.” This is also the most effective remedy I’ve ever tried.
What you have to do:
Apply one to two tablespoons of coconut oil on your scalp and then massage.
Comb your hair to reach all strands.
Leave it on for 30 minutes or an hour. You can opt to leave it overnight and wash it off with shampoo in the morning.
You can do this regularly or at least twice a week.
Aloe vera
While Aloe vera offers a lot of skin benefits, including moisturizing the skin and treating wounds, it’s also an effective remedy for hair fall. It reduces the itching of hair, too.
What you have to do:
Apply Aloe vera gel onto your scalp and hair like you would some shampoo. The amount of gel should depend on your hair length.
Focus on the roots and tips.
Leave it on for 30 mins or an hour.
Rinse with water and follow up with a shampoo/conditioner.
You can do this every day or at least three to four times a week.
Green tea
This tea is loaded with antioxidants that can improve skin and health. Its main stimulant is caffeine, which can make our brains function better. Green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent damage to our skin. Aside from that, it contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) that “stimulates the growth of the dermal papilla cells of the scalp and can help in the prevention as well as treatment of androgenetic alopecia.”
What you have to do:
Soak two to three tea bags in a cup of hot water. Again, the amount of tea you should use depends on the length of your hair.
Allow it to cool for a bit.
Pour all over your scalp and hair, and then massage.
Rinse with cool water after an hour.
You can do this at least two or three times a week.
Lemon juice and honey mask
Lemons are a good source of vitamin C that boosts our immune system and increases the rate of hair growth. Honey, on the other hand, has moisturizing benefits for the hair and scalp. A 2013 review shows that honey can support the growth of epithelial skin cells. “The scalp is full of epithelial cells that make up the many follicles and ducts so important for hair growth.” Lemon with honey is the perfect combination to make your hair healthy.
What you have to do:
Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice and two tablespoons of honey in a bowl.
Allow it to process for at least 20 minutes.
Apply it to your hair and scalp until they are fully covered.
Rinse with cold water and shampoo after 10-20 minutes.
You can do this once or twice a week.
Vitamins
Just last month, I tried taking vitamins for my hair fall, and after two weeks, I noticed the results. I used to not believe in vitamins, but this changed my mind. Since hair fall is a result of nutritional deficiencies, vitamin supplements are necessary. So try looking for products that have B-vitamin, also known as Vitamin H or Vitamin B7. It’s not only good for hair but also for skin and nails. As for me, I take Natrol Gummies from Healthy Options. It’s vegan and free of artificial flavors and preservatives. I take it twice a day.
If you want to lessen your hair fall, it’s important to follow these treatments consistently as they may take weeks or months before you see results.
Photos from Pexels
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