A full head of healthy looking hair can be essential to many women's self-image and femininity. It can be difficult to cope then, when aging triggers hair thinning or even balding. This distressing process is more likely to occur as women approach menopause, largely due to changes in hormone levels. Hair loss is a natural part of the aging process, but this does not mean that nothing can be done to minimize it; these home remedies will help naturally counteract hair loss.
Iron
The primary function of iron is to carry oxygen through the bloodstream to support healthy red blood cells and blood circulation. Increasing your intake of iron by eating more red meat, poultry, nuts, seeds, and legumes will boost blood circulation to the scalp and help stimulate hair regrowth. Drink a glass of orange juice with your iron sources, as vitamin C maximizes iron absorption in the body.
Lavender
Lavender has been found to stimulate hair growth when applied topically to the scalp. Mix six drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, and massage it gently into the scalp with your fingertips to increase blood circulation to the head and boost regrowth of hair.
Biotin
Biotin is a vitamin that has been linked to hair growth and strength. Increase your biotin intake by incorporating more lettuce, chard, carrots, and tomatoes into your diet.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a herb that is often used in hair and skin treatments due to its considerable health-boosting antioxidant properties. The gel from the leaves contains significant amounts of vitamin E for hydrating and nourishing the scalp to promote natural hair regrowth. You can also apply aloe to existing hair to improve its condition and add shine.
Rosemary
Rosemary has anti-androgenic functions that help decrease testosterone and regulate the hormonal imbalances that cause hair loss during menopause. Infusing dried rosemary with water to make rosemary tea can help achieve this effect, but applying rosemary oil directly to the scalp will help counteract hair loss more directly.
Ginseng
Ginseng is an effective circulation-boosting herb. Drinking herbal teas containing ginseng root or applying products containing the root could help with stimulating the regrowth of hair in areas that have thinned.
Unfortunately, new hair does not grow overnight, so to see the effects of these remedies, you will need to be patient. In the meantime, focus on the hair that is there, and look for ways to nourish and condition it. Avoid damaging treatments, like bleaching and heat styling, and apply oils containing vitamin E, such as coconut oil and argan oil. These will penetrate hair follicles with hydrating compounds to rejuvenate the hair and add shine.
Sources
- Bhat, G. , Kudva, P. & Dodwad, V. (2011). Aloe vera: Nature's soothing healer to periodontal disease. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, 15(3), 205-209. doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.85661
- Dinh, Q.Q. & Sinclair, R. (2007). Female pattern hair loss: Current treatment concepts. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2(2), 189-199. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684510/
- McKinley Health Center. (2010). Dietary Sources of Iron. Retrieved March 12, 2014, from http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/dietary_sources_iron.html
- Monfalouti, H.E. et al. (2010). Therapeutic potential of argan oil: A review. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology, 62(12), 1669-1675. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.2010.01190.x
- Murata, K. et al. (2013). Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract. Phytotherapy research, 27(2), 212-217. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4712
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (2012). Lavender. Retrieved March 12, 2014, from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/lavender/ataglance.htm
- National Health Service UK. (2012). Hair loss - Treatment. Retrieved March 12, 2014, from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hair-loss/Pages/Treatment.aspx