Normally, the head loses up to 100 hairs per day. The body naturally replaces those lost, but as it ages, it can no longer replace them as easily. There are many factors that prompt hair loss, with hormone fluctuations and stress being the leading causes. Other causes of hair loss include overly tight hairstyles, hard brushing, dye treatments, excessive weight loss, and frequent use of hot styling tools. This article features several natural ways to prevent hair loss that are relatively inexpensive and easy to do at home.
Hot Oil Treatments
Any natural oil (e.g., coconut or olive) works for this. Just heat up the oil until it is warm (not hot, despite the name), and massage it gently into the scalp. Put on a shower cap and leave it on for an hour, then shampoo and rinse.
Natural Juices
Massage ginger or garlic juice onto scalp and leave overnight; rinse in the morning.This treatment promotes follicle health and hair growth.
Head Massage
Give yourself a daily head massage to stimulate blood circulation. You can also use lavender or almond oil to hydrate the scalp and nourish the hair follicles.
Antioxidants
Make a strong cup of green tea (with two tea bags in a cup) to help relax and at the same time stimulate hair growth. The antioxidants in the green tea - called catechins - will help prevent hair loss and boost its regrowth.
Reduce Stress
Stress is one of the leading causes of hair loss in both men and women. Try to identify the source of the stress to help counter it, and practice yoga or meditation to relax. Reading, listening to music, and taking a leisurely walk are also good methods to help reduce stress levels.
Eat Nutrient Rich Foods
Hair is made of protein, so adding more protein to your diet makes sense for fortifying hair and promoting growth. Red meat, dairy, and eggs are all protein-rich foods. Other nutrient packed foods that promote hair health are salmon, almonds, blueberries, guava, sweet potatoes, carrots, whole grains, spinach, kale, and broccoli.
Hydrate
This may seem like a no brainer, but considering that the human body is 70% water, it makes sense to keep it properly hydrated for optimum functionality. This includes stimulating hair growth and keeping it healthy and beautiful.
Hair loss is unfortunately an inevitable part of life. Factors like stress and hormonal changes during menopause accelerate hair loss. However, there are natural ways to prevent hair loss by strengthening the hair and stimulating hair growth. Learn more about other types of treatments, such as medications for hair loss.
Sources
- Esfandiari, A. & Paul Kelly, A. (2005). The effects of tea polyphenolic compounds on hair loss among rodents. Journal of the National Medical Association, 97(8), 1165-1169. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2576011/
- National Institutes of Health. (2014). Hair Loss.Retrieved July 22, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hairloss.html
- Office on Women's Health. (2008). Skin and Hair Health. In: The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/the-healthy-woman/skin_hair.pdf