Hair loss affects everyone to some extent, and it is a completely natural part of aging. However, hair loss can occur prematurely because of things like harsh chemical treatments, frequent use of hot styling tools, harsh brushing, hormone fluctuations, and excessive stress. It is essential to try and keep hair healthy in order to prevent hair loss. There are several natural products that can help prevent hair loss. These stress-reducing products are relatively inexpensive and available year-round at health food stores.
Coconut Oil
This natural moisturizer has recently spiked in popularity due to its numerous benefits. Coconut oil helps reduce protein damage and strengthen hair. You can apply coconut oil directly to the scalp and use it as a leave-in treatment for maximum moisture and nourishment, or you can use it as a conditioner or shampoo. Coconut oil has been shown to be considerably more effective than sunflower or mineral oil.
Jojoba
Jojoba oil is commonly used in shampoos and for hot oil treatments because it is believed to be similar to the body's own sebum, or oil. It is anti-inflammatory and soothing in nature, and is useful for unclogging pores.
Lavender
Lavender oil not only soothes the skin, but it is antibacterial, so it helps treat irritations and infections. It also nourishes the scalp and helps remedy dryness and dandruff. The soothing scent of lavender is also known to reduce tension and stress.
Rosemary
Rosemary oil nourishes hair follicles, strengthens hair, and reduces hair thinning and balding. It also helps circulation in the scalp, which promotes hair growth.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil soothes and cools the scalp while also stimulating the follicles to encourage growth.
Omega-3 Fish Oil
Fatty acids provide oils that give shine to hair. They are important, healthy fats that the body cannot produce itself, so they only can be obtained through diet.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is antioxidant and has been shown to support blood circulation. The increase in blood flow promotes hair growth.
Natural juices
Massage ginger, onion, or garlic juice onto scalp, leave overnight, and rinse it out in the morning. This treatment promotes follicle health and hair growth.
Aloe vera
Technically aloe is a gel, but it is worth mentioning because it is commonly used for the scalp and hair. Aloe works to open up blocked pores of the scalp to prevent infection and clear the way for new hair to grow.
Hair loss is an inevitable part of aging for most people. Stress, hormone fluctuations, and harsh styling with hot tools can all cause hair loss. However, there are natural oils that can be applied to the scalp to promote relaxation, in turn helping to reduce hair loss induced or worsened by stress.
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
- Kobayashi, N. et al. (1993). [Effect of leaves of Ginkgo biloba on hair regrowth in C3H strain mice]. Yakugaku Zasshi, 113(10), 718-724. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8254481
- 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 June 25, 2014, from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/lavender/ataglance.htm
- National Institutes of Health. (2014). Hair Loss. Retrieved December 19, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hairloss.html
- Rele, A.S. & Mohile, R.B. (2003). Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Journal of cosmetic science, 54(2), 175-192. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12715094
- Sharquie, K.E. & Al-Obaidi, H.K. (2002). Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata. The Journal of Dermatology, 29(6), 343-346. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12126069