Scalp hair grows at an average of half an inch a month. According to The American Academy of Dermatology, 90% of hair is growing at any given time. The average person typically sheds around 100 hairs per day. The body naturally replaces those hairs, but it becomes harder to do with age. Hair loss is a frustrating part of aging that can be accelerated by a number of things, including stress, hormone fluctuations, and vitamin deficiencies. There are several natural treatments that can help prevent hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.
Avocadoes
Avocadoes are a rich source of essential fatty acids that are also extremely beneficial for skin and hair. Avocadoes provide natural moisture to hair and follicles, promoting healthy, strong hair.
Aloe vera
Aloe gel opens up blocked pores of the scalp to prevent infection and clear the way for new hair to grow.
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.
Lavender
Lavender oil not only soothes the skin, but it is antibacterial in nature, 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.
Jojoba
Jojoba oil is commonly used in shampoos and for hot oil treatments because it is believed to stimulate hair growth. It is anti-inflammatory and soothing in nature, and is useful for unclogging pores.
Cedarwood essential oil
Cedarwood has been shown effective in treating hair loss, namely a genetic form of baldness called alopecia areata. It's most effective when blended with rosemary, jojoba, and lavender.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is a well-known antioxidant, and it has been shown to support blood circulation. The increase in blood flow promotes hair growth.
Ginseng blend
Studies have shown that ginseng, a traditional Chinese herb, can help regenerate hair and reverse loss.
Omega-3 fish oil
Fatty acids provide oils that hydrate the hair and scalp and help speed up hair growth by processing the vitamins and minerals that are necessary for healthy hair production. They can also add shine to hair.
Hair loss occurs when hair follicles shrink over time, causing thinner hair. Likewise, hair loss is an inevitable part of aging. Stress, hormone fluctuations, and harsh styling with hot tools cause hair loss. However, there are natural shampoos that can be applied to the scalp to strengthen hair and stimulate hair growth. These include avocadoes, lavender, and rosemary oil. Additional treatments include letting hair air dry, drinking plenty of water, and eating nutrient rich foods.
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
- Hay, I.C. , Jamieson, M. & Ormerod, A.D. (1998). Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Archives of dermatology, 134(11), 1349-1352. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9828867
- 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). Female pattern baldness. Retrieved October 20, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001173.htm
- National Institutes of Health. (2014). Hair Loss. Retrieved October 20, 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
- Park, S. , Shin, W.S. & Ho, J. (2011). Fructus panax ginseng extract promotes hair regeneration in C57BL/6 mice. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 138(2), 340-344. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.08.013