Imagine waking up to strands of hair on your pillow. Or finding a ball of hair tangled in your brush. The worst is seeing a mop of hair in the shower drain. If you’ve been a victim to such disheartening sights, what you’re experiencing is hair fall.
Whatever your gender, losing hair is no fun. After all, your hair is not just your crowning glory, it’s your identity. But try as we may, our hectic lifestyle coupled with a host of other factors can have damaging effects on hair. While research says losing around 100 strands a day is normal, hair fall can be treacherous for all of us. It can drive us to go to every length and breadth to decrease it.
It’s like having a bad hair day, every day. As frustrating and upsetting as this may be, it’s wise to take a closer look as to why we lose hair and simple natural remedies to curb this. So let’s begin with the million-dollar question.
What causes hair fall?
Hair fall is a natural phenomenon, for both men and women. While it is absolutely normal to shed up to 100 strands a day, a significant rise could be a cause for concern. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons that cause hair fall.
Genetics
Look at your family tree. If one of your parents has experienced hair loss, chances are that you will too. It is a gradual process caused due to hormone levels and ageing, that will cause your hair to thin and fall.
Hormonal imbalance
A common cause for hair fall is an imbalance in hormones. After 30, most women will face this, more so after pregnancy or during menopause. PCOS, birth control bills and Thyroid issues can also cause hair fall.
Stress
One of the key triggers for hair fall is stress. Stress-induced hair fall is called Telogen Effluvium. Stress causes hair to go into the ‘resting phase’ where there is no new hair growth. Over time, hair becomes fragile and prone to breakage.
Improper nutrition
Another major reason for hair loss is an imbalanced diet. If you’re missing out on proteins, minerals and vitamins like Vitamin D, Iron and Zinc, and other essential nutrients, it’s time to introduce these in your dietary plan. Crash dieting can also lead to hair fall.
Lack of proper care
If you don’t care for your hair, hair loss is inevitable. Right from keeping your scalp clean to a regular oiling and conditioning routine, to using the right brush, good hair begins with good care.
Incorrect styling
Tight hair bands, ponytails, braids, or even curling rollers can pull your hair back and stress your scalp. This will cause a receding hairline, thus leading to hair fall. The excessive pulling of hair is called Traction Alopecia.
Natural remedies to reduce hair fall
The causes of hair fall are plenty, but thankfully, so are the solutions. Here, we’ve listed six simple, natural remedies to help you stop hair fall.
Egg mask
Eggs are power-packed with protein and are excellent for preventing hair fall. Eggs stimulate the scalp and nourish hair follicles, thus strengthening roots and preventing hair fall. The yolk in the egg contains Biotin, which hydrates hair and improves elasticity.
How to use:
Mix one egg and one teaspoon of Olive Oil and apply generously. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then rinse with a mild shampoo.
Fenugreek seeds
Also known as Methi, it is extremely effective in reducing hair fall. Rich in protein and Nicotinic Acid, this also prevents dandruff, dryness, baldness, and hair thinning. It also has a high Lecithin content that hydrates and strengthens the roots.
How to use:
Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight in water. The next day, grind them to a fine paste and apply liberally on hair and scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
Onion juice
Onion juice is one of the best remedies to prevent hair fall. It is loaded with antibacterial properties that prevent scalp infections. It is also enriched with Sulfur that improves blood circulation, promotes collagen growth, and helps control hair loss.
How to use:
Grind the onions and extract the juice. Dab a cotton ball and apply it to your scalp. Let it sit for 30 minutes, after which you can wash it off with a mild shampoo.
Aloe vera
Aloe Vera is extremely beneficial in preventing hair fall. Its Vitamin B12, Folic Acid content reduce hair fall whereas the Proteolytic Enzymes repair damaged scalp cells and stimulate dormant hair follicles thus boosting hair growth. It also has antifungal properties that help in treating dandruff, flaking, and even an itchy scalp.
How to use:
Take an Aloe leaf and scoop out the pulp. Massage directly onto your scalp and leave it for 30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Coconut oil
Every grandma’s favourite remedy, Coconut Oil has magical properties to reduce hair fall. Coconut Oil contains Lauric Acid that binds the protein in the hair and hence prevents them from breaking. It also moisturizes the scalp and prevents dryness, thus deeply nourishing your hair.
How to use:
Warm about 2 tablespoons of Coconut Oil. Massage it liberally on your scalp and leave it for 30 minutes. Wash with a gentle shampoo.
Green tea
Green Tea is a saviour when it comes to hair fall. It is rich in catechins that prevent hair fall. It is also enriched with Theanine, which works together with Panthenol to make your hair stronger than ever. Apart from this, it also revitalizes hair follicles, promotes hair growth, fights dandruff and controls dryness.
How to use:
Brew around 2 or 3 Green Tea bags in water. Allow it to cool. Once you wash your hair with shampoo, massage your hair with this brew and then rinse with cold water.
Few basic tips to prevent hair fall
- Do not comb your hair when it is wet, as wet hair is fragile and prone to breakage.
- Don’t shampoo your hair every day as this will strip your hair of natural oils making it dry and brittle thus causing hair fall.
- Avoid chemical-loaded products and opt for natural solutions.
- Don’t overdo hot styling tools like straighteners, curlers, or hair dryers.
- Regular trims can prevent split-ends and thus stop hair fall.
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking enough water. Remember, the hair shaft is one-quarter water, so eight to ten glasses of water a day is a must.
Now, before you pull your hair out in frustration, do try these super simple natural remedies. These solutions have stood the test of time and have been proven highly effective in reducing hair fall. The best part is that there are no side effects, only incredible results that will leave your hair looking as stunning as ever. So, let your hair down and let those gloriously strands sway with confidence. Go on, flaunt your hair. Remember, invest in your hair. After all, that’s one crown you never take off.
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