Hair loss is a common concern for many people, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as genetics, hormones, stress, poor nutrition, and certain medical conditions. While some hair loss is normal, excessive shedding can be distressing and affect one's self-esteem. Fortunately, there are ways to stop and reduce hair loss. In this article, we will explore some effective strategies for maintaining healthy hair and preventing further loss.
One of the most common causes of hair loss is genetics. If hair loss runs in your family, it is likely that you will also experience it at some point in your life. However, other factors such as hormonal changes, stress, and poor nutrition can also contribute to hair loss. Therefore, it is important to take a holistic approach to prevent and reduce hair loss by taking care of your body and mind.
While you can’t stop hair fall completely, here are a few tips to reduce hair fall.
How To Reduce Hair Loss
1. Hair Care
Making a few small changes to your daily routine can help reduce hair fall.
- Use a wooden wide-tooth comb to untangle your hair. You can use your regular brush after this. This will reduce breakage and hair loss from pulling. It is also crucial to remember not to comb your hair while it is wet. Your hair is at its most vulnerable when wet, which increases the chances of breakage.
- Another tip is to use your towel the right way. Drying your hair vigorously with a towel will lead to hair breakage, tangles, and pulling. Instead, gently squeeze out excess moisture from your hair with your towel and then let it dry naturally.
- Try to switch to shampoos that are free of sulfates, silicones, and parabens to avoid loading your scalp and hair with harsh chemicals that cause damage, making your hair brittle and more prone to breakage.
- Wash your hair at least once every three days with a gentle hair cleanser or shampoo to remove all the accumulated dust, dirt, oil, and bacteria build-up. Keep it clean at all times to avoid hair fall from clogged follicles. It is also important not to wash your hair more than thrice a week. Overwashing will strip your scalp and hair of natural oils that are essential for healthy hair growth.
- Do not subject your hair to frequent chemical treatments, excessive blow drying, ironing, and coloring as it can lead to hair loss. If you color your hair and have been facing hair fall issues, it would be a good idea to take a short break before you put any more chemicals in your hair. A study showed that allergic contact dermatitis from hair dyes might be responsible for increased hair loss.
- Avoid hairstyles like tight ponytails, pigtails, or braids on a daily basis. Using hair elastics to pull back hair tightly can cause hair fall.
2. Yoga And Exercise
You’d be surprised at how much stress can contribute to hair loss . And nothing relieves stress as well as physical activity does. Regular exercise like yoga can go a long way in reducing stress and may help curb hair fall.
3. Supplements And Medicines
There are many hair growth supplements that can help thicken hair and curb hair fall. Even certain vitamin supplements go a long way in improving the health and volume of your hair. However, do not start taking any supplements without consulting a healthcare professional.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is one of the most effective medications for hair loss, though it may have a side effect of hypertrichosis (abnormal amount of hair growth over the body) .
Cyproterone acetate is another effective drug for hair loss in women, though it is not advisable for men .
4. Natural Treatments
a. Hair Oil Treatment
There have been reams and reams of paper dedicated to how oiling your hair overnight can make a difference. Though you may not like the idea of sticky, oily hair, the application of oils, like coconut, peppermint, and argan oils, can help your hair in the long term . Leaving your hair oiled overnight provides enough time for each strand to be coated and for the scalp to get nourished. Dandruff and dead cells are loosened by the movement of your fingers and can be removed easily with shampoo the next day.
Directions
1. Pour two tablespoons of a carrier oil like coconut oil in a bowl.
2. Dip your fingers into this bowl and start massaging the oil into your scalp.
3. Give yourself a good scalp massage for about 15 minutes until your entire scalp is covered in the oil.
4. Work the remaining oil through the length of your hair.
5. Leave the oil in overnight and wash it off with shampoo the next morning.
6. Repeat this twice or thrice a week.
b. Hot Oil Treatment
If you are not keen on oiling your hair overnight, you can always apply oil an hour before bathing. Warm oils are preferred because they can penetrate into the pores of the scalp more easily and increase the flow of blood in the area. Follow the steps listed below to give yourself a hot oil treatment.
Directions
1. Pour two tablespoons of a carrier oil into a bowl and heat it for a couple of seconds until slightly warm.
2. Dip your fingers into this bowl and start to massage the oil into your scalp. Give yourself a good scalp massage for about 15 minutes.
3. Work the remaining oil through the length of your hair, ensuring that you coat it from the roots to the tips.
4. Leave the oil in your hair for an additional 30-45 minutes.
5. Wrap your hair with a hot towel (you can soak it in hot water or use a blow dryer to heat it up) during this time. Wash the oil out with your regular shampoo.
6. Repeat 2-3 times a week.
c. Homemade Hair Masks
Homemade hair masks are an inexpensive and convenient option when it comes to controlling hair fall without exposing your hair to any harmful chemicals. They help to strengthen, nourish, and beautify your hair. Here’s a simple homemade hair mask for treating hair loss:
5. Green Tea And Egg Hair Treatment
Green tea contains EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) that can help stimulate hair growth . Eggs have been a popular hair care ingredient for decades because of their high protein content. They provide your hair with the essential nutrients it needs to grow healthily.
Directions
1. Take 1 egg yolk in a clean bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of freshly prepared green tea to it.
2. Mix well until the mixture reaches a frothy and creamy consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add more green tea to dilute it.
3. Part your hair from the center and apply this mask to your scalp and hair.
4. Cover your hair with a shower cap.
5. Leave this on for about 30 minutes and then rinse well with cool water and your regular shampoo.
6. Repeat 2-3 times a week for best results.
6. Aromatherapy
A study showed that aromatherapy with essential oils could be an effective treatment for alopecia . You can use thyme, rosemary, cedarwood, and lavender on a regular basis to reduce hair loss.
7. Salon Treatments
a. Hair Spa
Many salons offer hair spa treatments that are meant to strengthen, condition, and nourish your hair. These treatments are ideal for women who are busy and stressed. They not only improve hair health but are also the perfect way to relax and destress. Listed below are the benefits of a hair spa treatment:
- It deeply conditions your hair, treats split ends, and repairs dry, damaged, and dull hair. It also helps get rid of dandruff.
- Hair spa treatment provides your hair and scalp with the essential nourishment needed for healthy hair growth.
- It helps fortify the hair follicles and revitalizes the scalp, creating an ideal environment for unhindered hair growth.
- It prevents scalp aging and improves blood circulation in the scalp with a stimulating massage.
- It also helps remove impurities from your hair and scalp, preventing clogging and build-up, resulting in better hair health.
- Thehair spa treatmentoffers relief from stress and tension.
b. Laser Therapy
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is growing in popularity as an effective hair growth treatment. It deals with hair loss or thinning hair by providing damaged cells in your scalp with extra energy to resume normal functioning. This can help stimulate hair growth and curb hair fall.
8. Hair Transplantation
Hair transplantation is one of the restorative methods for hair. It is achieved by taking donor hair and placing it where hair loss occurs. In the beginning, there might be a period of effluvium, but the donor hair eventually grows the same way it did on its donor site. It has very few complications.
9. Diet
When it comes to hair health, what you put in your body is just as important as what you put on your hair. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet becomes crucial as soon as you notice hair fall. You can consume foods that are rich in zinc, iron, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and proteins . A healthy diet will also help keep your hair moisturized and nourished, leading to lesser hair fall, fewer split ends, and curbed breakage.
Consider adding more of these to your diet – carrots, oats, whole grains, brown rice, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, lentils, sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds, oysters, nuts such as walnuts and almonds, flaxseed oil (Linseed oil) or ground flaxseeds, seafood like salmon and tuna that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, eggs, beans, yogurt, and low-fat cheese.
Avoid fatty foods and fizzy drinks while also cutting down on your intake of carbs.
Dealing with hair loss can be hard, but it is not impossible. With all the new technologies, age-old natural remedies, and a tweak to your hair care regimen, dealing with hair fall can become easier. Talk to a dermatologist or trichologist who will suggest the right mode of treatment for you.
