Hair fall in its most informal definition is the waterfall of hair attached to your brush each morning and night that was formerly attached to your head. Yes, we are talking hair loss.

The truth faces us in the mirror that we lose 50 to 100 strands of hair daily. The mirror also reveals that we do not like this reality. Honestly, many of us may be tempted to throw the hairbrush across the room, and throw it hard.

Before we collapse into a pile of hair loss panic, let’s consider the options. Let’s understand what this rain of hair means.  And, let’s gain perspective on if we must dwell in our frustration or if a healthier way to deal with this loss exists.

CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS

The primary cause of hair loss is being human. Hair falls out, so new growth begins. In other words, your hair replaces itself. While 50 to 100 strands is the average, 150 is not unimaginable in some cases. 

Factors other than our humanity account for hair fall as well. The need to consider these factors grows if excess hair loss becomes apparent. Typically, running your fingers through your hair yields five to eight strands. If greater than 15 strands fall out, attention may be needed.

Other factors include:

• Genetics.
• Stress, both physical and emotional.
• Nutritional deficiencies such as inadequate protein, lack of vitamin B6 and folic acid.
• Anemia.
• Hormonal changes.
• Prolonged illness.
• Thyroid disease.
• Medications and medical treatments.
• Aging.
• Excessive smoking.
• Overstyling.

PREVENTION OF HAIR FALL

As mentioned, hair fall comes with life as a human being. The only way to completely stop the reality requires the proactive approach of shaving your head. In other words, eliminate your hair and laugh at the days to come. However, there are a few preventative measures to slow the loss of your treasured mane without such drastic measures. These preventative strategies may be considered remedies themselves.

• Eat a healthy diet including a variety of nutrients, especially vitamin A, B, C, E, protein and iron.
• Add fatty acids to your diet in the form of flax seeds, fish and walnuts.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly.
• Reduce stress.
• Be gentle with your hair in care, products and styling.
• Make a doctor’s appointment to diagnose and treat underlying conditions i.e. under active thyroid.

HOME REMEDIES TO CONTROL HAIR FALL

In addition to preventative remedies, natural home remedies can be applied.

Hot Oil Massage

Massage continues to be a hot topic due to its body benefits. Your scalp is no exception. And, a healthy scalp grows healthy hair.

Scalp massage promotes blood flow to the hair follicles, conditions the scalp and strengthens your hair’s roots. And, yes, relaxation and reduced stress are additional benefits. 

Several oils work to treat the scalp including coconut oil, almond oil, castor oil, argan oil, wheat germ oil and more. A drop of rosemary essential oil added to these increases the results.

Coconut

The rich components of this remedy target hair fall on several fronts. The vitamin E and fat-rich content of coconut milk moisturizes and promotes hair health. Potassium promotes hair growth, and antibacterial properties protect from damage.

Aloe Vera

The plant properties of aloe vera balance pH levels of the hair and scalp. Also, the ability of this plant to penetrate deeply promotes hair growth. Hair loss loses the battle to aloe.

The caution with aloe is the irritating toxins found in the yellow sap. Those with latex intolerance may react to this substance. Boiling the plant converts the toxins to salicylic acid which is safe for most skin types.

Licorice Root

We either love or hate the smell and taste of licorice. Yet, it proves a powerful remedy against hair fall. Long known for its healing properties, licorice root soothes the scalp and stops irritation and dandruff. Scalp health, in turn, promotes hair growth.

Indian Gooseberry

Also called Amla, this natural berry contains loads of vitamin C which helps absorb iron for hair strength and builds collagen which is vital for hair growth. Prevention of premature graying is an additional benefit of Indian Gooseberry.

Onion Juice

The remedy involving onion juice may produce a stink, but it gets results in the battle against hair fall. High sulfur content in onions improves blood circulation to hair follicles and thereby enhances hair growth. Sulfur along with the antibacterial properties of onions fight bacteria, and scalp and follicle infections.

Conclusion

Each of these prevention strategies and remedies requires minor modifications to your daily routine. The treatments often involve heating and mixing the primary ingredient with water or a few other common ingredients to form a paste. The paste or oil is massaged into the scalp or applied as a mask which is left on for a time and washed away. Either way, the use of these preventions and remedies keeps your hair and money from washing down the drain.