Hair loss is normal, but when it happens in excess it?s frightening and upsetting. It?s common to lose 50-100 strands a day. When you wash your hair you can lose 250 strands. Most of the hair on your head is growing. About 10% of your hair is dormant, and will fall out after 2-3 months. Sometime you don’t realise that everyday habits can contribute to hair loss. Here are some natural ways to get your hair growing and prevent hair loss, and some tips on what not to do, to ensure your hair stays on your head.
1. Coconut milk
Coconut milk is a rich source of nutrients including vitamin E, potassium, and iron. Applying this liquid directly to the roots can help prevent hair breakage and accelerate hair growth. The antibacterial properties in this milk can also protect the scalp as it is a natural conditioner for both hair and skin. It?s recommended that you leave this treatment in overnight.
2. Amla, Indian gooseberry
This fruit is well known for its high levels of vitamin C and is packed with antioxidants, which can prevent premature graying. The essential fatty acids in this fruit can also keep hair follicles strong. It is also purported to reverse graying hair. Applying a paste of dried amla with lime juice to the scalp will nourish your locks and make your hair extra lustrous. To make the paste mix 2 teaspoons of lime juice with 2 teaspoons of dried amla powder.
3. Scalp massage
Regularly treating your head to a massage is effective in keeping your hair healthy. A massage stimulates blood flow to the scalp and promotes hair growth. Combining a head massage with lukewarm oil can prevent hair loss and dandruff too.
There are a number of oils to try: coconut, jojoba, mustard, almond, lavender, olive, or sesame oil are all full of added nutrients. Jojoba oil is especially recommended because it replaces sebum to the scalp.
4. Neem, Indian lilac
Neem oil is extracted from the fruit of the Indian lilac tree. This treatment is effective because the tree is rich in antioxidants which counter free radicals. Neem is regenerative and contains fatty acids like linoleic, oleic, and stearic acids, which also condition the scalp and hair beautifully.
Neem is an astringent and can also treat itching, dandruff and head lice without chemicals. Neem oil has a bitter smell so it?s recommended that you mix it with an aromatic essential oil like lavender, tea tree or orange. You can massage this mixture into your scalp and apply it to your locks too.
Aloe Vera is another good remedy for hair loss. Applying pure aloe gel directly to the scalp helps balance the pH level. The plant extract is rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and enzymes. The aloe strengthens hairs elasticity and can soften and moisturize your hair, acting as a natural conditioner. Dissolving a small amount of salt into the gel can also help. The salt penetrates the deeper skin layers and can prevent hair from falling out unnecessarily.
6. Egg white & curd
The combination of egg white and curd creates a super hair treatment that promotes hair growth. Eggs are rich in sulphur, selenium, iodine, phosphorus, iron and zinc. Curd has many nutrients and is anti-fungal. This mixture makes an excellent conditioner, making your hair shiny and at the same time effectively fights dandruff and hair loss. Combine the ingredients and apply the mask to your scalp and hair.
7. Henna
While most people know henna as a natural hair dye, it is also an excellent way to strengthen and condition hair. More importantly henna controls excessive hair loss. When applied to hair and scalp it creates a protective coat over the hair shafts and its nutrients repair the hair cuticles, making the strands thick and strong.
To prevent hair loss, combine dried henna leaves or powdered henna with mustard oil and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Massage this oil mix into your scalp. Leave this to rest for 30 minutes and rinse your hair after.
This vibrant flower has many rejuvenating properties for hair. It is an old Indian method of maintaining a thick mane of hair. Because of its rich vitamin C and amino acid content, this flower works to prevent premature graying, nourish the hair and treat dandruff. When you combine the crushed leaves of the flowers with coconut or sesame oil and apply this paste to your scalp regularly, it can also help with hair loss. It?s best to leave the paste in your hair for several hours and then rinse.
Don?t comb or rub your hair wet
When you wet your hair its more fragile because the protective layer has been stripped. Towel drying or combing your hair when wet can cause the hair to snap and break. Detangle your hair before you wet it and blot your hair with a towel.
Don?t overheat your hair
Excess use of your hair dryer or straightening iron can dry out your hair shafts, leading to dull, and brittle hair. The heat can damage the proteins and the dryness also strips your hair of natural moisture, resulting in dry cuticles, which will snap off. It’s recommended you limit this activity to 2 to 3 times a week.
Don?t wash your hair with hot water
Boiling hot water can weaken your hair follicles and cause hair to fall out. Having a steaming hot shower frequently can strip away the protective oils and this can cause your scalp pores to overproduce oil, which can damage the hair at the root, resulting in excessive shedding. Opt for washing your hair with lukewarm to warm water, and rinsing with cooler temperatures, to lock in moisture.
