Home remedies to stop hair fall

by | October 4, 2017, 12:00 AM IST

How to stop and reduce hair fall

Referred to as ‘crowning glory’, tresses are a direct expression of an individual’s personality and style. Excessive hair loss can be a troublesome problem, often causing worry and affecting self-esteem, especially for women. However, if diagnosed right, you can control hair fall with certain home remedies that are natural and effective in saving your locks. 

Causes of hair loss

1. Nutritional deficiencies

It could be possible that essential nutrients may be missing from your diet such as iron, copper, zinc and proteins. Deficiency of vitamin D is another cause of hair loss. In order to avoid this, make sure to get out and soak up some sun.

2. Hormonal Imbalance

After the age of 30, women can experience hormonal imbalance which can cause hair loss. This is usually caused by excessive dihydrotestosterone (DHT) conversion. Even though estrogen is the main hormone that women produce, testosterone and other androgens such as DHEA also occur in the female body. As women reach a certain age, they may begin to convert these androgens to DHT.

3. Thyroid issues

If the thyroid gland, which is at the front of the neck, produces excessive or an insufficient amount of the thyroid hormone, then the hair growth cycle may change. However, if you do have a thyroid issue, you will notice other symptoms along with hair loss such as weight gain or loss, sensitivity to cold or heat, and changes in heart-rate.

4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a hormonal imbalance which creates higher levels of androgens than normal. This often causes hair to grow on the face and body, while hair on the head grows thinner. PCOS can also lead to ovulation problems, acne, and weight gain.

5. Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills can cause hair loss. The hormones in the pill that suppress ovulation can cause hair to thin, especially in women with a family history of hair loss. Sometimes hair loss can occur when you stop taking the pill. Other drugs associated with hair loss are blood thinners and medicines that treat high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, and depression.

6. Stress

Extreme stress can cause sudden hair loss which could last for several months. Minimizing stress through exercise, meditation yoga and massages will reduce your chances of experiencing hair loss.

7. Hair styling products

Over-treated hair can lead to hair loss due to the toxic chemicals found in dyes and styling products. Similarly, almost all shampoos contain Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) which has a toxic effect on your immune system and has been proven to corrode hair follicles and impede hair growth. It is advisable to stick to natural shampoos and dyes.

8. Medical Conditions

- Telogen effluvium


- Androgenetic alopecia

in women, hair generally thins in the top, frontal area, just behind the hair line, but stays thick at the back. An enzyme causes conversion of the male sex hormone testosterone to another hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), causing the hair follicles to produce thinner hair until they stop.

- Alopecia areata

an autoimmune disease that affects up to 2% of the population. It causes round patches of hair loss and can lead to total baldness. In many cases, the hair regrows.

- Ageing

As we age, the rate at which our hair grows tends to slows down. Hair strands get smaller and have less pigment, and hair becomes thinner, finer, and grey. In order to keep your hair healthy, eat whole foods which help to keep your body youthful, as well as your hair. If you have premature grey hair, you can find here natural supplements that can help you.

- Genetics

Hair loss that is genetic is known as androgenetic alopecia and is known to be the most common cause of hair loss. The gene can be inherited from either your mother's or father's side of the family, though you're more likely to have it if both of your parents had hair loss.

Tips for controlling hair fall

1. Shampoo

It is extremely important to understand your scalp type and choose the right shampoo. Also, you need to wash your hair depending upon your scalp. For instance, over washing hair with dry scalp can lead to hair fall, or not washing oily locks thrice a week can lead to the same.

Further, make sure the shampoo is not loaded with chemicals including sulfate, paraben and silicone that can make your tresses brittle and hence, prone to breakage.

2. Conditioner

A good conditioner can work wonders for your locks. It contains amino acids that help to repair damaged hair, and also helps to keep them smooth.

3. Diet and Exercise

You need to feed your hair all the right nutrients particularly plenty of protein and iron. However, along with eating a balanced diet ensure you are exercising side by side. Yoga and meditation are effective in reducing hair fall.

4. Chemical Treatments

Undergoing rigorous hair treatments like straightening, perming and colouring are definitely not kind to your tresses. Further avoid using blow dryers, curling rods, especially on wet hair as they actually boil the water in your hair shaft and make them brittle.

If you really need to use a blow dry, then keep it on the lowest heat setting. If using other products that heat your hair, start with a fortifying leave-in conditioner and finish with a protective spray.

5. Oiling

Oiling improves blood circulation and nourishes the roots. Make sure to massage your tresses once a week with oil that suits your scalp. Cover it with a shower cap and wash it off with a mild shampoo after two hours.

6. Too many styling products

Using too many chemically laden products on your hair could prove harmful in the long run. It’s best to give them a break and try natural home-made recipes instead.

Natural remedies to treat hair fall

Egg Masks

1. Egg mask

Eggs are rich in sulphur, phosphorous, selenium, iodine, zinc and protein, which together help promote hair growth.

To prepare the mask,

1. separate one egg white in a bowl and add a teaspoon each of olive oil and honey.
2. Beat to make a paste and apply it all over from root to tips.
3. After 20 minutes, rinse with a mild shampoo.

Licorice root helps to get rid dry flakes/dandruff

2. Licorice root

This herb prevents hair loss and further damage to the hair. It helps soothe the scalp and get rid of any dry flakes/dandruff.

1. Make a paste by adding a tablespoon of ground licorice root and a quarter teaspoon saffron to one cup milk.
2. Apply this to your scalp and hair length and leave it on overnight.
3. Next morning, wash your hair.
4. Repeat this twice a week.

Coconut Milk promotes hair growth

3. Coconut Milk

The protein and essential fats in it promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.

To prepare the milk,

1. Grate a medium-sized coconut and simmer it in a pan for five minutes.
2. Strain and cool.
3. Then add one tablespoon each of crushed black pepper and fenugreek seeds to the milk.
4. Apply on your scalp and hair.
5. After 20 minutes, rinse with a shampoo.

Green Tea boosts hair growth

4. Green tea

This tea is rich in antioxidants, which help boost hair growth and prevent hair loss.

1. Soak two-three teabags in one-two cups of hot water depending on the length of your hair.
2. When it cools, pour this over your scalp and hair, while gently massaging your head.
3. Rinse with cool water after an hour.

Beetroot Juice keeps the scalp clean

5. Beetroot juice

Beetroot is rich in vitamins C and B6, folate, manganese, betaine and potassium, all of which are essential for healthy hair growth. Besides, it acts as a detoxification agent by helping keep the scalp clean.

1. Boil 7-8 beetroot leaves and grind along with 5-6 henna leaves.
2. Apply this paste on your scalp and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Greek yoghurt and honey for hair fall

6. Greek yoghurt and honey

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of yoghurt with 1 tablespoon of honey and lemon in a bowl.
2. Using a dye brush, apply this paste on the scalp and roots.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
4. Apply this paste once a week.

Aloe Vera reduces itching and flaking

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is an effective home remedy for hair loss and to boost hair growth. It is also effective in reducing problems of scalp like itching and flaking.

1. Take the stalk of Aloe Vera and extract the pulp.
2. Apply it to your hair and scalp and leave it for about 45 minutes.
3. Rinse with normal water. You can do this three to four times a week to see better results.

Fenugreek Seed helps in re-growth

8. Fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek or Methi seed is among the most effective home remedies to stop the hair loss. It repairs the hair follicles and helps in re-growth of the hair.

1. Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight in water.
2. Grind it to a fine paste and apply it to your hair and scalp.
3. Leave the paste on your head for about 30 minutes.
4. You can cover your scalp using a shower cap to keep it moist.
5. After 30 to 40 minutes, rinse it with normal water.
5. You don’t have to use any shampoo.
6. Do it twice a week for a month for control hair fall.

Onion Juice fights scalp infections

9. Onion juice

The antibacterial properties of onions helps fight against scalp infections, while the sulfur content improves circulation blood to the hair follicles. It promotes hair growth and controls loss of hair.

1. To extract onion juice, grind the onion and then squeeze out the juice.
2. Dip the cotton ball in the onion juice and apply it to your scalp.
3. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes and then wash it off using normal water and a mild shampoo.
4. Follow this procedure once a week and see the difference.

Amla promotes hair growth

10. Amla

Indian Gooseberry or Amla is another effective home remedy to stop hair fall. One of the causes is the deficiency of vitamin C, hence consuming amla will strengthen the hair follicles and help you to control it. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and the exfoliating properties, amla helps promote faster growth of hair, maintain a healthy scalp and prevents premature greying.

1. You can mix lime juice and the amla powder to make a paste.
2. Massage it to your scalp and hair.
3. Use a shower cap to cover your head so that the paste doesn’t dry out.
4. Keep it for an hour and then rinse it off with normal water.

Diet for healthy hair

While treatments and shampoos do play a role in maintaining healthy hair, the secret to thick, shiny, strong tresses is a healthy diet.

Spinach for healthy scalp and lustrous hair.

1. Spinach

Iron deficiency is the main cause of hair fall. Spinach is a not only a great source of iron but also vitamin A, C and protein. It also contains sebum which acts as a natural conditioner for hair and provides us with omega-3 acid, magnesium, potassium and calcium. These help in maintaining a healthy scalp and lustrous hair.

Carrots help prevent breakage of hair

2. Carrots

Known to be good for the eyes, carrots contain Vitamin A that also improves hair growth. Deficiency of vitamin A may lead to dry and itchy scalp. Carrots are known to add to thickness of hair, make hair lustrous, improve blood circulation, strengthen the hair, protect hair from external damages like pollution and also help prevent breakage of hair and hair fall.

Eggs rebuild damaged hair

3. Eggs

Since hair is composed of 68 percent keratin protein, eggs help in rebuild damaged hair. They are also rich in a B vitamin called biotin that helps hair grow.

Oats for thick and healthy

4. Oats

Oats are rich in fibre, zinc, iron, omega-6 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that stimulate hair growth and will make your hair thick and healthy.

Walnuts strengthen hair cuticles

5. Walnuts

Walnuts contain biotin, B vitamins (B1, B6 and B9), Vitamin E, plenty of protein and magnesium - all of which strengthen hair cuticles and nourish the scalp. It helps protect your cells from DNA damage which may be caused due to sun exposure.

Lentis provides protein for hair

6. Lentils

Lentils are a great source of protein, iron, zinc, and biotin. They are also loaded with folic acid which is necessary for restoring the health of red blood cells that supply the skin and scalp with much-needed oxygen.

Chicken strengthens fragile hair and prevents breakage

7. Chicken

Lean meats like chicken or turkey are rich in high quality protein which strengthens fragile hair and prevents breakage.

Strawberries, guavas for hair strength

8. Strawberries and guavas

Strawberries contain high levels of silica. Silica is a trace mineral vital for hair strength and hair growth. Other foods rich in silica include rice, oats, onion, cabbage, cucumber and cauliflower. Vitamin C also prevents hair from becoming brittle and breaking. While, we often think of oranges as the best source of vitamin C, one guava packs four to five times as much.

Curd promote hair follicle health

9. Yoghurt

Yogurt is packed with Vitamin B5 and Vitamin D that are known to promote hair follicle health.

Sweet potatoes beta carotene protects against dry, dull hair

10. Sweet potatoes

Beta carotene protects against dry, dull hair and stimulates the glands in your scalp to make an oily fluid called sebum. Orange coloured fruits and vegetables such as Carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe, mangoes and sweet potatoes are a great source of this.

Hair care tips for healthy locks

1. Regular Trims

Hair tends to be the most damaged near the tips, and a good trim in every six to eight weeks can help solve your woes. Damaged hair has straw-like texture, and can be chopped off to promote growth and remove split ends.

2. Stress

Stress is one of the root causes for a lot of health problems, including hair loss. It can also disrupt the process of hair growth and lead to premature graying. Again, meditation and yoga on regular basis can prove to be a good stress buster.

3. Avoid taking hot showers


4. Combing wet hair


5. Wearing tight hairstyles

Pulling your hair too tight from the roots causes damage and hence, should be avoided. It is also best to not tie your hair tight while sleeping.


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