Home Remedies for Hair Fall

We have all had that moment - staring at the unusual amount of hair strands on our pillow or noticing more strands than usual stuck in the hair brush. While most of us do take our hair for granted - until it actually starts falling out, however hair fall can be truly distressing, leading to stress, frustration, and most importantly, a sense of embarrassment. Note that there are a variety of factors responsible for hair fall like genetics, hormonal changes, underlying medical conditions, diet and more.

Here’s the silver lining - hair fall can be controlled! Isn’t that a relief? All it takes is simple, natural home remedies for hair fall that are safe and effective, these include changes to your diet, lifestyle and sleeping habits.

How to actually recognize hair fall?

Did you know that hair fall is a natural part of the hair growth cycle? It is absolutely normal to lose around 50-100 strands in a day. However, if you are losing an abnormal amount of hair daily then it is a clear sign that you are experiencing hair fall. These signs can help you identify the most obvious indicators of excessive hair fall:

• More hair on your pillow or in the shower drain
• Thinning hair or reduced volume
• Receding hairline
• Visible scalp
• Widening hair part
• Weaker hair that breaks easily

What are the common causes of hair fall?

Understanding the root cause of hair fall can not only help you in gaining control over it but also prevent it from progressing to complete baldness.

1. Genetics

Genetic predisposition is one of the leading causes of hair fall. Androgenic alopecia, or hereditary hair loss, is common and often results in gradual thinning or balding, especially around the temples or crown.

2. Hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalance, more common in women often caused due to pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can be blamed for hair loss.

3. Nutritional deficiencies

With the indulgence in unhealthy habits, it’s not uncommon to experience nutritional deficiencies. Insufficient amounts of hair-essential nutrients like iron, biotin and vitamins A, D and E can weaken hair follicles, resulting in hair thinning.

4. Stress

Major life events, illness, or significant lifestyle changes can lead to stress-induced hair loss. Did you know stress can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium? It causes a large number of hair follicles to enter the shedding phase at once, resulting in noticeable thinning.

5. Medical conditions

Conditions such as alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder, can cause patches of hair loss. Other factors like scalp infections, PCOS, uncontrolled thyroid can also lead to hair fall.

Home remedies for hair fall

These home remedies for hair fall can be effortlessly prepared using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. By incorporating them in your regular hair care routine, you will be able to see noticeable results over time.

• Onion juice : Being rich in sulfur, onion juice helps improve blood circulation to the scalp, accelerating hair growth. Take 1-2 onions, depending on the length of your hair, extract the juice and thoroughly apply it to your scalp, leave it for 20-30 minutes and then rinse with a mild shampoo.
  Aloe vera hair mask: Packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, and E, zinc and copper, Aloe Vera can help with cell turnover, promoting healthy hair growth. It reduces scalp irritation and conditions the hair. Directly apply fresh aloe vera gel to your scalp and leave it for 30 minutes before rinsing.
  Amla juice: Amla, the powerhouse of antioxidants nourishes the scalp and improves blood circulation. Mix amla juice with coconut oil or honey and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.
• Apple cider vinegar rinse: Known for balancing the pH levels of the scalp, Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) also helps to remove excess oil. Add two tablespoons of ACV to water, mix it thoroughly and use it as a final rinse after shampooing.
• Fenugreek seeds hair paste: Loaded with proteins and nicotinic acid, both popular for boosting hair growth, fenugreek seeds help repair damaged strands. Soak them overnight, grind into a paste, and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off.
• Coconut oil massage: This one’s from your grandma’s collection, coconut oil. Packed with fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that nourish and strengthen hair from the inside-out, gently massaging it onto your scalp helps improve circulation, reduce hair breakage, and moisturize both the scalp and hair strands.
• Curd hair mask: Curd nourishes the scalp and hair, and helps prevent hair breakage. The probiotics in it help balance the natural oils in the scalp, preventing dryness. Mix curd with a tablespoon of honey to add extra moisture. Apply this mixture to your hair, leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.
• Green tea mask: Antioxidant-rich green tea is packed with polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which help stimulate hair follicles and prevent hair loss. Prepare a cup of green tea, allow it to cool, then add fresh lemon juice to the cooled tea, and mix thoroughly. Massage the mixture on your scalp for 5-10 minutes, leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing
• Castor oil: Castor oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties support scalp health and it also strengthens hair follicles and prevents hair breakage. Mix castor oil with aloe vera gel and apply it to your scalp for added moisture. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes before rinsing.

Lifestyle and Diet Recommendations for Hair Fall

Combining natural remedies with a healthy lifestyle and dietary changes can lead to faster, long-lasting results in controlling hair fall.
1. Eat a balanced diet
Protein, vitamins, and minerals - your hair needs all these vital nutrients to grow strong and healthy. Eating protein-rich foods like eggs, beans and nuts can nourish the hair follicles, while iron-rich foods such as spinach and lentils can strengthen the hair strands. Vitamins like A, C, and E, easily available through fruits and vegetables, support scalp health.
2. Minimize stress
Stress can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, leading to increased hair fall. To help manage stress, find things you love to do. Join a yoga class to promote relaxation and try to create a healthy work-life balance for managing stress effectively.
3. Drink water
It’s not surprising to know that dehydration can affect your hair health, making it dry and brittle. Set a reminder for yourself to drink enough water throughout the day. It keeps the scalp well-hydrated.
4. Beauty sleep for better hair
Believe it or not, a good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining healthy hair too. Get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night. This enables repair and rejuvenation of hair follicles.
5. Avoid head styling & chemical treatments
Heat tools like hair dryers or straighteners and chemical treatments like hair bleach or dyes contribute to breakage and hair loss. Use minimal heat or chemical treatments.

When it comes to controlling hair fall, a well-rounded approach can truly deliver real results. However, being consistent is key - whether it’s sticking to natural remedies or embracing lifestyle and dietary changes. Follow these tips and watch as your hair thrives with strength and vitality.