Hair fall is one of the most common problems we face today. What is also common is our lack of knowledge about the wonderful and simple ways through which we can treat the condition.
JUMP TO REMEDIES.
In this post, we talk about some of the best home remedies you can use to get rid of the problem. And in addition to those, there are certain other tips that can help you say good bye to hair loss once and for all!
Trust us when we say this these remedies can go a long way in treating your hair troubles! To know more, keep reading.
CAUSES OF HAIR FALL
Hair fall can be caused by a number of factors. These include:
Physical or emotional stress
Inadequate protein intake
Genetics
Anemia
Aging
Hormonal changes
Prolonged illness
Deficiency of vitamin B6 and folic acid
Over-styling
Thyroid diseases
Home Remedies For Hair Fall
Now that you know the various causes of hair fall, lets go ahead and check out the home remedies that can treat the condition.
Coconut Milk
Aloe Vera
Neem (Indian Lilac)
Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Greek Yogurt
Methi (Fenugreek)
Licorice Root
Beetroot
Onion Juice
Chinese Hibiscus
Green Tea
Coconut Oil Massage
Egg White Mask
Potatoes
Lemon Juice
Coriander Juice
1. COCONUT MILK:
What You Need
Coconut milk, 1 cup
What You Need To Do
Apply the coconut milk to your scalp using a hair dye brush. Then cover your head with a towel and leave it undisturbed for about 20 minutes.
You can ideally prepare coconut milk at home by grinding the grated coconut and squeezing its milk.
After that, remove the towel and rinse your hair with cold water.
You can follow with a shampoo.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before taking bath. You can follow this process once every week.
Why This Works
Coconut milk is rich in vitamin E and fats, which help moisturize the hair and keep it healthy. The milk is rich in potassium (1), another vital ingredient for hair growth. It also has antibacterial properties that protect the hair from damage.
2. ALOE VERA:
What You Need
A leaf (or even a stalk) of the Aloe Vera plant
What You Need To Do
This is the traditional way of using Aloe Vera for treating hair growth. Extract the pulp content from the leaf or stalk and rub into your hair.
Ensure your hair is already washed before you do this.
Massage the pulp into your scalp in circular motions.
Leave it undisturbed for about 15 minutes and then rinse with cold water.
When You Need To Do This
Repeat the process thrice a week, ideally in the morning after you have taken a head bath.
Why This Works
Aloe Vera plays a crucial role in balancing the pH levels of the scalp and hair. It penetrates the scalp and hair, therebyPROMOTING hair growth (2), (3).
Caution
The yellow-colored sap of the Aloe Vera plant contains toxins, and can irritate the skin if you are latex-intolerant. You can ideally boil the plant (which converts the toxins to natural salicylic acid, which is harmless to the skin) before extracting the pulp content.
3. NEEM (INDIAN LILAC):
What You Need
Dry neem leaves, about 10 12
A vessel containing water
What You Need To Do
Boil the neem leaves in the water till the water level comes down to half its quantity.
Wait for the mixture to cool.
Rinse your hair with this mixture.
When You Need To Do This
You can use this remedy as a last rinse after shampooing your hair. It can ideally be done once every week.
Why This Works
Neem has excellent antibacterial properties that help you get rid of dandruff. This ensures the scalp is healthy, andPROMOTES hair growth (4). It also stimulates blood flow to the skin, thereby nourishing the hair roots.
Neem is even found to eliminate head lice and nits (5).
Caution
Using neem for hair (especially in the case of dandruff) can cause your eyes to burn. So, be careful while washing off the neem water and ensure it doesnt get into your eyes.
4. AMLA (INDIAN GOOSEBERRY):
What You Need
Indian gooseberries, 4 -5
Virgin coconut oil, 1 cup
What You Need To Do
Boil the dried Indian gooseberries in coconut oil till the oil turns black.
Wait for it to cool, and then massage your scalp with this oil.
Leave it undisturbed for about 20 minutes, and then shampoo as usual.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning before taking bath. You can follow this twice every week.
Why This Works
Amla is rich in vitamin C, a nutrient essential for the growth and strengthening of hair (6). Vitamin C also helps build collagen, which is vital for hair growth. Apart from this, vitamin C also helps absorb iron, thereby keeping your locks strong and healthy.
Amla also helps thicken each individual hair strand (7).
5. GREEK YOGURT:
What You Need
Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons
Honey, œ a tablespoon (or a few drops)
1 lemon
What You Need To Do
Take the two tablespoons of Greek yogurt in a bowl. To this, add honey and the lemon juice extracted from the lemon.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly and make a paste.
Using a hair dye brush, apply this pack to the scalp and hair roots.
Leave it undisturbed for about 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
When You Need To Do This
Follow this procedure before bath. Ideally use this pack once a week. If you have dry hair, then use the pack twice a week.
Why This Works
Greek yogurt acts as a natural conditioner for hair. It contains vitamin B5 and proteins that are extremely beneficial for hair (8). Honey contains antibacterial properties that protect hair from damage (9).
Greek yogurt contains probiotics, which, according to studies, make the hair glow (10).
6. METHI (FENUGREEK):
What You Need
Fenugreek seeds, 1 cup
What You Need To Do
Soak the cup of fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
The next morning, grind the seeds and make a paste. Ensure the paste is thoroughly ground and spreadable.
Apply this paste to your hair, from the root to tip, and cover with a shower cap.
Leave your hair undisturbed for about 40 minutes, and then rinse using cold water.
When You Need To Do This
Every morning before bath. Follow this for a month.
Why This Works
Fenugreek seeds enhance hair growth and help in the rebuilding of the hair follicles. They also make hair shiny, strong, and long (11).
7. LICORICE ROOT:
What You Need
Ground licorice root,1 tablespoon
Milk, 1 cup
Saffron, Πteaspoon
What You Need To Do
Add the ground licorice root and saffron to the cup of milk and mix them thoroughly.
Before going to bed in the night, apply this mixture to the bald patches and leave it overnight.
Wash your hair the next morning.
When You Need To Do This
In the night, before going to bed. Follow this remedy twice a week.
Why This Works
Licorice root has healing properties that soothe the scalp and eliminate scalp irritation or dandruff. This helps in maintaining scalp health andPROMOTING hair growth.
8. BEETROOT:
What You Need
A few beetroot leaves
Henna, 1 tablespoon
What You Need To Do
Firstly, boil the beetroot leaves in water till the water level comes down to half its quantity.
Grind the leaves and add henna.
Make a paste and apply it to your scalp.
Leave it undisturbed for about 20 minutes and rinse with water.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before taking bath. Follow this remedy 3 4 times a week.
Why This Works
Beetroot contains potassium, protein, and vitamins B and C, all of which are essential for healthy hair.
9. ONION JUICE:
What You Need
1 onion
A cotton ball
What You Need To Do
Grate the onion and extract its juice.
Dip the cotton ball into the juice, and apply it directly to your scalp, ensuring the hair strands are covered from the root to the tip.
Leave your hair undisturbed for about 30 minutes, after which you can rinse with cold water.
Shampoo as usual.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before taking bath. Repeat the remedy 2 to 3 times a week for about a month.
Why This Works
Onion has antibacterial properties (12), which can eliminate the bacteria that can cause scalp infections. It also has a high sulfur content, which improves the blood circulation to the hair follicles and encourages hair growth. Sulfur is also known to treat infected hair follicles (13).
Caution
Be careful while applying the juice to your hair. If the juice gets into your eyes, thoroughly wash them right away with cold water. Though not harmful to your eyes, onion juice can cause a burning sensation and extreme discomfort.
10. CHINESE HIBISCUS:
What You Need
Chinese hibiscus flowers, 10
Virgin coconut oil, 2 cups
What You Need To Do
Add the Chinese hibiscus flowers to the coconut oil and heat the mixture.
When the flowers are charred, strain the mixture and collect the oil.
Apply this oil every night and wash your hair thoroughly the next morning.
When You Need To Do This
In the night, before going to bed. You can follow this remedy 2 3 times every week for about a month.
Why This Works
Chinese hibiscus contains vitamin C, phosphorous, and riboflavin, the essential nutrients for smooth and strong hair. The flower also contributes to toxin elimination andPROMOTEScirculation, thereby enhancing hair growth (14), (15).
11. GREEN TEA:
What You Need
2 green tea bags
2 – 3 cups of hot water
What You Need To Do
Steep the two green tea bags in the hot water and wait till the water cools down.
Now remove the tea bags, and use the solution to rinse your hair. Massage the solution into your scalp.
When You Need To Do This
You can use this green tea solution as an after-shampoo conditioner. Repeat the procedure 3 4 times a week, every morning after shampooing your hair. Continue the process for about two weeks.
Why This Works
Green tea is known to stimulate hair follicles and boost hair production. It also increases your metabolism, which has been linked to an increase in the rate of hair growth (16).
12. COCONUT OIL MASSAGE:
What You Need
2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil
What You Need To Do
You can begin with slightly warming the oil and putting it on a small bowl.
Gently apply the oil to your scalp and the hair roots, ensuring the hairs are covered from the root to the tip. Massage in small circular motions.
You can either leave the oil for about 30 minutes (or overnight), and then shampoo as usual.
When You Need To Do This
You can either follow the procedure in the night before going to bed or in the morning before taking bath. Do this every alternate day till you see the results.
Why This Works
Coconut oil contains antioxidants (17), which strengthen hair and give it a natural sheen. It also has antimicrobial properties that help fight scalp infections.
Caution
Make it a point to wash your hair within a day of applying the oil. Otherwise your hair would appear greasy and can attract dust and dirt as well.
Note:
You can also use almond, olive, and amla oils in the place of coconut oil for similar results. Olive oil has been found to improve the elasticity of the hair, thereby preventing it from breakage (18). Almond and amla oils also help prevent hair loss and make it stronger (19).
13. EGG WHITE MASK:
What You Need
Eggs, 2
What You Need To Do
Break open the two eggs in a bowl.
Separate the yolks from the egg white.
Mix the egg white from the two eggs till you get a thick and even consistency.
Using a hair dye brush, apply the egg white to your scalp and hair.
Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it undisturbed for about 20 minutes, and then rinse with cool water followed by a mild shampoo.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning (before or after taking bath). Repeat the remedy thrice a week.
Why This Works
Eggs are a rich source of protein, and B vitamins essential nutrients for optimum hair health (20).
14. POTATOES:
What You Need
Potatoes, 1
Honey, 1 teaspoon
Water, 1 teaspoon
What You Need To Do
Wash the potato thoroughly and peel its skin.
Cut it into small pieces and put them in a blender to get the puree (You can add a little amount of water to the puree if its too thick).
You can further strain the puree into a bowl using a muslin cloth. This will give you the potato juice you need.
To the juice, add 1 teaspoon each of honey and water. Mix well.
Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
Wash off with a mild shampoo.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, after bath. You can do this once a week.
Why This Works
Potatoes contain potassium, vitamin C, and iron, all of which are vital for maintaining hair health. It has also been found that a deficiency of potassium could lead to hair loss.
15. LEMON JUICE:
What You Need
Lemons, 2 3
Warm water, 1 cup
What You Need To Do
Cut each of the lemons and prepare about Πcup of lemon juice.
Strain the juice into a bowl using a muslin cloth, and mix it with the warm water.
After you have washed your hair in the bath, gently pour the mixture over your scalp, massaging it into your scalp at the same time.
Leave the mixture on your hair for about 5 minutes, and then wash it off with cool water.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, after bath. Practice this remedy once or twice a week.
Why This Works
Lemons are excellent astringents. They tighten the pores in your scalp, thereby controlling hair fall. If you have oily hair, a lemon juice rinse is what you can try out.
Lemons also contain alpha-hydroxy acids that exfoliate dead cells, eliminating dandruff in the process. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient that helps maintain hair health.
Caution
Despite being safe, lemons contain acids. Hence, close your eyes as you pour the mixture over your head. Also remember not to use the lemon juice remedy too frequently or for a long duration it can dry out your hair.
16. CORIANDER JUICE:
What You Need
Freshly chopped coriander leaves, 1 cup
Water, 3 4 tablespoons (or as much as it is needed for making the coriander paste)
What You Need To Do
Grind the coriander leaves and mix them with water to form a paste.
Extract the juice from the paste, and using a hair dye brush, apply it to your scalp and hair.
Leave it undisturbed for an hour, and then shampoo as usual.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before taking bath. You can try out this remedy twice or thrice a week.
Why This Works
Coriander is known to make your hair soft and prevent hair loss. Apart from this, it is also effective inPROMOTING hair growth (21).
Tips:
In addition to the home remedies, there are certain other lifestyle changes you can make and tips you can follow to keep hair fall away.
1. Say No To Junk Food
It has been proven time and again that consumption of junk food can cause hair fall. Junk food contains excessive calories and no essential nutrients, which can eventually lead to hair loss (22).
You can instead switch to including more of green leafy vegetables, protein-rich foods, and fruits in your diet.
2. Be Gentle With Wet Hair
Wet hair is more prone to breakage, which is why you must be gentle while handling it. The best way to dry wet hair is to pat it with a dry towel, instead of rubbing it harshly.
3. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise enhances blood circulation and improves the flow of oxygen to your scalp, thereby controlling hair fall. Ideally exercise for about 30 minutes a day, five times a week (23).
Regular exercise enhances blood circulation and improves the flow of oxygen to your scalp, thereby controlling hair fall. Ideally exercise for about 30 minutes a day, five times a week (23).
4. Stay Hydrated
Drinking sufficient water is one more way of keeping hair fall at bay (24). Owing to our busy and sedentary lifestyles, we seldom remember theIMPORTANCE of keeping ourselves hydrated. Drink about 6 8 glasses of filtered water on a regular basis.
5. Trim Your Hair Regularly
Split ends can also cause hair fall (25). To avoid this, keep trimming your hair periodically.
6. Avoid Steamy Showers
Hot water dehydrates hair strands, making them brittle and vulnerable to breakage. Rinsing your hair with hot water also flushes out the essential oils of the scalp, which can lead to further shedding of hair. You can instead go for a shower with lukewarm or normal water.
7. Stay Away From Hot Styling Tools
Exposing your hair to high temperatures can destroy the vital proteins and damage your hairs protective cuticles. When the cuticles are damaged, the moisture balance of your hair gets disrupted, making it susceptible to breakage.
Ideally you can limit the usage of hot styling tools (including your blow-dryer) to no more than twice a week. Also, make it a point to apply a heat-protection spray to reduce friction and protect your hair.
8. Dont Wash Your Hair Too Less (Or Too Much)
You can skip shampoo for a day, but make sure that doesnt become a habit. Not washing your hair for days together can lead to the accumulation of dirt, oil, and product residue that can clog the pores in your scalp.
On the other hand, washing your hair too often (washing every day) might remove the essential oils your scalp needs. The best you can do is wash your hair every two days, more so if you are prone to excessive sweating and use many hair products. Use a sulfate-free shampoo (LOreal Paris EverStrong Thickening Shampoo) to prevent excessive dryness.
Hair fall might be a serious problem; but like most serious problems out there, it can be prevented and treated with simple home remedies. Follow what we have told, and you will never have to worry about hair loss again!