Natural Treatments for Hair Loss
How Hair Grows?
Hair is produced by hair follicles, organs of the skin, and moves through three stages: growth, transition, and rest. On the scalp, hair follicles are active for about 6 years, shrink in 3 weeks, and then fall out over a period of three months. Each of us lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair every day.
While losing some hair is a natural process, it is the more drastic and seemingly sudden hair loss that both men and women worry about. Two thirds of men will have some significant thinning by the age of 35, and one in seven males inherits the tendency to go bald from a parent. Women make up 40 percent of the population concerned with thinning hair.
Causes of Hair Loss
There are several conditions which cause a larger than usual percentage of hair follicles to prematurely enter the final phase of rest, called the telogen phase, and fall out. Many are fairly common and range from hormonal to medical conditions to stress and poor diet.
The most common hair loss cause is a hormonal condition known as male pattern baldness or female diffuse thinning. This condition is hereditary, can begin as early as puberty, and often develops over many years or decades.
Adjustment in hormones including pregnancy, menopause, or the discontinuation of birth control pills can sometimes lead to sudden, short-term hair loss.
Hair can also start to fall out as the result of an emotional or physical shock such as a death in the family, a severe illness, or drastic weight loss. Hair thinning will typically become noticeable just two to three months after the event.
Medical conditions causing hair loss include thyroid problems, scalp infections, and other skin disorders. Alopecia areata is believed to be an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own hair.
It triggers the loss of round patches of hair on the scalp and other body areas. In addition, a number of medications used to treat arthritis, high blood pressure, heart problems, cancer, and depression may trigger hair loss.
Hair loss can be a highly stressful and emotional event, but it is best to stay calm and do everything you can naturally to remedy it. It is recommended that individuals who are noticing hair loss see a doctor to accurately diagnose the cause and minimize stress.
If not triggered by an underlying disease, hair loss if often temporary, can be reduced and even reversed with natural remedies, and does not impact a person's general well-being. In fact, people suffering from alopecia are often in excellent health.
Natural Ways to Prevent and Treat Hair Loss
There are many natural ways to promote the growth and beauty of hair. Take a look at your diet first. Diet is the key to packing your body with nutrients and helping with hair regrowth and scalp conditions. (You may like some of our healthy & easy recipes.)
- Protein: The best first step to slow hair loss is often the introduction of more protein into your diet. Nine ounces of meat or 4 - 5 servings of dairy and beans are recommended daily to promote hair growth and speed up recovery.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Strongly consider consuming more foods with omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, seeds, nuts, and eggs. These foods help reduce inflammation and create a much healthier scalp.
- Iron: Iron deficiency in the form of anemia has been proven to be a major cause of hair loss. Spinach, oatmeal, and red meats contain iron and are highly recommended.
- Loose Styling: Avoid over-conditioning of your hair and hairstyles that involve pulling the hair too tightly into ponytails or cornrows. Consider styles that cause the least amount of damage. Experts suggest minimizing the use of heat tools to once per week and letting hair air-dry.
- Supplements: Supplements for hair growth and health include iron, vitamin D, zinc, and B-complex vitamins. Talk to your health care practitioner about the best supplements and dosage for you.
Natural Remedies for Hair Loss
Natural homeopathic remedies work with your body to maintain active hair follicles and keep the scalp healthy. The ingredients are carefully prepared and follow FDA and HPUS (Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the U.S.) standards.
They are proven to strengthen skin and hair, support the functioning of the thyroid, and balance hormone and mineral levels including iron. Homeopathic formulas improve both overall physical and emotional health thus helping body and mind to balance stress and operate more smoothly.
Hair-X Hair Loss Relief is a homeopathic combination remedy that blends 7 natural ingredients known to alleviate male-pattern hair loss, female diffuse thinning, and hair loss caused by hormonal fluctuations such as puberty and postpartum and menopausal thinning.
It supports the endocrine system, especially the thyroid and adrenal glands, helping regulate many body functions including growth, metabolism, and mood.
Homeopathic single remedies for strong hair and healthy scalp include Silicea, Natrum Muriaticum, Natrum Phosphoricum, Sepia, and Lycopodium. Also see Graphites and Calcarea Carbonica.
Schuessler Cell Salts are essential minerals and the following are proven to support hair growth and hair-related issues: Kali Sulphuricum, Natrum Muriaticum, and Silicea.
