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6 Tips To Prevent Hair Loss & Stimulate Hair Growth

6 Tips To Prevent Hair Loss & Stimulate Hair Growth
Shweta Chaubey

It is normal to lose hair. The average person sheds 50 to 100 hairs per day. The reason we don’t notice this hair loss is that each strand lost is replaced by a new one. But there are conditions when new hair growth does not occur, resulting in thinning hair or a receding hairline.  

What is hair loss? 

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is more prevalent among adults than children. It can develop suddenly or over time and may be temporary or permanent.  

Signs of balding 

Several symptoms may indicate hair loss. Here are some to watch out for -  

  • Increased hair shedding: Excessive hair in your brush, comb, or sink while combing, brushing, or washing. This differs from normal hair shedding, a part of our hair growth cycle. 
  • Thinning hair: A sudden and alarming change in the hair volume and strength, especially around the crown or the top of the head.  
  • Receding hairline: A receding hairline is one of the first signs of male pattern baldness, which means the hairline gradually moves back. 
  • Widening part: A part on the top of the head that appears wider characterizes hair loss in women. The scalp may become more visible in areas where the hair is thinning. 
  • Bald patches: Areas on the scalp with missing hair. These patches can be small or large and smooth or have some degree of scaling or redness. 
  • Texture change: Your remaining hair. It may become more brittle, dry, or coarse. 
  • Itching or scalp irritation: Itchy scalp and hair loss go hand in hand. The itchiness may be a result of an underlying scalp condition or inflammation. 
  • Excessive hair on pillows or clothing: Finding an unusually large amount of hair on your pillows, bedding, or clothing. 

6 Tips for Strong Hair 

There are a variety of hair thinning treatments available, but which treatment will suit your needs will depend on the cause of your hair loss. 

1. OTC hair growth products 

The first line of treatment includes topical and oral medicines. These are either organic hair care products or medicated gels, lotions, and foams directly applied to the scalp. The most used hair growth products contain niacinamide and minoxidil. These products help in regaining the lost volume and make your hair shiny. 

2. Homemade hair mask for hair growth and thickness

Natural hair masks have numerous benefits. They provide deep conditioning, moisturization, and nutrition. Hair masks repair and strengthen the strands. They also help prevent damage and protect the hair from environmental stressors and styling tools. Additionally, hair masks improve manageability, promote a healthier scalp, and relieve dryness or irritation.

  • Homemade Hair Mask For Dry Hair

Dry hair is prone to breakage. A lack of moisture can lead to weakness and brittleness in your hair. Use this easy-to-make homemade hair mask for dry hair to regain shine and strength.

What you need

  • 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt

Instructions to use

  • Mash the banana and form a smooth paste.
  • Add some coconut oil, honey, and plain yogurt to the paste and mix well.
  • Apply the mix to the hair, focusing on the ends and particularly dry areas.
  • Cover your head with a warm towel or a shower cap. This helps the mask penetrate your hair.
  • Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour, then rinse with warm water.

This natural hair mask provides moisture and nourishment for dry hair. Coconut oil helps to deeply condition and hydrate the hair strands, while bananas offer vitamins and antioxidants. All honeys, especially manuka honey has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, and yogurt helps restore the natural shine of your hair.

  • Hair Mask For Curly Hair

Curly hair may be a lot to manage. They can vary in texture, density, and curl pattern, ranging from loose waves to tight coils. Curly hair is prone to breakage and dryness, leading to hair thinning. Use a hydrating homemade hair mask for hair growth and thickness occasionally to avoid hair thinning.

Here's a simple homemade hair mask recipe that you can try - 

What you need

  • One ripe avocado
  • Two tablespoons of coconut oil
  • One tablespoon of honey
  • One tablespoon of olive oil

Instructions To Use

  • Mash the avocado and add coconut oil, honey, and olive oil to form a paste.
  • Apply it to the hair. Start with the roots and work down to the ends.
  • Gently massage the scalp for a few minutes. Massaging enhances the blood flow to the roots.
  • Cover your head with a shower cap.
  • Wash with shampoo and lukewarm water after 30 minutes.

This hair mask contains ingredients that can help moisturize and strengthen your curls, which may contribute to healthy hair growth over time. Avocado provides essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that promote hair growth. Coconut and olive oil help moisturize and protect the hair, while honey adds shine and helps retain moisture.re

If you have an irritated or inflamed scalp, toss some aloe vera gel into the mask. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities that help calm the scalp.

  • Hair Mask for Oily Hair

An oily scalp can contribute to hair thinning due to excess sebum production, clogging hair follicles, weakening the hair shaft, and leading to inflammation or infections. It can make the hair greasy, clump together, and increase the chances of breakage. Using a natural hair mask for growth and managing an oily scalp can help minimize hair loss.

What you need

  • Two tablespoons of bentonite clay
  • One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • One tablespoon of lemon juice
  • One tablespoon of aloe vera gel
  • Water (as needed)

Instructions

  • Mix the bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and aloe vera gel.
  • Add water to the mixture, stirring well until you achieve a smooth paste-like consistency.
  • Apply the hair mask directly to your scalp and roots, focusing on the areas that tend to be oily.
  • Massage the pack on your scalp for a few minutes to stimulate circulation and promote oil balance.
  • Leave the mask on for about 20–30 minutes to allow it to work on absorbing excess oil and impurities.
  • Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Bentonite clay helps absorb excess oil and impurities from the scalp, while apple cider vinegar and lemon juice help balance the scalp's pH levels and control oil production. Aloe vera gel conditions the hair. Hormonal imbalances or genetics can also cause oily hair. If you're experiencing persistent oily hair or scalp issues, consult a dermatologist or trichologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

3. Foods For Hair Growth 

Sometimes there is no underlying hair condition responsible for your hair loss. Often improper diet or vitamin deficiency can be the cause. The following foods have been shown to control hair loss and ensure healthy and strong hair. 

  • Eggs

Protein is the building block of hair, while biotin produces keratin, which strengthens the hair and controls hair loss. Eggs are a great source of protein, biotin, and other nutrients like zinc and selenium, which are also responsible for healthy hair.

  • Fatty Fish

Salmon, Herring, and Mackerel are fatty fish and great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 supports hair growth and enhances its density. Fatty fish is also a source of protein, selenium, and vitamin D3, essential for hair growth.

  • Soybeans

Soybeans are rich in hair growth compounds such as spermidine which shifts hair follicles into the growth phase. Experts suggest the longer a hair follicle stays in the anagen phase, the longer it grows.

  • Meat

Meat contains an abundant amount of protein which is necessary for hair growth and repairing damaged follicles. Red meat is the richest source of iron which helps the red blood cells deliver oxygen to the hair follicles.

4. Vitamins for hair loss

Research is still needed to prove vitamin supplements for hair growth work efficiently. However, nutrient deficiencies are one of the major reasons behind unexplainable and sudden hair fall or thinning.

If your routine diet does not meet your nutritional needs, your doctor may prescribe vitamins for hair growth. Vitamins A, B, C, D, iron, and zinc contribute to improving immune health, provide oxygen to the hair follicles, fight hair loss-causing bacteria, and produce collagen and keratin.

5. Home remedies for hair growth 

With no severe side effects, home remedies are often a sought-after treatment plan for stronger hair. 

1. Coconut oil 

  • Massaging with coconut oil minimizes protein loss by distributing fatty acids called lauric acid, which penetrate the hair shaft and make hair stronger.  
  • You can use coconut oil either before or after washing your hair. If you have oily hair, massage it with coconut oil and leave it overnight or for a few hours before shampooing.  
  • Massage coconut oil into the scalp and on the strands.

You can also use your hair as a leave-in treatment if it is dry. Studies have shown that coconut oil lubricates the hair shaft and prevents breakage. It also enriches the microbiome and makes the scalp and hair follicles healthier.

2. Onion juice 

  • Onion juice promotes hair growth and treats patchy hair loss due to alopecia areata. It can also enhance blood circulation and improve the keratinocyte growth factor, a crucial mediator for hair growth. 
  • Apply the freshly squeezed onion juice directly to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash your hair with shampoo. 

6. Shampoo and Conditioning

Pick a gentle shampoo that suits your hair type and massage your scalp gently while washing to improve blood circulation. Ensure thorough rinsing to remove any shampoo residue. When conditioning, focus on the lengths and ends of your hair while avoiding the scalp. Look for conditioners with strengthening ingredients and use an appropriate amount to prevent weighing down the hair. Don't skip conditioning, regardless of your hair type. Limit the use of hair styling tools to minimize damage.

Home remedies and hair care tips may not work alone in regrowing the lost hair due to a medical condition such as androgenetic alopecia. Consult your dermatologist to find the reason behind your hair loss and proceed with the prescribed treatment for the best results. If you are wondering what might be causing your hair fall, here are some potential reasons. 

What causes hair loss? 

It's important to note that there can be many causes of hair loss. Some of these are -  

1. Hormonal changes

Hormonal imbalances from pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid disorders can lead to temporary or long-term hair loss. Postpartum hair loss is often temporary; most women regain their normal volume within a year or so.  

2. Nutritional deficiencies

Insufficient nutrition, such as iron or zinc deficiency, can cause hair loss, and poor nutrition can affect the health and growth of hair follicles. Hair loss gradually stops when the body is provided with sufficient nutrients. 

3. Medications and Treatments

Chemotherapy, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and hormonal therapies are some treatments that may lead to temporary or permanent hair loss. 

4. Lifestyle

A hectic work schedule or extreme stress and anxiety can cause hair to fall out. This is often temporary and stops once the root cause of the stress is addressed.  

5. Old age

Hair growth slows down as we age, and the hair follicles may become less productive. This can result in thinning hair or hair loss in both men and women. 

6. Medical conditions

There are health issues that can cause hair loss, for example:   

  • Alopecia Areata 

An auto-immune disease that attacks the hair follicles. This results in small to large bald patches and might lead to complete hair loss. People diagnosed with Alopecia areata also experience hair loss in the eyebrows, beard, eyelashes, or other body parts. 

  • Scalp Psoriasis 

Another autoimmune condition is characterized by scaly patches on the scalp, leading to accelerated growth of skin cells. The result is a buildup of thick, red patches on the scalp, which cause itchiness, discomfort, and flaking. The exact cause of scalp psoriasis is yet to be understood however, it is believed to be a combination of genetic factors and an overactive immune response.  

  • Anagen Effluvium 

This type of hair loss happens suddenly and quickly during the growth phase of hair. It may result from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, exposure to toxins, or severe illnesses. The main symptom is rapid and widespread hair loss all over the scalp. 

  • Telogen Effluvium 

This temporary hair loss happens when there's a disruption in the hair growth cycle, typically due to stress, illness, medications, or hormonal changes. The main symptom is increased hair shedding all over the scalp. The hair usually grows back on its own once the underlying cause is resolved.  

  • Androgenic Alopecia 

A hormonal or genetic condition, also known as female pattern baldness or male pattern hair loss, is a hormonal or genetic hair condition. It usually starts with thinning hair and/or a receding hairline in men. While there is no cure, there are treatments that can help slow down hair loss or promote hair growth. These include medications, hair transplants, low-level laser therapy, and hairstyling techniques. 

Diagnosing hair loss 

To diagnose the cause of hair loss, your doctor will ask you questions about your hair loss and overall health. They will examine your scalp and may gently pull on your hair to see how many strands come out. They might also order blood tests to check for deficiencies or other factors causing hair loss. Sometimes, a small sample of the scalp is taken for further examination. Once the cause is identified, the doctor will create a treatment plan.  

Professional Hair Loss Treatment

1. Prescription Drugs 

The most commonly prescribed drug for hair loss is finasteride (Propecia). It can help in controlling androgenetic hair loss and male pattern baldness. Some users have reported hair regrowth with this medication.  

4. Hair Transplants 

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure involving removing hair follicles from balding-resistant areas, i.e., the back of your head, and transplanting them to the balding scalp. People with inherited baldness are most likely to benefit from this type of transplant because the top of the head is where most hair loss happens. This method may not help people with scarring alopecia. 

4. Surgical Treatments 

Ever-evolving technology has devised many new hair loss treatment options, such as micro-needling with PRP, to name a few. However, many are still in the early testing phases, and more research is necessary to determine their effectiveness. 

  • Laser Therapy

Laser therapy can reduce the inflammation of hair follicles which prevents them from regrowing. Such inflammation may happen in conditions like alopecia areata. Studies suggest that low-level laser treatment stimulates hair growth in men and women by encouraging epidermal stem cells in the hair follicle to bulge and shifting them into the growth phase.

  • Microneedling for Hair Growth

Microneedling is a therapeutic hair growth treatment that uses small and fine needles to create micro punctures in the scalp to boost collagen production and trigger hair growth. It helps treat hair conditions such as androgenetic alopecia. 

Studies have shown that micro needling monotherapy increases total hair count compared to topical 5% minoxidil. Combining microneedling and topical minoxidil or platelet-rich plasma can improve the overall treatment and reduce the frequency of microneedling sessions. 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.


HPFY Shweta Chaubey

Shweta Chaubey

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Shweta Chaubey, has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. An advocate-turned-writer, her desire to create meaningful and positive content has brought her to HPFY and what better than writing ...

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