Natural Treatments for Hair Loss and Premature Greying

Having shiny, silky and lustrous hair is a dream of every woman. Even men aren’t behind in wishing for a great mane. Therefore, the thought of losing hair and balding is itself very dreadful. While we all know that as one gets older, the hair starts to grey, premature greying has become a very common phenomenon now-a-days. Combined with hair loss, premature greying can be a very traumatic experience. Before seeking treatment for hair loss and premature greying, we have to first understand those two phenomena.

Hair Loss:

According to dermatologists, losing 50 to 100 strands of hair per days is quite natural.  Hair passes through 3 phases: Anagen – which is the active or growing phase, Catagen – shorter phase where hair starts to break down, Telogen – resting phase wherein hair starts to shed. Usually 10% of our hair is in the telogen phase at any given time. When hair loss is more than growth, it leads to balding or alopecia. Various types of hair loss include Alopecia Areata, Traction Alopecia, Androgenic Alopecia, Female-Pattern Baldness, Telogen Effluvium, Fungal Infection and Dandruff.

Premature Greying:

Premature greying is caused due to nutritional deficiencies, pollution and other factors. Because of increase in pollution and changes in our lifestyle and food habits, this condition is being seen more often these days.

Natural Remedies:

Though many solutions have been offered in the medical world for hair loss and premature greying, they usually have side effects. Using natural remedies is the safest method for preventing and treating both these conditions. Let us take a look at some of them.

Remedy #1: Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. Eating a protein-rich diet, including milk, egg whites and fish can prevent hair loss and slow down the process of greying. Including foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon fish and flax seeds can strengthen the hair. Sprinkle 1 or 2 teaspoons of flax seed powder on your salads and cereal daily.

Remedy #2: Make your diet vitamin-rich. Carrots and green-leafy vegetables are a rich source of vitamin A. Deficiency of vitamin B12 is known to cause hair loss, so make sure to include soy products and legumes in your diet for daily dose of B12. Hair loss is seen in persons suffering from iron-deficiency anemia, so taking lentils, legumes, spinach, quinoa can prevent anemia. Add natural sources of vitamin E like tomatoes, sunflower seeds, avocados, peanuts, broccoli and papaya in your diet. Meat and poultry, nuts and whole grains contain zinc, which is an essential mineral for hair growth. Add vitamin C in you diet by eating berries, papaya, guava, kiwi and sweet potatoes.

Remedy #3: Stay hydrated. According to ayurveda, imbalance in pitta and vata leads to excessive hair loss. This can be balanced by drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily.

Remedy #4: A strong immune system is necessary for maintaining lustrous hair. This can be achieved by avoiding junk food, carbonated drinks and excess tea and coffee.

Remedy #5: One of the main reasons for hair loss is stress. Keeping a cool mind by practising yoga and meditation regularly, as well as regular exercise can reduce stress levels.

Remedy #6: Maintain healthy lifestyle by giving up smoking and excessive drinking.

Remedy #7: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of sulfur products for treating hair loss. Onion juice is a natural sulfur-containing product. Make a paste of onions and strain/squeeze the paste to extract the juice. Applying this directly to the scalp regularly can reduce hair loss significantly.

Remedy #8: One essential ingredient of Indian food is curry leaves. Do not throw away those leaves in your food from now onwards, instead eat them up. Frying curry leaves in coconut oil and applying the filtered oil to the scalp prevents premature greying of hair and is very effective in preventing hair loss.

Remedy #9: Mix equal quantities of amla, shikakai and reetha powder and make a paste. Use this paste as natural shampoo.

Remedy #10: Castor oil is very effective in promoting hair growth. Mix castor oil with equal quantity of coconut oil and apply generously over the scalp. This acts as conditioner and prevents frizzy hair and split ends. Mix neem oil in a carrier oil such as coconut oil and rub on the scalp. This relieves dandruff. Regular use prevents greying and hair fall. Essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, and jojoba oil are known to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. Mix 3-4 drops of these oils in shampoo or conditioner to get maximum benefit.

A combination of healthy lifestyle, food rich in proteins, vitamins and iron, as well as using the best products for the hair, always gives the best results.  Mesmara offers a range of therapeutic grade essential oils and herbal powders, which can give the best results.