Our hair is a huge part of how we look. That’s why many people cannot stand a bad hair day. However, as our society and environment change, our hair tends to suffer more.
Aside from the harmful UV rays from the sun and the pollution we face every day, our hair also suffers from products we use for cleansing and other hair treatments. It’s no surprise that hair loss, hair thinning, and excessive hair fall are becoming a big problem for many of us.
What causes hair loss, hair thinning or excessive hair fall?
One of the known natural causes of these problems is genetics. There are conditions known as male or female pattern baldness and Alopecia, which are hereditary or genetic. There is still no remedy for these causes. However, doctors and hair experts agree that you can always prevent the condition from becoming worse.
Another accepted natural cause is aging. As we age, we are going to lose more hair. By the time we are in our twenties, about 150 strands of our hair would fall every day. The number would increase as we age. Like genetics, it is inevitable, but we can prevent it from worsening.
Most of the other causes are attributed to our poor lifestyle. Below are the top five reasons (other than genetics and aging) for hair loss and other hair problems:
Stress
It does not only affect the health of our hair, but our whole body. Stress can lower our nutrient absorption. It decreases the oxygen in our blood circulation. It also creates chemical imbalances. All these effects weaken our scalp and hair follicles. Thus, we suffer excessive hair falls, hair thinning or worse, hair loss.
Malnutrition
Our hair also suffers from malnutrition, even if we are not under stress. Our hair suffers from malnutrition in two ways. One, by lack of certain nutrients. Two, by having excessive amounts of certain nutrients.
We would be at risk of suffering from hair loss or hair thinning if we lack the essential B vitamins or iron. Also, we would suffer the same effect if we have excessive Vitamin A or protein.
Failure to understand your hair type
Everyone has different types of hair. Curly hair needs nutrients that may be different from the nutrients needed for straight hair. This also applies to hair with different colors. We may also need to treat our hair differently according to its texture or our territorial climate. In short, treatment for a certain type of hair might be harmful for a different type of hair.
Lack of sleep and too much sleep
Sleep helps regulate the flow of oxygen in our body. A good oxygen level helps in blood circulation. A good blood circulation delivers sufficient nutrients to our scalp. It strengthens our hair and encourages it to grow more.
Oversleeping, on the other hand, weakens our body. We would miss eating a meal because of oversleeping. This would deprive our body and our hair the nutrients we need.
Also,the heat and the friction between our pillow and our hair could make the latter become dry and tangled. This increases the risk of hair breakage and hair fall.
Harsh chemical products
Toxic chemicals, brought by pollution, bombard our hair every day. Most of us worsen the situation by using chemical-based products to cleanse our hair. Commercial hair products use synthetic and chemical-based ingredients. Sure. Our hair would feel alive and beautiful when we use it, but unknown to us, it actually damages our hair roots. This could slow or stop our hair from growing healthily.
Natural Remedies to Prevent Hair Loss
Most hair loss and hair problems are only temporary. They stop when you address their root cause. A good way to counter or prevent hair loss, hair thinning, and hair fall is to use natural hair products instead of the commercial chemical-based hair products.
However, you should reinforce this remedy with good and healthy lifestyle. Natural hair products will provide the nutrients for your hair externally, but you should provide nutrients for it internally, too.
Here are some natural ingredients that you can apply on your hair to avoid, prevent or remedy hair loss:
Moringa extract
This extract is widely available in tropical countries. It comes from the seeds of the Moringa plant. It encourages blood circulation in the scalp. It is also antimicrobial, which prevents dandruff and other scalp diseases that could cause hair loss and other hair problems. It also revives dead roots, allowing new hair to grow.
Ginseng
Ginseng relieves stress and improves nutrient absorption, which is also essential for hair growth. Like the Moringa extract, it has antimicrobial benefits and encourages hair growth or regrowth.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera extract strengthens the scalp and the hair follicles, which reduces hair fall. Consequently, it prevents hair thinning and hair loss.
Coconut oil
Like the Aloe Vera, the ability of coconut oil to help in hair growth is questionable. However, it has nutrients that moisturize the hair and make it resistant from pollutants. Thus, it prevents harsh chemicals from damaging hair. The oil is not advisable for curly hair, though. It contains high amounts of protein, which can be harmful to curly hair.
Olive oil
It provides the same effect as coconut oil, but it is applicable to all kinds of hair. It is rich in antioxidants which help combat free radicals which are known to damage (hair) cells.
Essential Oils
Many essential oils also help prevent and remedy hair loss. Oils, such as lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and sage, help hair regrowth, prevent hair falling and strengthen the hair follicles. This is attributed to the nutrients they provide, such as Vitamin A, C, E, and Iron. They also prevent graying of hair.
All-Natural DIY Shampoo Recipes
To help you start on going all-natural with your hair, here are two effective shampoo recipes that you could try making.
Moringa and Ginseng Shampoo
Ingredients:
- 5 drops of Moringa extract
- 5 drops of ginseng extract
- 10 drops or more of lavender oil or rosemary oil
- Liquid Castile soap (use olive oil or coconut oil based soap, depending on your hair type)
- 1 cup lukewarm Coconut milk or Soy Milk
Directions:
- Add the moringa and ginseng extract to the milk. Stir until well incorporated.
- Pour the liquid Castile soap to the milk. Mix it by using a plastic or glass stirring rod. Make sure to prevent bubbles from appearing as much as possible.
- Add lavender or rosemary oil gradually. Stir until you are satisfied with the scent.
- Carefully transfer the solution into a bottle.
To use:
- Shake the bottle slowly to mix the ingredients, but avoid creating bubbles.
- Place about a teaspoon or more, if necessary, in your palm and lather it on your hair.
- Place about 4 cups of lukewarm water and mix in 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar. Use this solution as your first rinse. (Optional)
- Rinse thoroughly.
Shelf life: 1 month at room temperature; about 3 months if stored in the refrigerator.
No Bubble Shampoo
This shampoo is good for curly hair, slow growing hair and color-treated hair.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Aloe Vera gel
- 1 cup Olive Oil
- 10 drops of sage or ginseng extract
- 2 tablespoons of Shea butter or coconut oil
- Essential oils, such as rose or lavender (optional)
Directions:
- To get the meat of Aloe Vera, place the Aloe Vera leaves in a pan. Place the pan over high heat for 10 seconds. Flip the leaves and heat the other side for 10 seconds. Cool down and open it. Scrape the soft gel out of the leaves.
- Pass it through a sieve or a strainer to refine the gel.
- Meanwhile, melt the olive oil, Shea butter or coconut oil in a double boiler. Remove and let it cool to a temperature of around 40 Celsius.
- Add the sage or ginseng extract. Stir well.
- Mix in the Aloe Vera gel until well incorporated. Add the essential oils, if desired.
- Distribute the mixture in small zip-lock plastic bags. Place about 2 tablespoons for each sachet.
To use:
- Drop the plastic bag in warm water until the oil melts.
- Apply to wet or dry hair and leave it on for about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
Shelf life: 2 months, if kept sealed. Place the plastic bags in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.
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Author: Shavon W.
Team Hairlossly
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