Excessive hair loss can be a troublesome problem, often causing worry and affecting self-esteem, especially for women. 

Causes of Hair Fall

1) Nutritional Deficiencies

It could be possible that essential nutrients may be missing from your diets such as iron, copper, zinc and proteins. The deficiency of vitamin D is another cause of hair loss. In order to avoid this, make sure to get out and soak up some sun.

2) Thyroid Issues

If the thyroid gland, which is at the front of the neck, produces excessive or an insufficient amount of the thyroid hormone, then the hair growth cycle may change. However, if you do have a thyroid issue, you will notice other symptoms along with hair loss such as weight gain or loss, sensitivity to cold or heat, and changes in heart rate.

3) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have a hormonal imbalance which creates higher levels of androgens than normal. This often causes hair to grow on the face and body, while the hair on the head grows thinner. Polycystic ovary syndrome can also lead to ovulation problems, acne, and weight gain.

4) Birth control pills

Birth control pills can cause hair loss. The hormones in the pill that suppress ovulation can cause hair to thin, especially in women with a family history of hair loss. Sometimes hair loss can occur when you stop taking the pill. Other drugs associated with hair loss are blood thinners and medicines that treat high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, and depression.

5) Stress

Extreme stress can cause sudden hair loss which could last for several months. Minimizing stress through exercise, meditation yoga and massages will reduce your chances of experiencing hair loss.

6) Hair styling products

Over-treated hair can lead to hair loss due to the toxic chemicals found in dyes and styling products. Similarly, almost all shampoos contain Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) which has a toxic effect on your immune system and has been proven to corrode hair follicles and impede hair growth. It is advisable to stick to natural shampoos and dyes.

Tips for controlling hair fall

a) Shampoo

It is extremely important to understand your scalp type and choose the right shampoo. Also, you need to wash your hair depending upon your scalp. For instance, over washing hair with a dry scalp can lead to hair fall, or not washing oily locks thrice a week can lead to the same.

Further, make sure the shampoo is not loaded with chemicals including sulfate, paraben and silicone that can make your tresses brittle and hence, prone to breakage.

b) Conditioner

A good conditioner can work wonders for your locks. It contains amino acids that help to repair damaged hair, and also helps to keep them smooth.

c) Diet and Exercise

You need to feed your hair all the right nutrients, particularly plenty of protein and iron. However, along with eating a balanced diet, ensure you are exercising side by side. Yoga and meditation are effective in reducing hair fall.

d) Chemical Treatments

Undergoing rigorous hair treatments like straightening, perming and coloring are definitely not kind to your tresses. Further, avoid using blow dryers, curling rods, especially on wet hair as they actually boil the water in your hair shaft and make them brittle.

If you really need to use a blow dry, then keep it in the lowest heat setting. If using other products that heat your hair, start with a fortifying leave-in conditioner and finish with a protective spray.

e) Oiling

Oiling improves blood circulation and nourishes the roots. Make sure to massage your tresses once a week with oil that suits your scalp. Cover it with a shower cap and wash it off with a mild shampoo after two hours.

f) Too many styling products

Using too many chemically laden products on your hair could prove harmful in the long run. It’s best to give them a break and try natural homemade recipes instead.

Natural remedies to treat hair fall

1- Egg Mask

Eggs are rich in sulfur, phosphorous, selenium, iodine, zinc and protein, which together help promote hair growth.

To prepare the mask:

Separate one egg white in a bowl and add a teaspoon each of olive oil and honey.

Beat to make a paste and apply it all over from root to tips.

After 20 minutes, rinse with a mild shampoo.

2- Coconut Milk

The protein and essential fats in it promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.

To prepare the milk:

Grate a medium-sized coconut and simmer it in a pan for five minutes.

Strain and cool.

Then add one tablespoon of each crushed black pepper and fenugreek seeds to the milk.

Apply on your scalp and hair.

After 20 minutes, rinse with a shampoo.

3- Green Tea

This tea is rich in antioxidants, which help boost hair growth and prevent hair loss.

Soak two to three teabags in one-two cups of hot water, depending on the length of your hair.

When it cools, pour this over your scalp and hair, while gently massaging your head.

Rinse with cool water after an hour

4- Beetroot Juice

Beetroot is rich in vitamins C and B6, folate, manganese, betaine and potassium, all of which are essential for healthy hair growth. Besides, it acts as a detoxification agent by helping keep the scalp clean.

Boil 7-8 beetroot leaves and grind along with 5-6 henna leaves.

Apply this paste on your scalp and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

5- Aloe Vera

 Aloe Vera is an effective home remedy for hair loss and to boost hair growth. It is also effective in reducing problems of the scalp like itching and flaking.

Take the stalk of Aloe Vera and extract the pulp.

Apply it to your hair and scalp and leave it for about 45 minutes.

Rinse with normal water. You can do this three to four times a week to see better results.

6- Fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seed is among the most effective home remedies to stop hair loss. It repairs the hair follicles and helps in the re-growth of the hair.

Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight in water.

Grind it to a fine paste and apply it to your hair and scalp.

Leave the paste on your head for about 30 minutes.

You can cover your scalp using a shower cap to keep it moist.

After 30 to 40 minutes, rinse it with normal water.

You don’t have to use any shampoo.

Do it twice a week for a month to control hair fall.

7- Indian Gooseberry

Indian Gooseberry is another effective home remedy to stop hair fall. One of the causes is the deficiency of vitamin C, hence consuming Indian gooseberry will strengthen the hair follicles and help you to control it. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties, it helps promote faster growth of hair, maintain a healthy scalp and prevents premature graying.

You can mix lime juice and this gooseberry powder to make a paste.

Massage it to your scalp and hair.

Use a shower cap to cover your head so that the paste doesn’t dry out.

Keep it for an hour and then rinse it off with normal water.

Diet for healthy hair

While treatments and shampoos do play a role in maintaining healthy hair, the secret to thick, shiny, strong tresses is a healthy diet.

1) Spinach

Iron deficiency is the main cause of hair fall. Spinach is not only a great source of iron but also vitamin A, C and protein. It also contains sebum which acts as a natural conditioner for hair and provides us with omega-3 acid, magnesium, potassium and calcium. These help in maintaining a healthy scalp and lustrous hair.

2) Carrots

Known to be good for the eyes, carrots contain Vitamin-A that also improves hair growth. Deficiency of vitamin A may lead to a dry and itchy scalp. Carrots are known to add to the thickness of hair, make hair lustrous, improve blood circulation, strengthen the hair, protect hair from external damages like pollution and also help prevent breakage of hair and hair fall.

3) Eggs

Since hair is composed of 68 percent keratin protein, eggs help rebuild damaged hair. They are also rich in a B vitamin called biotin that helps hair grow.

4) Oats

Oats are rich in fiber, zinc, iron, omega-6 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids that stimulate hair growth and will make your hair thick and healthy.

5) Walnuts

Walnuts contain biotin, B vitamins (B1, B6 and B9), vitamin E, plenty of protein and magnesium - all of which strengthen hair cuticles and nourish the scalp. It helps protect your cells from DNA damage that may be caused due to sun exposure.

6) Lentils

Lentils are a great source of protein, iron, zinc, and biotin. They are also loaded with folic acid, which is necessary for restoring the health of red blood cells that supply the skin and scalp with much-needed oxygen.

7) Chicken

Lean meats like chicken or turkey are rich in high-quality protein, which strengthens fragile hair and prevents breakage.

Hair care tips for healthy locks

1: Regular Trims

Hair tends to be the most damaged near the tips, and a good trim every six to eight weeks can help solve your woes. Damaged hair has a straw-like texture, and can be chopped off to promote growth and remove split ends.

2: Stress

Stress is one of the root causes of a lot of health problems, including hair loss. It can also disrupt the process of hair growth and lead to premature graying. Again, meditation and yoga on a regular basis can prove to be a good stress buster.

3: Avoid Taking Hot Showers

As comforting as hot showers are, it dehydrates strands (just like skin), and strips the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dry, brittle hair that’s more prone to breakage. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and try to rinse hair with the coolest temperature.

4: Combing Wet Hair

Our strands are never more fragile and prone to breakage when wet. Hence, it’s important to use a wide-toothed comb or let them air-dry first before any form of styling.

5: Wearing Tight Hairstyles

Pulling your hair too tight from the roots causes damage and, hence, should be avoided. It is also best to not tie your hair tight while sleeping.

All these tips are super easy to follow. Do this, and you will find a big difference in your hair fall.

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