If you suffer from hair loss, there are natural remedies that may help you get your hair back in tip-top shape. After all, your hair needs TLC, too.
Your hair is one of the first things others notice about you. When you have a good hair day, all is right in the world!
But, when you have a 'bad' hair day, possibly caused by hair loss, it's a different story.
Hair loss can be a result of many factors. "Hair loss may come from breakage (loss from the hair shaft) or shedding (loss from the root)," Michelle Burgess, M.D., a Chicago-based dermatologist at Loop Dermatology, told BlackDoctor.org.
Dr. Burgess added, "When breakage is from the root, you usually have to look at problems from the scalp or internal things like stress or deficiencies."
Hair breakage can also result from outside factors like excessive heat, pulling the hair tight with ponytails, tight weaves and braids, or chemicals like relaxers, Dr. Burgess explained.
Other possible causes behind hair loss are getting older, environmental pollution, and an imbalanced diet.
However, preventing hair loss is possible if you approach the care of your hair differently and incorporate some natural remedies.
Try these 5 things to nurture your hair:
1. Eat your fruits and veggies.
Mom must have known the important virtues of a well-balanced diet.
Remember, how she urged you to eat your fruit and vegetables and would hold your dessert hostage if you didn't do so?
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in good hair care.
If you are deficient in getting the right vitamins into your body, this can be one of the leading causes of your hair loss. "In my practice, deficiencies in iron and vitamin D are common," Dr. Burgess shared.
Make sure you are getting vitamin A, B6, B12, folic acid, biotin, vitamin C, copper, iron, and zinc in your diet. Also, incorporate healthy proteins and your omega-3 fatty acids which will help with inflammation and make your scalp healthier.
2. Massage your scalp regularly to prevent hair loss.
We know the benefits of massage to the body, but these same benefits translate to your scalp as well.
Once a week, use oil to massage your scalp. It helps with increasing blood flow to your hair follicles, forming healthier roots which in turn promotes hair growth and retention.
3. Indian gooseberry scalp massage.
Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, is used to help promote fast hair growth.
Indian gooseberry is an effective agent because it is rich in vitamin C.
When your body lacks vitamin C, it may cause hair loss. Indian gooseberry is anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, and antibacterial that has exfoliating properties.
4. Chinese hibiscus flower rinse.
This flower helps you get rid of dandruff, prevent split ends, thicken your hair and prevents you from graying prematurely. You can add 10 Chinese hibiscus flowers to two cups of coconut oil.
Heat the mixture until charred and strain them to get the oil.
Apply it to your hair before you go to sleep several times a week and wash it out the next day. You can also use it as a rinse to foster healthy growth.
5. Apply aloe vera to your scalp to reduce hair loss.
Aloe has enzymes that promote healthy hair. Because aloe contains alkalizing properties, it brings the scalp and hair pH to a more desirable level.
Aloe also provides relief from an itchy scalp and reduces redness and inflammation on the scalp which inhibits hair growth. You can use aloe vera gel or aloe vera juice.
Apply aloe vera to your scalp 3-4 times a week, leave it on for a few hours then wash it out.
These natural alternatives will help you achieve healthy hair and prevent hair loss.
