Hair loss is a common phenomenon and not at all new. However, many tend to confuse hair loss with baldness or alopecia.
To highlight: Our hair goes through different phases where it is born, grows and dies. This process can last from weeks to years. Once the hair falls, another is born from the same follicle.
Hair grows approximately 0.35 mm each month and a turnover of 20-30 hairs occurs per day. Losing hair when combing or rinsing it is therefore normal.
Baldness occurs, then, when the cycle ends permanently and hair does not grow back in the follicle. Hairless areas are born over time. Androgenic alopecia represents the most common pattern of baldness. (1)
Causes of hair loss
The reasons are many and, generally, people who experience excessive hair loss are due to multiple causes and not just an isolated one:
1. Naturally
Reiterating what was said before, hair growth is part of a natural cycle. As we age, hormonal changes occur that accentuate hair loss.
2. Inheritance
Alopecia is related to our family history being involved. People who report having had a family member with alopecia experience a higher degree of hair loss than those who do not.
3. Stress
A relationship has been established between hormonal changes due to stress and baldness. In prolonged states of stress, the so-called stress hormone cortisol is released. This, in turn, exerts negative effects on the scalp.
4. Malnutrition
An inadequate diet or other conditions, such as iron deficiency, do not provide our scalp with the proteins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary to maintain our hair.
5. Infections
Mainly due to fungi, as is the case with Tinea capitis that attacks hair follicles.
Other conditions.
Your preferred doctor should also take into account other conditions that may indirectly affect your hair. For example, hormonal changes caused by conditions of the Thyroid (Hypothyroidism).
If you are those who suffer from a lot of dandruff, it must be treated because it accelerates alopecia.
Blow-drying can also damage your healthy hair by exposing it to blistering heat, especially at close range.
To highlight: Excessive use of shampoo and conditioners has been implicated in hair loss due to harmful chemical effects.
Home remedies to prevent hair loss
It is not essential that you go to the nearest pharmacy to buy tonics or medications such as minoxidil that prevent your fall.
The simplest and most accessible answer to strong hair lies in our own pantry. Home remedies offer positive results by slowing down hair loss.
1.Aloe vera
The therapeutic uses of Aloe vera are multiple: used to treat burns, provide better circulation and oxygenation to the skin, moisturizing, skin conditions such as psoriasis and more.
It is no surprise, therefore, that the gelatinous and transparent pulp of this has been used in hundreds of cosmetic products to prevent hair loss.
First of all, we must select, cut and prepare the aloe leaf whose gel we will use.
Tip: As a recommendation, select a prominent leaf as it will provide us with a gel with more properties than a young and small one.
How does it apply?
- The gel, previously prepared and stored, must be applied to our scalp. Covering all areas, especially those most affected.
- Let the gel rest for approximately 2 hours.
- Once the time is up, you can rinse your hair with lukewarm water.
- Apply three to four times a week.
2. Green tea
The popularity of green tea is not a recent thing. For centuries the drink has been recommended for its almost infinite properties. However, it was only decades ago that the presence of antioxidants that inhibit the destruction of follicle cells and proteins was verified.
It also stimulates cell growth of hair follicles, preventing hair loss.
How to apply it?
- Prepare a cup of tea (using two bags).
- Allow the drink to cool.
- When showering, apply rigorously along the scalp.
- Then, rinse your hair as you normally would.
- Repeat this procedure about 2 times a week.
3. Almond oil
Almonds , as well as walnuts in general, are high in oleic acid (a member of the monounsaturated fat family). Although the popularity of nuts lies in lowering LDL and improving the person’s cardiovascular health.
Important: Oleic Acid stimulates the growth and maintenance of hair follicles, due to its concentrations of Zinc and Iron, favoring long-lasting and resistant hair. (two)
How to apply it?
- Using only a couple of drops (avoiding excesses) on our scalp, we proceed to massage rigorously. It is not necessary to rinse our hair after finishing.
- Make sure to untangle your hair prior to the massage, thus avoiding friction that can injure or tear the hair from its base.
- Once you lubricate your hands with the oil, use your fingertips to massage your scalp in a series of back-and-forth motions.
- The massage should average 15 to 20 minutes and continue the treatment for at least seven months if we want to appreciate its effects.
4. Rosemary oil
Like the previous one, Rosemary oil constitutes an “essential oil” because it is composed of lavender oil.
In addition to its healing properties and treating skin imperfections, it promotes healthy hair.
How to apply it?
- Like the previous one, a little oil is placed on our hands, enough to lubricate them.
- Subsequently, the massage begins in the same way as explained previously.
- You should massage for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Do this for at least seven months consistently if we want to see results.
5. Onion juice
Despite the peculiarity that reading this causes, onion juice does have beneficial properties when it comes to fighting hair loss. Among these, Zinc stands out , which stimulates the secretion of natural oils by the scalp.
On the other hand, there is Iron, involved in the oxygenation of the blood and, therefore, that the hair receives its nutrients.
How to apply it?
- First, we must extract the juice of an onion and blend it
- Apply the juice as a tonic on the scalp and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Subsequently, wash your hair as usual.
- The treatment can be repeated 2 times a week, for a duration of 3 months to observe significant effects.
6. Beetroot
Beetroot, also known as beets or beets, has significant concentrations of Biotin, folic acid (Vitamin B9), Vitamin C and Vitamin B6, respectively. As well as the minerals Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus and Magnesium. (3)
Therefore, it is a fruit loaded with benefits, not only for hair, but for the rest of the body.
How to apply it?
- First of all, we must prepare the beetroot juice. This is achieved by boiling the leaves to a desired consistency, and grinding to a paste.
- We apply our product on the scalp and let it rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Then, the hair is rinsed.
- Repeat the procedure 3 times a week.
7. Olive oil
This oil not only has wonderful effects as a moisturizer, lubricant and regenerator of our skin in general, but it has also been used as a cosmetic product to strengthen the firmness of our hair through massages.
How to apply it?
- Like the oil-based products mentioned, we don’t want to rub excess oil on our hair. A couple of drops are more than enough.
- Emphasize the massage in those areas where you observe there is greater hair loss.
- Continue for around 15 to 20 minutes every other day.
Key takeaways
- Hair loss is a common phenomenon and more normal than people think. Hair by nature is born, grows and dies; Dying is when these “loss” of hair occur when combing it and even washing it.
- Baldness is often confused with hair loss. However, it occurs when the normal hair cycle ends permanently and it does not grow back in the follicle.
- Alopecia, which is associated with baldness, is an androgenic disease and is generally hereditary.
- Having a healthy, calm life with a balanced diet will help to significantly prevent hair loss.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.