Hair loss is very common and can be caused by a wide range of factors. It might be that you are over-styling or dying your hair too much. It could be that you are lacking vital nutrients that maintain strong hair follicles. It might be the symptom of a bigger health problem. It could even be genetic. If your hair is growing too slowly, is thinning or balding there are actions you can take to correct it and support a stronger head of hair.
Always check with a doctor to have vitamin and nutrient levels checked so that you can better pinpoint the problem and resolve it faster.
Hair grows in a cycle of three phases:
Anagen
The growing phase which can last anywhere from 3-5 years. The longer the hair is in this stage the longer the hair length becomes. 85-90% of hair is actively in this stage at any given time.
Catagen
The transition phase lasts about 2 weeks and begins to release the hair so that the follicle can renew itself. During this stage, the hair’s blood supply is cut off and the shaft is pushed to the surface.
Telogen
The resting phase is when the hair follicle becomes dormant for 1-4 months. It is during this stage that hair sheds and a new shaft begins to grow within 2 weeks of shedding.
Once the hair goes through each step of the growing cycle it begins again. A normal rate of growth is .5 inches each month. If your hair doesn’t seem to be growing it could be stuck at one stage in the growing cycle or the hair follicles could be clogged or blocked from growing altogether.
There are several options for helping your hair either grow faster, fill in thinning areas or regrow altogether. Below you will find the most common ways you can help your hair grow.
Onion
The sulfur in onions is highly beneficial for hair growth. Keratine is the protein that hair is made up of and keratin contains high amounts of sulfur. As you can see sulfur is needed for the keratin to produce strong hair. Onions also contain quercetin which is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Free radicals damage cells including hair cells which are why antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds are necessary for hair growth. Catalase is another enzyme found on onions that protect cells from oxidative damage from free radicals. Onion contains antibacterial properties that ward off harmful bacteria from interrupting the hair growth cycle and damaging hair follicles.
Basic Onion Treatment
Ingredients:
1/2 red onion
2 tablespoon olive oil
Optional: 5 drops essential oil such as peppermint, rosemary or tea tree
Directions:
Place everything in a blender and blend until smooth
Apply this mixture to the desired area
Optional: strain the mixture using a cheesecloth or thin towel. Discard the pulp and only use the juice.
Leave on for 1 hour
Rinse and then wash as usual
Repeat 3-5 times a week
If an onion smell remains after washing try using a mixture of 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of water. Slowly pour this over your entire head. No need to rinse off.
Garlic
Garlic contains sulfur and selenium which strengthens new hair and encourages new growth. Garlic also contains allicin which is an antifungal property. Sometimes fungus and bacteria can damage hair follicles and prevent new growth. As garlic is a rich source of vitamin C it works to boost collagen production. Collagen is needed to produce keratin which is the main protein in hair.
Garlic Hair Treatment
Ingredients:
1-2 fresh cloves of fresh garlic
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
Place everything in a blender or food processor
Mix until a smooth paste consistency
Apply the mixture to the desired areas
Leave to dry for 20-30 minutes
Rinse and then wash hair as usual
Repeat this treatment 1-2 times a week until desired results
Garlic Honey Mask
Ingredients:
3 fresh garlic cloves
1 tablespoon raw honey
1 tablespoon fresh aloe vera
2 tablespoon brewed and cooled chamomile tea
Directions:
Either mince the garlic cloves and mix everything together or place everything in a blender and pulse until the garlic is broken up
Apply the mixture to the desired area
Leave to dry for 30 minutes
Rinse and wash hair as usual
Repeat at least 2 times a week
Keep in mind that hair takes time to grow and it also takes time for follicles to rebuild. Maintain a regular routine for at least 3 months before deciding if it works for you or not.
Ginseng
Ginseng strengthens hair follicles and hair roots by increases scalp dermal cells. This increases new growth and also reduces thinning and damage. Ginsenoside found in ginseng actually nourishes hair roots and fights fungal infections. Ginseng also stimulates the scalp leading to better circulation, blood flow, and higher amounts of nutrients to support hair growth and strengthening. It works by stimulating the regrowth phase of the hair growth cycle which keeps hair growing at a regular and consistent pace.
Geranium Oil
The amino acids in geranium oil nourish hair follicles and decrease hair loss. Also, keratin, the protein found in hair, needs amino acids for optimal health. Geranium oil contains high amounts of antioxidants such as geraniol, which fight and reduces free radical damage. This type of damage is caused by the sun, smoking, a poor diet, and several other factors. Antioxidants work to prevent and reduce free radicals from harming and killing healthy skin and hair cells.
Basic Oil Treatment
Ingredients:
2-4 drops geranium oil
4 tablespoons olive oil or jojoba oil
Directions:
Mix everything together and apply to the desired area
Massage it in for at least 5 minutes to stimulate circulation
No need to rinse off or wash afterward as you want all the nutrients to fully absorb into the skin and remain there
Repeat this 4-5 times a week
Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla stimulates circulation which drives blood, oxygen, and nutrients to hair follicles. It contains an abundance of amazing nutrients such as vitamin C, amino acids, and iron. All of which are crucial for hair growth and the prevention of future hair loss. It inhibits the overproduction of DHT caused by 5 alpha-reductase. DHT is directing linked to pattern baldness and hair follicle damage. Alma contains antifungal and antibacterial properties to ensure the scalp is clear from the damage bacteria and fungus cause for hair growth.
Basic Oil Treatment
Ingredients:
3 teaspoons amla powder
2 tablespoons olive oil or jojoba oil
Directions:
Mix everything together and apply to the desired area
Massage the oil in for at least 5 minutes to stimulate circulation
Allow it to fully absorb into your head overnight
Optional: Rinse off and wash as usual
Repeat this 3 times a week until desired results
Zinc
Zinc strengthens hair follicles by supporting healthy cell division. Zinc is not stored in the body so you need to be sure to consume enough every single day. Since it is a mineral that needs to be replenished on a daily basis, it can be quite easy to become deficient if you are not following a complete diet. Zinc deficiencies are directly linked to hair loss, hair thinning and increased hair fallout. Zinc is also believed to inhibit the overabundance of DHT which is directly linked to pattern baldness. Foods that are high in zinc include oysters, beef, lobster, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, almonds, beans, nuts, oats, and wheat germ.
Rosemary
This herb is also a stimulate driving blood and nutrients to the scalp and expanding hair follicles to promote growth. The anti-inflammatory elements of rosemary further help to open hair follicles by calming the scalp and reducing irritants such as dirt or oil. The carnosic acid in rosemary is an antioxidant that heals tissue and nerve damage. Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your hand, add your shampoo and mix together before applying to your scalp and washing as usual.
Rosemary Hair Rinse
Ingredients:
3-5 drops rosemary essential oil
1-2 cups water
Alternatively: Boil 1-2 sprigs or 1-2 tablespoons of dried rosemary in 2 cups of water. Allow to cool and follow the steps below.
Directions:
Mix everything in a cup Slowly pour it over your entire scalp
Squeeze out any excess water and dry or style hair as usual
There is no need to wash it off afterward
Repeat this 3 times a week
Burdock (Bur Oil)
This plant is high in essential fatty acids, amino acids, iron, and potassium all of which are needed for hair growth and strength. Fatty acids found in burdock oil such as omega-3 is directly linked to hair health. If you are deficient then you will notice thinning hair and more fallout than normal. Burdock also contains phytosterols which block the overproduction of DHT which is a main contributing factor in hair loss. Anti-inflammatory properties found in burdock help calm the scalp, reduces flaky dry skin, and open hair follicles to promote growth.
Burdock Oil Massage
Ingredients:
5-8 drops burdock oil
Directions:
Apply burdock oil to the scalp and massage for 6-10 minutes
Leave on at least overnight and try to only wash your hair 2 times a week to prevent overdrying and washing off the nutrients.
Repeat 3 times a week
Results appear within 8-10 weeks if used consistently
Peppermint
Since peppermint stimulates and encourages circulation applying it to the scalp promotes faster hair growth. Lab tests have shown that regular application of peppermint oil results in more hair follicles that are deeper with increased hair growth. This is attributed to the menthol in peppermint as it increases blood flow to the area it is applied. It is also antibacterial and antifungal. These elements are essential for hair growth because they help maintain a healthy scalp free from damaging bacteria. Peppermint is potent when in oil form so if using essential oil be sure to only add a few drops since that’s all you really need. You can add a few drops to your favorite shampoo prior to applying to your scalp. Massage it in for several minutes before washing out as usual.
Peppermint Oil Massage
Ingredients:
2-4 drops peppermint essential oil
3 tablespoons olive oil or jojoba oil
Directions:
Mix everything together and apply it to the desired area
Massage the entire scalp for 6-10 minutes
Leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing and washing as usual
Repeat this 3 times a week
Thyme
This herb offers stimulation to the scalp which increases blood flow, oxygen, and vital nutrients. The ursolic acid in thyme stimulates and enlarges blood vessels which cause hair follicles to widen so that hair can grow. Thyme also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that ward off dandruff, flaking and harmful bacteria growth all of which stunt hair growth. Thyme is an antioxidant that helps fight off harmful oxidation and cell damage that can harm hair cells.
Thyme Hair Rinse
Ingredients:
5-6 drops thyme essential oil
1 cup of water
Alternatively: boil 2 sprigs of thyme in 1-2 cups of water for several minutes. Allow to cool and then follow the steps below
Directions:
Mix everything together in a cup
Apply the mixture to your entire scalp making sure to pour slowly
Squeeze any excess water and air dry or style as usual
No need to wash afterward. You can also use this as a final step after washing and conditioning your hair.
Repeat 3 times a week
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a tree and its berries are used to make medicines. The berries have shown to help preserve testosterone levels. They block the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT which is what causes most balding. One study showed a 50% success rate in hair regrowth when saw palmetto berry extract was applied topically. After 4 months of treatment, there was a 12% increase in hair regrowth. Saw palmetto tea is not effective in hair growth since the compounds that help baldness are not water-soluble. The best methods are tablets, liquid extract or topical treatments.
Green Tea
EGCG in green tea is a natural antioxidant that prevents cell damage. Green tea also contains theanine which is an amino acid that helps strengthen hair. The caffeine in green tea helps prevent an overproduction of DHT which is responsible for male pattern baldness.
Lab tests on rats show that they regrew hair after regularly taking green tea for 6 months. You can take it in supplement form or make a mask using green tea powder.
Green Tea Hair Mask
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons green tea powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
Mix everything together to form a paste
Apply to scalp and allow to fully dry
Repeat twice a week
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil prevents testosterone from changing into DHT. DHT is a sex steroid that is responsible for male characteristics such as a deeper voice, more abundant body hair and greater muscle mass. Women have DHT but at a fraction of the amount compared to men. The issue is when there is an overabundance of DHT it negatively impacts hair by minimizing hair follicles. It is normal for 10% of testosterone to turn into DHT but more than that starts having negative effects on hairlines.
The steroid delta-7 stearine in pumpkin seed oil prevents DHT from building up in hair follicles. Since women have a fraction of the testosterone that males have and they also have a small amount of DHT. It can cause baldness in women but is much rarer.
Pumpkin seed oil is also an antifungal and antibacterial which helps unclog hair follicles and removes dead skin cell buildup. If using pumpkin seed oil in capsule form take 4 capsules a day for 6 months. Alternatively, you can apply the oil directly to your scalp and massage it for 5-10 minutes. Do this 1-2 times a day.
Iron
Two-thirds of the body’s iron is used to produce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that transports oxygen. As oxygen enters the lungs it is stored in red blood cells via hemoglobin and is transported throughout the entire body. When there isn’t enough iron in the body oxygen is not effectively transported. Oxygen is vital for healthy cell growth along with healthy hair follicles.
Additionally, iron is an essential enzyme to ribonucleotide reductase which is directly linked to cell growth. Low levels of iron are linked to hair loss. 20ng/ml is considered low iron so have your levels checked to see if low iron is the problem. Some foods that are great sources of iron include tofu, quinoa, cashews, spinach, lentils, molasses, beef, tuna, liver, and egg.
Always follow recommended daily doses of iron as an overdose is possible.
