Several home remedies have been found useful in the prevention and treatment of hair loss.
- The most effective among these remedies is a vigorous rubbing of the scalp with the fingers, after washing the hair with cold water. The scalp should be rubbed vigorously till it starts to tingle with heat. This will activate the sebaceous glands and energise the circulation of blood in the affected area, making hair growth healthy.
- Mustard oil, boiled with henna leaves, is useful in promoting healthy growth of hair. About 250 grams of mustard oil should be boiled in a tin basin. A little quantity of henna leaves should be gradually put in this oil till about 60 grams of these leaves are thus burnt in the oil. The oil should then be filtered through a cloth and stored in a bottle. Regular massage of the head with this oil will produce abundant hair.
- Daily application of refined coconut oil mixed with lime water and lime juice on the hair, prevents loss of hair and lengthens it. Application of the juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also considered beneficial.
- Another effective home remedy is the application of coconut milk all over the scalp and massaging it into the hair roots. It will nourish the hair and promote hair growth. Coconut milk is prepared by grinding the coconut shavings and squeezing them well.
- Amla oil, prepared by boiling dry amla pieces in coconut oil, is considered a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth. A mixture of equal quantities of fresh amla juice and lime juice used as a shampoo stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss.
- Regular use of castor oil as a hair oil helps the luxuriant growth of the hair.
- Washing the hair with a paste of cooked black gram dal, (urad dal) and fenugreek (methi) lengthens the hair. A fine paste made from pigeon pea or red gram (arhar dal) can also be applied regularly on bald patches, with beneficial results.
- Certain home remedies have also been found useful in case of patchy loss of hair. The seeds of lime and black pepper seeds, ground to a fine paste, is one of the valuable remedies. This paste applied on the patches, has a mildly irritant action. This increases blood circulation to the affected area and stimulates hair growth. The paste should be applied twice a day for a few weeks.
These home remedies will be definitely effective and useful for preventing hair loss.
Frequently asked questions about Hair Loss :
Which specialist should I see if I have hair loss?
You should see a Dermatologist and a General Physician.
Is stress a factor for hair loss?
Sometimes stress can play a role in diffuse loss. Stress-induced loss ordinarily regrows within a year of eliminating the cause.
How long does it take to see results from any treatment programme?
Best results are often seen after the two-year mark. This is because hair follicles undergo a relatively long dormancy period in between growth cycles (usually about 3 months). In addition, hair only grows about inch per month in non-thinning areas and usually considerably slower in thinning areas. Since it generally takes several cycles of growth/fallout/regrowth, with the hair getting thicker and longer each time, it can take a great deal of time to see noticeable improvement. Note that best regrowth results are seen with hair that was lost within the last five years and in areas of the scalp in which there is still some fine hair.
What is DHT?
Dihydrotestosterone, which is produced from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT is the androgen thought to be most responsible for male pattern baldness. DHT has a very high affinity for the androgen receptor and is estimated to be five to ten times more potent than testosterone. Other androgens that may be significant in pattern loss include androstenedione, androstanedione and DHEA (especially in women). All of these fall into hormonal pathways that can potentially result in elevation of DHT downstream via various enzymes. It is possible that certain DHT metabolites may play a role in pattern loss as well.
Glossary
Alopecia Areata : Alopecia Areata is the medical term for hairloss which occurs in patches on the scalp.
Androgens : Androgens are often referred to as male hormones.
DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) : DHT is a male hormone that is suggested to be the main cause for the miniaturisation of the hair follicle and for hair loss. DHT is formed when the male hormone testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
Baldness : Receding hairline
Scalp : Tissue covering the skull
Follicle : The hair follicle houses the root of the hair.
Scleroderma : A disease of the skin and connective tissue that can cause hair loss over the affected areas.
Testosterone : A predominantly male hormone which promotes the development of male characteristics.
Keratin : A protein by which hair is made and also makes up the nails and the outer layer of our skin.
