From hair clinging to your pillow covers to clogged up drains, hair fall is a messy problem that affects us all. While it is absolutely normal to lose 80-100 strands a day, the crisis begins when they fall a lot more or when they refuse to grow back. Your ‘crowning glory’ can give you sleepless nights as you slowly step towards the dreaded B-word – *whispers* baldness.Why does this happen? Well, there are way too many triggers from nutrition to hereditary issues. But once you know the root cause of your hairfall, it gets simpler to tackle the problem!
Some common triggers for hairfall:
1. Genetic
Genetics is surely the worst reason for hairfall since you can’t really help it. If your mum lost a lot of hair, you will too! Ever heard of male or female pattern baldness? The hair loss is gradual and usually connected with age, but inevitable, nonetheless.
2. Hormonal
Our hormones affect our hair growth drastically. Hairfall is one of the biggest indicators of menopause, hypo- or hyper-thyroid, pregnancy and even birth control pills. If your hormones are fluctuating, chances are, your hair will keep thinning.
3. Stress
Did you know hair loss is a known symptom for PTSD? Anything that makes you constantly stress will show its effect on your head. Don’t be surprised if stress causes clumps of hair to fall off, all at once! Worst part? The hair loss adds to the pre-existing stress making it a vicious loop.
4. Medications
Certain medications may cause side effects causing hair loss. Some blood thinners, anti-depressants, cholesterol-balancing drugs etc are common triggers for hairfall.
5. Nutritional deficiencies
Are you anaemic? Or do you have a protein deficiency? Chances are, your hair will tell you about it. Deficiencies of various minerals and vitamins such as iron, proteins, vitamin B12, B6 etc may also cause excessive loss of hair.
6. Immunity
Hair loss can also be a tragic symptom of auto-immune diseases. If you’re too vulnerable to colds and flus, you may find yourself on the path of baldness as well. Yikes.
7. Radiation
Radiation in chemotherapy and other forms cause hair to fall off, not only from your head, but other parts as well. The biggest drawback to this kind of hair loss is that radiation usually hampers hair growth as well.
8. Tight Hairdos
Thinking of getting cornrows? Well, think again. Tight hairdos such as cornrows or even stretchy buns and high ponytails can cause extreme hair fall. Getting extensions also pulls your hair a tad too much – all of these leading to a receding hairline.
One good thing about general hair loss (not derived from radiation or pattern baldness) is that it’s a slow process. So once you recognise the root triggers of your hair loss, you have enough time to save your beautiful locks. Stick to products and remedies sourced from nature regularly and voila, your gorgeous hair will return to its finest glory.
TOP 10 HAIR FALL REMEDIES
Done trying the best hairfall products out there or visiting the costliest trichologists in town? If nothing has worked out yet, maybe the answer to all your hair loss problems has been lying in your kitchen all this while. Time to dig through your cooking cabinets and make the most of these effective home remedies of hair fall.
1. Rosemary Oil Wash
One of the power ingredients that is taking haircare by a storm, rosemary oil has intensive hair fall controlling properties. It cares for your hair by strengthening and hair growth, and it helps increase the thickness of your strands too! Use this oil for your champis or use the Lotus Organics Hair Fall Control Shampoo to rinse your hair and experience this wonder ingredient.
2. Fenugreek Hair Mask
Remember when Ma used to forcefully plaster your scalp with a paste of Methi seeds while you sat there with a grumpy face? Well, she wasn’t wrong, honey. Probably the best solution for hair loss, you too can recreate the magic of Fenugreek at home. Soak them in water overnight, grind them to a paste the next morning, and apply it to your hair and scalp. Seems like a task too heavy? Try the Tjori Fenugreek Hair Oil for quick results.
3. Egg Hair Mask
We know how tough bearing that odour can be but once your nostrils get used to it, the rest of your path to thicker locks is pretty smooth. Rich in sulphur, phosphorous, and protein, eggs make for an excellent hair fall treatment at home. Mix one egg white with a teaspoon of Olive Oil and Honey and apply the paste from root to tips. Rinse after 20 minutes with a mild shampoo. An easier way to provide egg-ssential nutrients to your mane is sticking to the Eyova Hair Nutrient With Egg Oil.
4. Coconut Hair Spa
Did you know that the proteins present in Coconut Milk rapidly promote hair growth? Probably one of the best natural remedies for hair fall, all you gotta do to stop hair thinning in its tracks is apply fresh Coconut Milk to your scalp, ideally with the help of a hair brush. Keep your head covered in a towel for 20 minutes and then wash it off with water. Don’t wanna take a route that lengthy? Busy souls can swear by the Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioning Protein Pack.
5. Green Tea Rinse
Yep, the cup of Green Tea that wakes you up every morning can also bring back life to your limp, dead locks. Here’s how Green Tea can make for an excellent hair regrowth home treatment. Steep two to three teabags in two cups of hot water. Now pour this cooled concoction over your hair and scalp while gently massaging at the roots, before rinsing off with water. Ain’t got no time? The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Refreshingly Purifying Shampoo works equally well.
6. Amla Hair Pack
Amla, or the Indian Gooseberry, is rich in Vitamin C and hence strengthens hair follicles like nobody’s business. One of the best natural hair loss treatments, this beauty also prevents premature greying. Mix a paste of Amla powder and Lime juice and apply it on your scalp. Avoid the mask from drying by covering your head with a shower cap and then wash it as usual. On another note, you could also use the AuraVedic Hair Fall Control Oil with Amla.
7. Aloe Vera Hair Mask
Trust Aloe to come to the rescue literally every time. Apart from acting as an effective home remedy for hair loss, Aloe also boosts hair growth and improves the health of your scalp. Just extract the pulp of the plant and apply it directly to the scalp and the length of your tresses. This hair fall remedy works like magic! Keep it on for about 45 minutes before rinsing it with cold water. If that seems like a business too messy, try the Vedic Line Hair Pack With Aloe Vera & Jojoba Oil for hassle-free application.
8. Onion Juice Wash
Keep your goggles handy for this one. Onion juice, extracted from its peels, is highly nutritious as it contains large doses of Sulphur and Vitamins E, C & B complex. Onion juice not only helps your hair grow thicker and longer, but keeps them shiny and healthy. Simply grind an onion and squeeze out its juice. Soak a cotton pad in the onion juice and dab your entire scalp with it. Once covered, massage your scalp for the juice to seep in and wash. If you want to save yourself from childlike weeping while peeling onions, go for WOW Skin Science Onion Black Seed Hair Oil.
9. Avocado Hair Mask
Scoop out the goodness from a fresh, ripe avocado and whip it with a tablespoon of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. Apply this paste onto your dry hair from the scalp to the roots. Wait for about 20 minutes and rinse off with a mild shampoo. PS: Avocado is extremely rich in biotin—the vitamin that helps your hair and nails grow faster and makes them healthier. If the fruit is unavailable in your kitchen, opt for Godrej Professional Avocado Nourish Mask.
10. Sweet Almond Oil Hair Mask
Almonds are one of the richest sources of Magnesium, which boosts hair growth. Sweet Almond Oil, a natural extract of Almonds are high in the mineral along with proteins like Omega 3 and Biotin. Mix 2 tablespoons of sweet Almond Oil with 2 tablespoons of Almond Milk. Warm the concoction slightly and apply with a brush to your scalp and hair. Leave in for about 20 minutes, then massage into your hair and wash with your regular shampoo. Our favourite? St. D'vencé 100% Pure And Natural Sweet Almond Oil that can get the job done as well!
11. Apple Cider Vinegar Wash
Another big reason for hair loss is clogged follicles. Hair follicles often get blocked with dirt, oil secreted from your scalp and pollution, causing an obstruction to nutrients reaching your hair – thus leading to hairfall. Apple cider vinegar clears up your follicles and helps maintain the natural moisture of your scalp. Just douse a shot of apple cider vinegar in a bowl of lukewarm water and wash your hair with it, massaging the scalp as you pour. Or keep it simple and try out WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo.
Tips To Reduce Hairfall
Hairfall is common and almost everyone faces the stress related to it. Here are a few ways to keep hairfall at bay.
- Indulge in some natural massage therapy every week. Whip up the above ingredients as masks or home-spas and let the goodness seep in.
- Be gentle to your hair, using wide tooth combs before bed.
- Eat a healthy diet and try to include protein rich food such as yogurt, fish, lentils and spinach.
- Wash your hair in cold or lukewarm water. Hot water causes hair loss too.
- Try to avoid heating devices like dryers or straighteners, especially after you’ve noticed excessive hairfall.
- Avoid all-chemical products, especially the ones with parabens.
- Relax. Meditate or delve into yoga. Destressing your body and mind will help your hair grow better.
