Hair fall is a common problem among women. According to a study by Harvard Medical School, hair loss affects nearly one-third of women worldwide. Women are more likely to experience baldness and hair fall during menopause. Some women start experiencing hair fall and thinning patterns even during their teenage years. However, you can try a few home remedies to control hair fall.
What Is Hair Loss?
Hair loss occurs when you experience more hair fall, and the hair growth phase slows down. Hair thinning, baldness, wider parting in your hair are signs of hair loss. Acute hair loss is also termed alopecia. According to research by the American Journal of Dermatology, it is natural to lose 50-100 hair strands in a day. If you lose more than 100 hair strands in a day, you are likely experiencing hair loss.
There are three stages of hair follicles. The first stage is the anagen, the active hair growth phase. This phase usually lasts for two-six years. Post that, hair follicles move to the catagen phase, during which hair stops growing. It is the resting phase. The last stage is telogen, during which the hair shaft gets mature and starts falling from the scalp. Hair loss occurs when the anagen stage becomes shorter.
However, there can be several causes of hair loss. Some of them include prolonged illness or side effects of surgery, side effects of medicinal drugs, fungal infection on the scalp, genetic condition, stress, and tight hairstyles.
Home Remedies for Hair Fall
Here are a few home remedies for hair fall and regrowth that you can try in addition to medical treatments for hair loss.
1. Topical Caffeine
According to research, topical application of caffeine liquid on your scalp is an effective home remedy for hair fall. Caffeine is considered at par with minoxidil in treating genetic hair loss. Therefore, it is a potential treatment for alopecia. The topical application of caffeine to female hair follicles increases the length of the hair shaft and makes the anagen phase last longer. Caffeine works as an insulin-like growth factor that promotes new hair growth, and this helps reduce hair loss.
Another research suggests that topical application of caffeine for six months showed less breakage of hair strands and less hair fall while combing or pulling hair. You can use caffeine-based shampoos at home to reduce hair fall. You can mix coffee powder with your hair masks and leave it on overnight or for a few hours.
2. Garlic Gel
The topical application of garlic gel on your scalp is also an effective hair loss treatment at home. A study conducted on people suffering from alopecia shows that applying garlic gel on their scalp twice a day for three months resulted in slight hair growth.
Another study suggests that garlic gel is effective in protecting UVB-exposed human keratinocytes. The growth of keratinocyte cells improves the health of hair follicles and increases their chances of survival. Therefore, garlic gel makes the hair follicles strong and can reduce hair fall. Also, garlic has antimicrobial priorities. Topical application of its gel can help reduce hair fall due to fungal infections on the scalp.
3. Onion Juice
Applying onion juice to the scalp is an ancient home remedy for hair fall and regrowth. According to a study conducted on men and women with alopecia, topical application of onion juice on the scalp showed significant results in two weeks. The coarse hair started to regrow at the end of two weeks. By the end of the fourth week, hair growth was visible in many people.
According to research, onion juice has healing properties, and it is also rich in the various minerals calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It also comprises vitamins C and B6, which are important for healthy hair. Also, the sulphur compound present in onions is believed to have hair-restoring properties. Onions also have anti-inflammatory effects that can help treat scalp infections and reduce hair fall.
You can use one or two grated onions. Squeeze it and strain the clean juice in a bowl. Dip a cotton ball into the liquid and apply it to your scalp. You can try this home remedy for hair growth 2-3 times a week for 3-4 months to see results.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another effective home remedy for hair fall. An animal study suggests the extracts of the cinnamon tree increase the area of hair follicles and promote hair growth. According to the Indonesian Journal of Anti-Aging Medicine, cinnamon is a herbal medicine that can slow down hair ageing and control hair loss. Cinnamaldehyde, the main compound in cinnamon, effectively regulates hair fall. The Journal suggests that topical application of the cinnamon essential oil increases the diameter of hair shafts and increases hair length. The cinnamon essential oil is considered as effective as minoxidil for treating hair loss.
Another research suggests that procyanidins, a type of flavonoid, effectively treat alopecia. The procyanidin compound is present in cinnamon. Also, cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat scalp infections and reduce hair fall. You can add cinnamon powder to your hair masks for topical application or use cinnamon essential oil along with any other carrier oil.
5. Pumpkin Seed Oil
Another home remedy that you can try for alopecia is pumpkin seed oil. According to research, the pumpkin seed oil is rich in saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Pumpkin seed oil can be administered orally to reduce hair fall. Also, topical application of pumpkin seed oil on the scalp can help reduce hair fall due to the presence of vitamin E, fatty acids, and phytoestrogens. The fatty acids in pumpkin seed oil inhibit a compound called 5-reductase that promotes hair growth.
Another study on female pattern hair loss treatment suggests that pumpkin seed oil reduces the hair shaft diversity and increases hair growth. The study suggests that pumpkin seed oil can be used to treat female pattern hair loss as an alternative to minoxidil. You can make pumpkin seed oil at home by roasting dry pumpkin seeds, crushing and pressing them.
6. Rosemary Oil
You can also apply rosemary oil to your scalp to reduce hair fall. According to research, the rosemary plant has medicinal properties that are beneficial in treating androgenetic alopecia. A study on a hundred people suggests that using 1 ml of rosemary essential oil significantly reduces hair loss, promotes hair growth, and has fewer side effects than minoxidil. You can make rosemary oil at home by soaking fresh rosemary leaves in olive oil and keeping it in a jar for a month.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera hair masks are another effective hair fall solution at home. If you are experiencing hair loss due to scalp inflammation, you can apply aloe vera and a honey hair mask. According to research, regularly massaging your scalp with aloe vera juice can significantly reduce hair loss.
8. Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be a supplementary home treatment for reducing hair fall. According to research by the Healthcare Medicine Institute, acupuncture is more beneficial in treating alopecia than medicinal therapy. It helps reduce hair loss and promotes growth in people with alopecia. Scalp acupuncture stimulates endocrine system responses and boosts the functioning of sebaceous glands. It improves hair health. You can try scalp acupuncture tools at home or buy equipment for head massage.
9. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is another effective home remedy for alopecia areata that causes hair loss and round or oval bald patches on the scalp. According to a study, 12 weeks of aromatherapy with rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood essential oils resulted in significant hair growth in alopecia patients. You can try aromatherapy with essential oils and diffusers at home if you have hair loss due to stress. However, you shouldn't use essential oils if you have an allergy.
10. Hibiscus Hair Oil
You can also use hibiscus hair oil as a home remedy for hair fall. According to research, hibiscus flower extracts can help reduce hair fall and boost hair growth. You can make hibiscus hair oil at home by grinding dried leaves and petals of the hibiscus flower. Make a fine paste and add it to coconut oil.
11. Rice Water
According to research, rice bran mineral extracts can prevent hair loss and boost hair growth. You can soak white two tablespoons of rice overnight. Pour rice water on your hair after shampooing.
12. Green Tea
You can also use green tea as a home remedy for hair fall. According to research, green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Research suggests application of polyphenols on the scalp makes the hair follicles enter the anagen phase from the telogen stage. It helps reduce hair fall and promote hair growth.
13. Lavender Oil
You can also try topical application of lavender oil on the scalp to reduce hair loss. According to research, lavender oil contains various compounds like acetate, linalool, and geraniol that are beneficial in reducing stress and stimulating cell growth. Lavender oil helps reduce hair loss and also improves hair thickness. You can mix lavender oil with any other carrier oil for topical application on the scalp. According to research, you can also mix a few drops of lavender essential oil in shampoo and wash your hair regularly for hair growth.
Diet for Healthy Hair
According to research, nutritional deficiencies can impact hair structure and affect hair growth. Iron deficiency in the body is one of the major causes of hair loss. Therefore, if you want healthy hair and prevent hair loss, it is important to have a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. You can add food items that are rich in iron, zinc, folate, biotin, vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, amino acids and protein, antioxidants, and fatty acids.
An appropriate diet for healthy hair includes plenty of green leafy vegetables and fruits, omega-3 fatty acids, legumes, soy, eggs, berries, spinach, avocado, bell pepper, nuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, ghee, cabbage, sweet potatoes, meat, tofu, grapes, amla, carrots, green peas, and oats.
Home Remedies for Hair Growth
You can try the following home remedies if you feel that your hair has stopped growing:
1. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are used as Ayurvedic medicine to increase hair growth. They are rich in vitamin C, iron, and protein, promoting scalp health and stimulating hair follicles. According to research, fenugreek seeds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat scalp infection. You can soak fenugreek seeds overnight, make a smooth paste and apply it to your scalp for half an hour.
2. Coconut Oil
Another ancient home remedy for hair growth that you must try is massaging your scalp with warm coconut oil a few times a week. According to research, coconut oil reduces protein loss from hair follicles and treats damaged hair.
3. Hair Massage
Massaging your scalp daily for ten minutes can also boost hair growth. According to a study, scalp massage increases blood flow towards the scalp and improves hair thickness.
Summing Up on Home Remedies for Hair Fall
As there can be several causes of hair fall, you should first consult a doctor to find out the root cause of your hair loss. Along with medical treatment for hair loss, you can also try alternative therapies like home remedies, yoga, and aromatherapy to curb hair fall. Some of the most popular home remedies for hair fall and regrowth include coconut oil hair mask, fenugreek seeds mask, onion juice, garlic gel, egg white mask, and more.
FAQs
What Causes Hair Fall in Females?
There can be various causes for hair fall in females. Some of the most common ones are genes, lack of a nutritious diet, hormonal changes during puberty or menopause, stress, pollution, damaging hairstyles, side effects of medicinal drugs, and more.
How Do I Make My Hair Thick?
One of the best ways to make your hair thick and promote growth is to have a healthy diet. Include protein and minerals like zinc, folate, and vitamins A, B, C, and D in your diet. You can have eggs, spinach, carrots, broccoli, almonds, peanuts, sweet potato, ghee, amla, cabbage, and grapes.
Which Oil Grows Hair Fastest?
You can massage your scalp once or twice a week with castor oil, coconut oil, almond oil, amla oil, or rosemary oil for faster hair growth. There is no particular oil that will help you grow hair fastest.
References
- Yu-Mi Kim, Soon-Joung Kwon, December 2017; Rice bran mineral extract increases the expression of anagen-related molecules in human dermal papilla through wnt/catenin pathway - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5727428/
- Boo Hyeong Lee, Jae Soon Lee, April 2016; Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Lavender Oil in C57BL/6 Mice - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4843973/
Sanusi Umar, February 2021; A Multimodal Hair-Loss Treatment Strategy Using a New Topical Phytoactive Formulation: A Report of Five Cases - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7878086/
