For most of us, our hair is a major part of who we are. It's a fact, good or bad, we tend to develop a strong self-image based on the state of our hair. And without a doubt, society has played a huge part in how we view hair and those without it, as the case may be. We simply can't help but be swayed to some degree by the seemingly endless array of gorgeous models donning their immaculately coiffed manes or long flowing tresses as they almost mockingly stare back at us from every magazine cover across the country. And as we stand there solemnly picturing ourselves with the hair we've only ever dreamed of, a quick look around reveals that very few of us actually have that perfect head of hair.
For some of us the term "bad hair day" is all too familiar. While the lucky among us can chalk these rare days up to too much gel or the ever embarrassing "bed head", many people are experiencing something far more serious: real and permanent hair loss.
While traditional doctors tend to have a more medical approach to the subject, often prescribing a variety of medications that can invariably cause additional side effects, natural proponents tend to view the situation as a simple deficiency, treatable by diet, herbs and supplements. In most cases hair-related troubles such as hair loss, graying hair and dull, undernourished hair are thought to be the result of a blood deficiency. Simply, hair problems are linked to the body's inability to supply the scalp with sufficient blood and vital nutrients necessary for proper hair growth. This insufficiency is further aggravated by such things as stress, poor diet, low thyroid, illness and medications. In some cases, hair loss can also be genetically inherited and closely linked to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Studies show the presence of DHT shrinks hair follicles, actually causing the membranes in the scalp to thicken. This in turn, causes the them to become inelastic, restricting the blood flow and necessary nutrients required for adequate nutrition from reaching the hair follicle, so it eventually dies.
Whatever the cause, hair loss can be a very traumatic and emotionally upsetting experience for anyone. Luckily, there are some natural things you can do to nourish your hair and scalp and to stimulate blood flow to this area.
Diet: Real hair care starts from within. Proper diet is essential to your overall health and since your hair is an extension of your inner health, eating right is the first step to a full, shinny and healthy head of hair. Green, leafy vegetables are great sources of many of the important minerals our body requires. As well, foods such as turkey, beef, fish, chili peppers, lentils, bananas, potatoes, molasses and brewer's yeast that are high in the B vitamins can help prevent and even reduce hair loss. Whole grains are also a good source for iron, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, all of which are essential for proper hair nutrition. Foods high in zinc, such as chickpeas are also important as are calcium-rich foods and those containing, para amino benzoic acid (PABA) such as liver, mushrooms and spinach, all of which are known to help prevent hair loss.
Silica: Found in many nuts and seeds and in most unrefined whole grains such as wheat, barley, oats, rye, oatmeal and rice, is essential for proper hair growth. Hard water is also an excellent source of natural silica.
Horsetail: This plant is another good source of silica, which helps to keep the hair strong and shinny. Add 2 Tbsp of horsetail to 4 ounces hot water then mix with a small amount of shampoo and massage into your scalp.
He Shou Wu: This Chinese herb is used to cleanse and nourish the blood and is said to counteract premature graying and decrease hair loss.
Dong quai: Known to nourish the digestive tract and help the body to break down and better absorb nutrients, dong quai also has anti-inflammatory effects, which are helpful when dealing with inflamed tissue surrounding hair follicles. Research shows this herb contains phytoestrogens capable of reversing genetic hair loss by systematically blocking the androgen receptors, reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
Ginseng: Used to improve blood circulation, regulate cellular metabolism and promote protein synthesis, it helps the body assimilate essential vitamins and minerals and normalize an oily scalp, restoring thick and healthy hair within a few weeks.
Saw palmetto: Studies show this herb to be as effective as finasteride (Propecia®) in blocking DHT and preventing hair loss in men, without the side effects of the traditional medications. It should not be taken by women without first consulting a professional.
Pumpkin seed: Pumpkin seed oil contains antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation, including inflammation of the scalp and hair follicle, promoting healthy hair growth.
Green tea: A 1998 Japanese study published in Nutrition and Cancer showed women who drink green tea can increase their levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a chemical shown to bind with testosterone, a known trigger for many types of genetic hair loss.
Essential Oils: One study reported in 1999 by Health Magazine showed over 44 percent of people who used a combination of essential oils of lavender, rosemary, thyme and cedarwood, massaging them into their scalps nightly for seven months, had new hair growth (some regaining all of their hair). You can also try grapefruit, bay, jojoba, lemon and Roman chamomile oils, all of which are excellent for nourishing the hair and scalp. Add 6 drops of each essential oil to about 4 ounces of another warmed base oil such as almond, avocado, jojoba, camellia, hemp, wheat germ, coconut, castor, emu, evening primrose, flax seed or sesame, then slowly massage into your scalp for approximately 20 minutes and wash out.
Apple cider vinegar: When combined with sage tea and used as a regular hair rinse, many people report increased hair growth.
Psoralea seeds: Full of beneficial amino acids and other substances including flavonoids, coumarins, linoleic and oleic acids as well as small amounts of potassium, calcium, iron and selenium, this herb is shown to be helpful in cases of extreme hair loss. One study published in the International Journal of Dermatology showed consuming psoralea seeds on a regular basis restored complete hair growth in 36 percent of bald men while another 30 percent experienced significant hair growth after only 6 months. Licorice extract, stinging nettle, arnica and marigold are also known in some cases to prevent hair loss.
Use Chemical-free Hair Products: Most hair products contain harsh chemicals. Avoid products containing sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate and cocamide DEA, all of which are not only toxic to your body, but dry your scalp and hair. Try shampoos made with castile, an ingredient derived from olive oil and decyl polyglucose from corn. Also, look for products containing jojoba, rosemary, nettle, horsetail, sage and chamomile. You can also add a tincture of birch to your shampoo to stimulate hair growth while disinfecting the scalp and increasing blood circulation.
Hair loss can be traumatic any way you look at it. No matter what the cause though, it doesn't have to be a life altering experience. Worrying may only add to your hair loss. Instead, concentrate on improving your health starting with your diet. The hair growth cycle takes time and it can take months before you see any improvement. So, be patient and know that in most cases, hair loss is treatable.
Cynthia McMurray is a freelance
natural health writer. She has written numerous books for leading
health professionals and was the founder and publisher of a national
natural health magazine. She is currently writing in-depth health
manuals for a large international health and wellness company.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
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