Hair Loss: Home Remedies to Reduce Thinning Hair

Did you know it is not unusual for a person to lose 70 to 150 hairs daily? This may seem like a lot, but it is normal. Hair loss occurs through the routine activities of washing and styling. When hair loss remains at this level, it is not considered "hair loss" medically.

Hair loss, known by the technical name alopecia, refers to the thinning of hair at a greater rate than can be replaced by the body. Surprisingly, you have to lose about 40% of your scalp hair density before you will notice that hair loss is happening to you!

Hair loss is not a serious threat to physical health but can cause significant emotional distress. Many individuals experience low self-esteem and negative body image due to hair loss, which can impact their quality of life.

Interesting Facts

  • Hair Life Cycle: Humans lose around 100 scalp hairs every day. Each hair can survive for about 4.5 years. In its fifth year, the hair falls out and is replaced by a new hair within six months.
  • Hormonal Influence: Hair loss is strongly associated with dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone that can harm hair follicles.

Triggers for Hair Loss

Several triggers can lead to temporary hair loss:

  • Severe infections
  • Childbirth
  • Major surgeries
  • Severe emotional stress
  • Certain medications

Understanding these factors can help manage hair loss and seek appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes. If you experience significant or sudden hair loss, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and explore potential treatments.

Causes of Hair Loss

There are three primary causes of hair loss: heredity, physical conditions, and certain medications.

Heredity

This means hair loss is part of your genetic makeup. The most common type of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, which affects both men and women and is influenced by genetic and hormonal factors.

Physical Conditions

A wide range of scenarios can lead to hair loss, including:

  • Pregnancy and childbirth: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect hair growth.
  • Low-protein diets: Protein is essential for healthy hair growth.
  • High fevers: Severe infections can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
  • Thyroid disease: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause hair loss.
  • Cancer treatments: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

Medications and Hair Loss

Many medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. If you suspect that your medication is causing hair loss, do not stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider. Alternative medications may be available that do not have this side effect. Maintaining a balanced diet and managing stress levels can help support overall hair health.

  • Cancer Drugs: Chemotherapy drugs are well-known for causing hair loss. These drugs target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. Examples include Cyclophosphamide, Dactinomycin, Daunorubicin, Docetaxel, Doxorubicin, Eribulin, Etoposide, Idarubicin
  • Blood Thinners: Also known as anticoagulants, these medications can interfere with the normal hair growth cycle: Warfarin, Heparin
  • Antidepressants: Some antidepressants can lead to hair loss as a side effect, possibly due to their impact on hormonal balance: Paroxetine (Paxil), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs: Certain drugs that lower cholesterol levels can cause hair loss, although the mechanism is unclear.
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):  NSAIDs, which are commonly used to treat pain and inflammation, can sometimes cause hair loss.
  • Hormone-Related Drugs Medications that affect hormone levels, such as those used for thyroid conditions or hormone replacement therapy, can impact hair growth: Thyroid medications, Hormone replacement therapies
  • Steroids: Steroids can cause hair loss due to hormonal changes, particularly increased dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. DHT can attach to hair follicles, causing inflammation and damage, eventually leading to hair loss.
  • High Blood Pressure Medications:  Several types of medications used to treat high blood pressure can lead to hair loss: Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, Diuretics
  • Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics can affect vitamin B and hemoglobin levels, essential for healthy hair growth. A deficiency in these can lead to hair loss.
  • Weight Loss Drugs: Rapid weight loss, even if not directly caused by the medication, can result in hair loss. This is often due to nutritional deficiencies that occur with rapid weight loss.

It's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor, who can help you weigh the benefits and risks of your current medications and possibly recommend treatments or adjustments to your regimen.

Home Remedies and Natural Cures for Hair Loss

If you’re looking to combat hair loss naturally, home remedies might help. While some people find these remedies highly effective, others may not notice significant results. Hair grows slowly, and results from home remedies may take time to become noticeable. Be patient and have realistic expectations regarding the outcomes.

Oil Tonics

Oils like amla, mustard, coconut, and castor oil can help minimize hair loss. These oils can be used alone or mixed with other ingredients. When combined with scalp massage techniques, they can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.

Well-Balanced Diet

Healthy hair depends on a diet rich in essential nutrients. Vitamin B6 and folic acid deficiency are commonly associated with excessive hair loss. Eating plenty of beans, nuts, legumes, fish, meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables, fruits, and dried beans can help you get enough of these vitamins.

Scalp Massage

A 15-minute scalp massage can significantly improve blood flow to the hair follicles, increasing the nutrients needed for optimal hair growth. Using your fingertips, massage the hairline area in a tight circular motion and slowly work your way up to the base of the skull.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT, a hormone that destroys hair follicles and causes hair loss. It can be ingested in pill form or used in shampoos.

Onion Juice

Onion juice is rich in sulfur, boosting collagen production and aiding hair regrowth. Apply freshly extracted onion juice to the scalp, leave it on for 15-30 minutes, and then wash it off with a mild shampoo.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera soothes the scalp and conditions hair. It can reduce dandruff and unblock hair follicles that may be blocked by excess oil. Apply pure aloe vera gel to your scalp and leave it for 30 minutes before rinsing.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil has been used to increase blood circulation to the scalp and promote hair growth. Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil and massage it into your scalp. Leave it for at least 10 minutes before washing it out.

Green Tea

Green tea contains antioxidants to prevent hair loss and boost growth. Brew two green tea bags in one cup of water, let it cool, and then apply it to your hair and scalp. Rinse after an hour.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss. It is available over the counter and can be applied to the scalp to stimulate hair growth and slow hair loss.

Ketoconazole Antifungal Shampoo

Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that can help with hair loss by reducing scalp inflammation and dandruff. It is available over the counter in lower concentrations or by prescription for stronger formulations.

Precautions

Professional Advice: Always consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist before starting any new treatment, especially if you have concerns about hair loss or are experiencing significant hair loss. They can provide personalized advice and rule out any severe underlying conditions.

By incorporating these natural and OTC remedies into your routine, you can take a comprehensive approach to managing hair loss. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.