Experiencing a certain amount of hair loss on a daily basis is a natural phenomenon for both humans and even animals. According to medical professionals, it is considered normal to lose around a hundred hair strands daily. However, it becomes a cause for concern when the hair loss exceeds this limit or when there is inadequate regrowth to compensate for the daily shedding. If you find your bedroom floor covered in hair or feel alarmed by the amount of hair in your hands every time you comb, there's no need to panic. Hair fall is a common occurrence, but the key lies in understanding the extent of the loss and taking appropriate measures to address it.
In today's fast-paced world, many individuals face additional challenges with premature graying and balding, which can be distressing and embarrassing. When searching for solutions to hair loss woes, turning to Ayurveda could be a promising option. Ayurvedic practices offer holistic approaches to hair care, focusing on promoting overall well-being and addressing the root cause of hair-related issues. With its emphasis on natural remedies and herbal treatments, Ayurveda aims to restore hair health and balance, providing a potential remedy for those seeking a gentler and more traditional approach to tackle hair loss concerns.
Causes of Hair Fall
The factors causing hair loss vary in every individual. Both men and women lose hair but the loss is more common in men. Most people experience hair loss not because of any disease but due to preexisting genetic factors and increasing age. Some of the common causes include:
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Stress, Anxiety, and Tension
When you are stressed or anxious, there is a hormonal imbalance in your body. This sudden change in the level of hormones released - either excess or less - affects hair growth and leads to hair fall in most cases. The body is deprived of essential nutrients and the hair becomes brittle and weak. Prolonged periods of emotional stress result in alopecia.
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Poor Nutrition
Hair is made up of amino acids, peptide bonds and proteins. A balanced diet is necessary to nourish the hair and keep it healthy. Certain nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, iron and zinc are essential. When your diet lacks nutrients like these, it affects hair growth.
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Irregular or Erratic Lifestyle
Smoking and drinking regularly lead to the excess buildup of oxidative stress in your body. These factors can cause severe hair fall. They interfere with the normal functioning of the body and lead to bad hair quality. Doctors say that smoking has a tendency to damage your DNA as well, which can speed up hair fall and hair loss.
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Environmental Factors
Several environmental factors, such as pollution, dirt, or climate, are responsible for hair loss. Fuel and dust particles from the air disrupt the process of hair growth as they damage the scalp, and do not allow the hair proteins to nourish the hair. The dirt can get accumulated onto your scalp and irritate it, leading to several hair problems.
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Excessive Use of Hair Care Products and Styling
The chemicals present in several hair care products could damage your hair. It is vital to select a product that suits your hair type. In order to keep up with the latest hair trends we opt for styling techniques like straightening and curling that could result in hair breakage.
Can Ayurveda Stop Hair Fall & Regrow Hair?
Maintaining a diet rich in nutrients could go a long way in regrowing your hair. The Ayurvedic treatment for hair also suggests a balanced diet. This would incorporate all the essential foods rich in the necessary elements to help keep your doshas within the correct levels. There are a multitude of herbal formulas and holistic treatment processes that are specially designed to rejuvenate and regrow your hair. To correct your doshas, the key is discipline and consistency and the advantage is that this natural process ensures that there are no side-effects. That is why most opt for ayurvedic treatment for hair fall.
16 Ayurvedic Treatments to Stop Hair Fall at Home
Ayurveda offers a wide range of remedies to combat hair fall and promote hair regrowth, while also emphasizing the importance of a balanced lifestyle to improve overall hair health. According to Ayurvedic principles, the texture and condition of one's hair are influenced by the balance or imbalances within the body, particularly related to the bone tissue quality. Weakness in the bone tissue can lead to hair loss. To design an effective ayurvedic treatment for hair fall, understanding the individual's Prakriti (unique constitution) and identifying the imbalances is crucial.
In the pursuit of combating hair fall and promoting hair regrowth, Ayurvedic treatments encompass various approaches that target the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of an individual's health. Utilizing a combination of herbs, spices, and oils, Ayurvedic practitioners concoct potent potions tailored to address specific hair ailments.
The multifaceted approach of Ayurvedic remedies for hair loss aims to provide personalized and holistic solutions to restore hair health, making it a distinctive and sought-after alternative to conventional treatments. Additionally, alongside formal ayurvedic treatment for hair fall, there are numerous simple and popular home remedies available that can be equally effective in promoting hair health.
1. Kapha Dosha
The earth and water elements dominate.
This dosha tends to make your hair oily and thick. An imbalance in the Kapha dosha will make your scalp clogged, sticky, and extremely greasy. This also leads to oily and itchy dandruff, weakens the follicles and leads to hair fall. The advantage of Kapha type hair is that it requires the least amount of care as it is naturally thick, lustrous and long.
2. Pitta Dosha
The fire element dominates.
This dosha tends to make your hair oily and thin. The imbalance of Pitta dosha in the body leads to the graying of hair and premature balding. It can also impact the texture and color of the hair. An excess of pitta could lead to redness of the scalp and scaling .It leads to the overheating of the hair follicles; a hot water shampoo could end up aggravating the condition.
3. Vata Dosha
The air element dominates.
This dosha tends to make hair brittle and dry. When there is an imbalance of Kapha dosha in the body, your hair becomes dry, flaky, and frizzy. This is why people with hair of this type might have dandruff problems as the scalp is very dry. They might also experience split ends as the hair is extremely brittle. The ayurvedic treatment for hair fall will balance the doshas.
4. Shirodhara
This is one of the most effective therapies for hair fall. The term Shirodhara means - flow in the head. Here, warm oils formulated with Ayurvedic herbs are poured on the forehead in a flow, from a container that’s hung above at a particular height. The oils travel from your forehead to the scalp and are gently massaged by the therapist. This is a relaxing ayurvedic treatment for hair fall.
Shirodhara works at multiple levels as a potent ayurvedic treatment for hair fall. It extracts dead skin cells from the scalp and also improves the functioning of the nervous system. It increases the blood circulation in the scalp leading to better and healthier hair growth. It removes the toxins from the body and relieves stress. This therapy maintains a balance between the Pitta and Vata doshas in your body.
5. Shiro Lepa
Shiro Lepa involves using Ayurvedic herbs in a powder form and making a paste with it. The paste is then applied on the scalp and covered with a banana leaf. The top part of the scalp is left open. Medicated Ayurvedic oils are poured on the part of the scalp left open and covered with the lepa, an extremely potent ayurvedic treatment for hair fall.
This enhances the interaction of the lepa with the scalp tissues, promoting healthier hair growth. It normalizes frizzy hair and repairs split ends.
Shiro Lepa is beneficial in pacifying the Pitta dosha. It is also helpful in balancing the nervous system and produces a calming effect on various body organs, which also helps promote hair health. This is a traditional ayurvedic treatment for hair loss.
6. Shiro Abhyanga
This therapy involves massaging the shoulders, upper back, neck, and head with warm oils like coconut and sesame oil. This prevents the scalp from heating up and provides nourishment to the hair follicles and sensory organs. This uses ayurvedic medicine to reduce hair fall and dandruff, It helps relieve stress from relaxing, your upper body, and muscles.
As per the Yogic Science, maintaining a balance between the three upper chakras - Vishuddha (throat), Sahasrara (top of head), and Anja (forehead) - is important, and this therapy does that. Take advantage of this unique ayurvedic treatment for hair fall.
7. Bhringraj
Bhringraj is an essential ingredient prescribed in the home remedies for hair fall. A lot of health professionals recommend massaging your scalp with bhringraj oil as it cools the scalp and relieves stress. It is dense as compared to other oils and has excellent anti-inflammatory qualities. The herbs in the oil give your hair the necessary nutrients. The haritaki in it adds color and prevents premature graying.
Bhringraj becomes your complete ayurvedic treatment for hair fall. It also has vasodilatory qualities which opens up the blood vessels to facilitate blood flow to the roots. Many companies these days have started formulating their own bhringraj oil, but you can also make it at home. This is the perfect ayurvedic medicine for hair growth.
Here’s what you can do:
- Leave a few bhringraj leaves to dry out in the sun for a couple of days.
- Put the dry leaves in a bottle of pure coconut oil.
- Leave the oil bottle in the sun for another 2-3 days.
- The oil will change its color to light green.
- Massage your scalp thoroughly with the oil and wash it with a mild shampoo.
- For better results, leave the oil on your scalp overnight.
8. Coconut
Coconuts contain fatty acids like capric and lauric acid - which offer antifungal and antimicrobial properties. These are essential for preventing free radicals, which act as a blockage in hair growth. Coconut milk has been used as a remedy for hair growth for many years. As compared to other oils coconut has a better capacity to enter the hair shaft and protect the hair. The fatty acids help your hair retain proteins and prevent hair fall. It is the best replacement for the natural oils in your scalp which disappear when exposed to heat and pollution.
This is one of the easier homemade remedies for hair fall. Here’s how you can make it at home:
- Grate coconut and heat it on the gas for about 5 minutes.
- Strain and let it cool.
- Add one teaspoon of methi and crushed black pepper each.
- Apply it thoroughly onto your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for about 30 minutes and rinse with water.
- Many also use it after washing the hair to minimize the negative effects from grooming products.
- Do not however leave it on your hair for a very long time as it could supplement the natural oils in your scalp and lead to greasy hair.
9. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is known to solve several hair problems. It is one of the most effective home remedies for hair growth. It contains proteolytic enzymes that help repair damage to the scalp and enhance the health of your hair follicles. Blessed with 20 minerals, 12 vitamins and 18 amino acids, aloe vera is a veritable panacea for all ills. Its anti-inflammatory properties give relief from the scalp irritation as well. It is rich in vitamins A, C and E which are good for cell growth. The vitamin B12 and folic acid help strengthen the hair from its roots. It is also believed to protect the hair from the harmful effects of the sun. However it has been seen that some people are allergic to aloe vera. They would therefore need to do a patch test on their skin to see how they respond before proceeding further.
Here’s how you can use it at home:
- Take out the pulp from an Aloe Vera stalk.
- Apply it directly to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for about an hour.
- Rinse with water.
- Use at least thrice a week for better results.
10. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds have iron and protein and a beneficial content of plant compounds. The anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties promote hair growth. Fenugreek can be applied to improve skin redness and irritation. Its moisture content has the capacity to provide a soothing effect and improve the condition of the scalp.
Here is how you can make a Fenugreek mask
- Soak fenugreek overnight in water.
- Grind it and apply the paste to the hair and scalp. ‘
- Keep it on for 30 minutes and then wash it with normal water.
- It needs to be done twice a week for a month for best results.
11. Onion Juice
Onion juice offers protection against scalp infections because of its antibacterial properties. It is also rich in sulfur which enhances blood circulation among the hair follicles. Onions have an antioxidant called catalase which is useful in reducing gray hair.
Squeeze out the juice of the onion after grinding it. Use a cotton ball to apply the juice to your hair and scalp. Wash your hair off with a mild shampoo after 30 minutes. Do this at least once a week for effective results.
12. Amla
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a powerhouse of nutrients and antioxidants that benefit hair health. It is rich in vitamin C, which aids in collagen production, promoting hair growth and strengthening hair follicles. Amla also prevents premature graying of hair and helps maintain the natural pigmentation. You can use amla in various forms, such as amla oil, amla powder, or by consuming fresh amla or amla juice regularly.
13. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, is known for its stress-reducing properties, which indirectly benefit hair health. Stress is a significant factor in hair loss, and ashwagandha helps in managing stress and anxiety. By reducing stress levels, ashwagandha can prevent hair fall and promote healthy hair growth.
You can consume ashwagandha in the form of capsules or powder, or as a part of herbal teas or tonics. Regular intake of ashwagandha can lead to improved hair health, making it less susceptible to damage and breakage.
14. Brahmi
Brahmi, also known as Bacopa monnieri, is a herb widely used in Ayurveda for its cognitive and memory-enhancing properties. However, it also offers benefits to hair health. Brahmi oil, prepared by infusing the herb in a carrier oil, can be massaged onto the scalp to strengthen hair roots and promote hair growth. It also helps in reducing hair thinning and split ends.
Brahmi is available in oil form, and using it regularly can result in improved hair texture and luster.
15. Jatamansi
Jatamansi, commonly known as spikenard, is a potent Ayurvedic herb known for its calming and cooling properties. When used for hair, jatamansi helps in reducing hair fall and preventing premature graying. It nourishes the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and preventing scalp infections. Jatamansi can be used in the form of oil or powder.
Massaging jatamansi oil onto the scalp can stimulate blood circulation and improve hair health. Alternatively, jatamansi powder can be mixed with other herbs to create hair masks for added benefits.
16. Curry leaves and Kalonji water
Curry leaves and kalonji (nigella seeds) water is an age-old remedy for promoting hair growth and reducing hair fall. Curry leaves are rich in essential nutrients like iron, beta-carotene, and amino acids, which nourish hair follicles and promote hair regrowth. Kalonji, on the other hand, contains antioxidants that protect hair from damage and help maintain its health.
To use this remedy, boil curry leaves in water, strain the water, and add crushed kalonji seeds. Apply this water to the scalp and hair, leave it on for an hour or so, and then rinse it off. Regular use can lead to improved hair growth and overall hair health.
Takeaways
Ayurveda offers a wealth of natural remedies and treatments to combat hair fall and promote hair regrowth. By understanding one's unique constitution (Prakriti) and addressing any imbalances in the body, Ayurvedic practitioners can design personalized treatment plans for individuals seeking a holistic approach to hair care. From herbal oils like amla and brahmi to stress-reducing herbs like ashwagandha, each remedy targets specific hair ailments and nourishes the scalp, leading to healthier hair growth. Additionally, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle and diet to support overall well-being, making it a gentle and effective alternative to chemical-laden hair products and treatments.
By incorporating these natural remedies into your hair care routine, you can nurture your hair and prevent excessive hair fall without the risk of harmful side effects. Whether it's through soothing therapies like Shirodhara and Shiro Abhyanga or using ingredients like curry leaves and kalonji water, Ayurveda offers an array of solutions for individuals looking to promote hair health and regain confidence in their hair's appearance. Embrace Ayurvedic principles and rediscover the beauty of naturally strong and vibrant hair.
Traya Health provides customized hair care solutions for all your hair problems. Its USP lies in using the three sciences in one solution - Ayurveda, Allopathy, and Food Science.
The professionals at Traya Health are highly experienced and offer the best services. To receive the treatment, first, you need to fill an online diagnosis form on their website. To accurately diagnose your hair problem, the form will also require pictures of your scalp. The doctors will go through the form and develop a customized prescription for you.
In about four days, you will receive a box of your medications along with a diet plan. All you need to do is stick to the diet plan and take medications on time. On average, you would see the results in just six months, if the course of medications is taken without fail!
FAQs
Q1 - Which herb is best for hair regrowth?Q2 - Is Ayurvedic medicine good for hair fall?
Ans - Yes, Ayurvedic medicine can be effective in treating hair fall. Ayurveda focuses on addressing the root cause of hair fall through a holistic approach, using herbs, oils, and lifestyle modifications to improve hair health.
Ans - The choice between Ayurveda and allopathy for hair loss treatment depends on individual preferences and the severity of the condition. Both approaches have their merits, and some individuals may find better results with Ayurveda, while others may opt for allopathic treatments.
Q7 - Is female pattern baldness curable in Ayurveda?
