Skip to content
Hair loss in the form of androgenetic alopecia is hereditary and causes a receding hairline or pattern baldness in men and overall hair thinning in women. If you’re wondering how to stop genetic hair loss naturally, you cannot stop it entirely, but you can slow it down. A combination of nutritional diets, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies can help improve scalp health and strengthen hair follicles, if not reverse genetic hair loss.
It is common to lose 50-100 strands per day. But this lost hair usually grows back in a few days. However, if you experience excessive hair shedding, bordering on pattern baldness, that’s something to worry about. Illness, ageing, stress, hormonal changes, or genetic conditions can interfere with your hair’s growth cycle. It can be especially frustrating if hair loss runs in the family. This is where healthy diet and lifestyle changes can help treat and slow the progression of androgenetic alopecia. Read on to learn more.
Hair is an important physical attribute. So, individuals who experience excessive hair shedding or bald patches often feel self-conscious about their appearance. Hair loss is a widespread condition that affects both men and women. Ageing, illness, varied lifestyles, stress, hormonal changes, or inherited predisposition – all these factors can lead to hair fall.
Hence, adopting preventive measures from the onset of hair loss can go a long way in maintaining healthy hair. So, if you want the answer to ‘how to stop genetic hair loss naturally’, this blog is for you.
Understanding genetic hair loss
Baldness or androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most concerning and common form of hair loss that begins in adulthood and only worsens with age. Since this form of pattern baldness is hereditary, it may often feel overwhelming, considering you have seen your parents, grandparents, or siblings go through it.
While this genetic hair loss is not under your control, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle to promote hair growth, which can help stop it naturally.
What is genetic hair loss?
Androgenetic alopecia, or genetic hair loss, is a genetically determined condition that causes excessive hair loss and hair thinning in both men and women. However, the degree of hair fall can vary depending on external factors, such as diet, smoking, and other lifestyle factors.
While baldness is mostly associated with men, who start losing hair after puberty, AGA is prevalent in women as well and occurs at a mature age, especially in the post-menopausal setting, when the ratio of male hormones predominates over female ones.
What causes genetic hair loss?
It’s a known fact that AGA is inherited genetically. Although the exact pattern of inheritance is unknown, it’s considered polygenic, that is, derived from multiple genetic loci. Only one gene – the androgen receptor – has been clearly associated with AGA.
Although a family history of male pattern baldness is helpful, hair fall patterns can vary widely. Even identical twins can have varying degrees of hair loss, for that matter.
The hair growth cycle begins with the anagen phase, the longest phase that lasts 2-6 years. However, in AGA, the growth cycle of this phase is shortened to 1 year, with an increase in the percentage of hairs in telogen.
Research suggests that genetic variants or mutations contribute to AGA. However, scientific studies point to only one particular AR gene involved in making androgen receptors – a protein that responds to DHT and other androgens. However, any variation in the AR gene causes androgens to more readily stimulate androgen receptors, leading to increased receptor activity in hair follicles.
The role of hormones and DHT
Male pattern baldness
The primary hormone that causes hair loss in men is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Derived from testosterone, this hormone affects hair strands sensitive to it, primarily in the front, crown, and on the sides of the head in severe cases of hair thinning.
Gradually, DHT in men causes hair follicles to shrink, forming an M-shaped recession. As a result, thick, healthy hair grows scanty, thinner, shorter, and eventually stops growing. This process continues over time, leading to more hair loss.
Female pattern baldness
Women lose hair less severely than men do, and they rarely experience complete baldness. It occurs in the Ludwig pattern, causing a wider part line in the hair. In females, hair loss is associated with hormonal imbalances that lead to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Menopausal hair loss can also lead to loss of the frontal hairline frame.
Young women during their menstrual cycle may experience low iron levels, which can also lead to hair fall.
Other contributing factors causing genetic hair loss
Other factors that contribute to genetic hair loss are as follows -
- Smoking
- Poor diet comprising unhealthy junk food
- Sleep deprivation
- Chronic stress
Symptoms and early signs of genetic hair loss
It is natural to lose about 50-100 strands of hair a day, but anything more can be alarming. If you start seeing more hair in your shower drain or strands left on your pillowcase, these are the first signs of genetic hair loss. Some other symptoms include -
- Hair thinning at the crown
- Receding hairline
- Excessive hair shedding during showering or brushing, accompanied by weight loss or protein malnutrition
- A widening part line in the hair
- Reduced hair density
Diet changes that may help stop genetic hair loss
The way to healthy, strong hair is through your stomach. Dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals are preferred methods to stop genetic hair loss naturally.
Protein-rich foods
Consume nutrient-dense and protein-rich foods, such as -
- Leafy green vegetables
- Eggs
- Legumes
- Greek yogurt
- Nuts and seeds
Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants
A Mediterranean diet contains less saturated fats and animal protein. In fact, it is a powerhouse of unsaturated fats, polyphenols, antioxidants, fiber, and anti-inflammatory components that promote hair growth.
You can also include nuts, seeds, and salmon, which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Gentle hair care practices
Avoid playing tug-of-war with your hair. Various gentle care practices can prevent hair fall, especially in individuals already prone to genetic hair loss.
- Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
- Use a microfiber towel for your wet hair.
- Use a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner to clean your hair.
- Use a wide-toothed comb on your wet hair to detangle it.
- Avoid tying your hair too tightly, as it may pull at the root, causing more breakage.
- Women can avoid or minimise the use of heat-styling equipment – curling iron, straightener, or blow dryer - as these tools weaken hair follicles causing them to fall easily.
Evidence-based remedies to reduce DHT naturally
You can depend on natural sources to reduce DHT levels and improve scalp health. Wondering how to stop genetic hair loss naturally in males and females? Here are a few ways -
- Consume DHT-blocking foods, such as pumpkin seeds (comprises of zinc and phytosterols that block DHT), green tea (contains Epigallocatechin gallate [EGCG] to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase), spinach and kale (powerhouse of magnesium and antioxidants), tomatoes (contains lycopene – a potent antioxidant carotenoid), bananas (replete with potassium and vitamin B6), nuts and seeds (especially flaxseeds and walnuts).
- Include plant-based herbal supplements (such as saw palmetto, stinging nettle root, licorice root, spearmint tea, etc.) in your diet, as they possess natural anti-androgenic properties.
- Massage your scalp with your fingertips to improve blood circulation to the hair follicles. Some of the best oils you to apply include rosemary, pumpkin seed, tea tree, and peppermint, mixed with a few drops of a carrier oil (jojoba or coconut oil).
- There is no direct link between stress and genetic hair loss. However, stress-related hair fall conditions can aggravate or initiate male pattern baldness if you are already at risk. Therefore, practicing meditation, yoga, or tai chi. Stay active by getting at least 35 minutes of physical activity in the form of walking, jogging, running, swimming, or strength training. Get at least 8-9 hours of sleep to relax your muscles and refuel your energy.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar, or smoking – factors that can interfere with your hormonal pathways.
- The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into DHT. Blocking this enzyme can minimise DHT. Potent medications like finasteride and dutasteride block both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha-reductase, thereby preventing the conversion of DHT.
Genetic hair loss may feel discouraging, but applying these natural remedies can go a long way in delaying hair loss and strengthening your hair. For a more cohesive treatment plan, you can also rely on Traya’s Ultimate Hair supplements combo, containing Hair Ras to boost hair growth, and Hair Vitamin to improve your hair health. And the best part – this supplement combo is an amalgamation of the best natural sources. Biotin, Bhringraj, Ashwagandha, Guduchi, pumpkin seed extract, and green tea extract – you name it. Experience the power of Ayurveda, Allopathy, and Nutrition, only with Traya.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do natural remedies take to work?
Natural remedies may take 3-6 months to show visible results.
Can genetic hair loss be stopped completely?
Genetic hair loss cannot be stopped completely. However, applying certain natural remedies can slow down its progression.
How common is genetic hair loss?
Genetic hair loss is a very common disorder, affecting up to about 50% of males and females.
Can genetic hair loss be reversed?
No, genetic hair loss cannot be reversed. However, you can apply the methods mentioned above to prevent hair breakage. Early intervention with natural remedies can help prolong your hair’s density for a longer period.
When should you seek medical advice?
While these home remedies can help reduce hair loss, there are times when professional assistance is required. Seek medical advice if you observe -
- Bald patches on your scalp
- Intense itching, burning sensation, or reddening of the scalp
- Losing more hair after undergoing treatments
Can diet alone stop genetic hair loss?
A nutrition-rich diet packed with zinc, iron, protein, magnesium, Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and nutrients can nourish your hair. But a healthy diet alone is not enough. Healthy lifestyle modifications may not stop genetic hair loss naturally, but they may delay its progression.
References -
- https://ishrs.org/androgenetic-alopecia/
- https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/androgenetic-alopecia/#resources
- https://www.hiranandanihospital.org/blog-details/10-easy-remedies-to-prevent-hair-loss-at-home--testedapproved
- https://ijced.org/archive/volume/10/issue/2/article/7924
Read More Blogs
Why Some Areas of the Scalp Are Resistant to Genetic Hair Loss
Why Some Areas of the Scalp Are Resistant to Genetic Hair LossHair loss is rarely unifo...
Why Lifestyle Hair Loss Often Mimics Genetic Thinning
When Hair Thinning Doesn’t Run in the Family, But Looks Like It DoesWatching your hairl...
Hair Miniaturization: First Sign of Genetic Hair Loss
Summary Hair miniaturization is the first sign of genetic hair loss. Most people miss...
Genetic Hair Loss vs Other Types of Hair Fall: How to Identify the Real Cause
You’re losing hair—but the reason isn’t always what you thinkHair fall is emotionally u...
Genetic vs Lifestyle Hair Loss Causes
Why hair loss feels confusing and personal Hair loss rarely shows up suddenly. It begin...
