Holistic Treatments for Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

Falling hair is a source of concern for everyone, especially if it is not seasonal. People lose hair, and it is worrisome if there is a lot of ongoing and unstoppable hair loss. Be gentle with the hairbrush, and do not force the hair out by tying it tightly or tugging it out by pulling at it, or it may give way from the roots. There are treatments for thinning of hair, but are they effective?

Hair loss is also called Alopecia, and it happens because of different reasons such as:

1.      Hereditary and genes affect hair growth, and androgenic Alopecia is seen in men and women in the form of:

• bald spots

• receding hair line

• scalp thinning

2.     Androgens are hormones that control hair regulation. As a result there can be hair loss or thinning due to shrinking hair follicles.

3. Postpartum temporary hair loss may be due to hormonal upheaval caused by childbirth. Hormonal levels of progesterone and oestrogen during the menopausal period can be a leading cause of hair loss.

4. Scalp infections due to fungal infections can weaken the hair follicles and affect the scalp. Ringworms are said to lead to hair loss and need to be treated by recommendations from a holistic dermatologist.

5. Thyroid malfunctioning or thyroid disorders can lead to hair loss or thinning of hair. An underactive or overactive thyroid causes hair loss by disrupting the normal hair growth cycle.

6. In autoimmune disorders or conditions like Alopecia, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, the immune system plays up, develops inflammation and attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss. This can be reversed by taking natural treatments for hair loss.

7. Anaemia, or lack of iron in the body, causes hair shedding and also affects hair growth by thinning hair and affecting hair follicles.

8. Biotin, Vitamin D, zinc, iron and other nutritional deficiencies resulting from poor nutrition are responsible for hair fall. Eating a healthy and well-balanced nutritional meal is necessary to have good hair.

9. People often report hair fall after an illness or surgery and also if they face prolonged stress and trauma. Anxiety has never worked well with hair growth and can trigger Telogen effluvium, where several hair follicles start shedding together. The condition may be temporary, but it can be very concerning for hair growth.

Medical conditions like high blood pressure, depression, cancer and arthritis or strong medications can disturb the normal functioning of the hair follicles and lead to significant hair loss. Women who tie their hair tightly or wrap rubber bands around the hair to create tension or use chemicals and intense heat to treat them may show signs of hair fall or hair thinning.  

When the normal growth cycle of hair is disturbed, the production of hair follicles is disrupted. To minimize hair loss, lessen the use of chemicals, take a balanced diet and follow appropriate treatment options.

Iron supplementation, using botanical products and maintenance of gut health is necessary for hair health. So, increasing fatty acids in the body and eating a healthy, nourishing diet helps control hair shedding. Holistic treatments using naturopathy and healing herbs are an excellent way of reducing hair fall.