Hair fall? Learn 7 effective ways and tips to control it
Uggh! Don’t you just hate seeing strands of hair all over your shirt and comb/ hairbrush? The mane you were once so proud of is gradually thinning because of hair fall. Along with genetics; lifestyle, poor diet, etc. worsen the situation. Thankfully, some useful old home remedies cannot control hair loss; they might help restore the lost glory of your mane. Here’s how:
1. Coconut Oil
If possible, get the extra virgin coconut oil, which contains a medium-chain fatty acid called lauric acid. This is easily absorbed by the scalp and hair, resulting in higher nutrition for the hair shaft. Regular application helps prevent hair breakage and damage.
How to use:
Massage a couple of spoons into the scalp and hair. Leave it on for about 1-2 hours and rinse with a mild shampoo.
2. Indian Gooseberry/ Amla
Indian Gooseberry or Amla (Emblica Officinalis) promotes hair growth. The fruit contains phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals that boost scalp circulation and stimulate the growth of hair. Enriched in Vitamin C, amla produces collagen protein that increases hair thickness. Alternatively, the dried powder of this fruit also works as a natural colourant — so say goodbye to greys.
How to use:
Take the juice of 1-2 pieces of fresh Indian Gooseberry. Apply on scalp and rinse. You can also take a couple of spoon of Amla powder and mix with yoghurt, egg yolk and other herbs like henna. Leave on scalp for at least 1 hour and rinse with shampoo.
3. Methi/ Fenugreek
Methi or fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) not only reduces hair fall, but it also stimulates the growth of new hair. It also has high mucilage content that doubles as a conditioner.
How to use:
Take ½ cup of fenugreek seeds and soak in water overnight. Grind it the next morning and apply on hair. Rinse after an hour. Alternatively, you can soak the same amount of Methi seeds in 1 lite of coconut oil. Store in a cool place for 10-15 days. Strain and use the oil for preventing hair loss.
4. Onion juice
As per a study conducted by the Journal of Dermatology, crude onion juice helps in hair regrowth. It is highly effective in alopecia areata — a common autoimmune disorder. The onion juice should be applied topically to prevent unpredictable hair loss.
How to use:
Take a couple of small onions. Peel and blend in a grinder. Strain the mixture and apply the juice on the scalp. Rinse after an hour.
5. Green Tea
Enriched in a polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), Green Tea can help stimulate the growth of the dermal papilla cells. This also helps prevent androgenetic alopecia.
How to use:
Take a bag of green tea or about 1-2 teaspoons of the leaves. Cover the leaves/ bag in 1 cup of boiling water for a few minutes. Drink a cup 1-2 times a day.
6. Henna
Henna powder is known to promote hair growth with topical application. Research shows that henna powder helps prevent hair loss due to telogen effluvium (a scalp disorder leading to hair loss/ shedding of hair). Henna provides the same healing properties as minoxidil — a drug to prevent hair loss.
How to use:
Take one cup of natural/ organic henna powder and soak in a cup of water for a few hours. Add egg yolk, yoghurt, etc. for added nourishment and mix well to form a thick paste. Apply evenly on hair and scalp. Leave for an hour and rinse.
7. Egg yolk
Egg yolks have water-soluble peptides that aid hair growth and add strength to the hair follicles.
How to use:
Take one egg yolk and whisk well. Massage on scalp and hair. Rinse after 30 minutes.