Even though hair loss is a very common phenomenon it is somehow very difficult to accept when it actually happens to us. Our self esteem is governed by our appearance and a healthy mane plays a major role in it. According to dermatologists losing between 50 and 100 strands of hair a day can be considered to be normal. Hair loss is one of the primary features of aging; yet excessive hair loss that leads to hair thinning or bald patches should not be neglected.
Usually hair loss occurs when several negative factors club together like hormonal changes, stress and nutrient deficiencies due to an unhealthy diet. Besides these, hair loss could also be the result of major underlying diseases like diabetes, lupus or an overactive or underactive thyroid. A thorough check up followed by proper treatment of the underlying condition results in curing not only the disease but also its symptom which in this case is hair loss. This article discusses all the possible methods to treat hair loss which could prove to be beneficial for you.
Various Ways To Treat Hair Loss
Onion And garlic
The collagen content of our body must be sufficient enough to create a healthy scalp environment which is a major requirement for hair growth. However, with age collagen production decreases considerably, resulting in the weakening of the cells of the entire body including the scalp. As such hair becomes lifeless and starts falling and hair growth comes to a standstill. Therefore, to treat hair loss we need to somehow ensure that the collagen content of the scalp is not lost entirely. The element sulphur found abundantly in onion and garlic aids in the production of collagen and that is why often used in traditional medicines meant for hair growth.
The process to apply onion and garlic is very simple. First finely chop the onions and squeeze out the juice. Then spread the chopped onions all over the scalp. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes and then rinse with a mild shampoo. Another way to apply onion is to rub its slices on the balding area of the scalp till it turns red. This should be done twice everyday for best results. Combine a little coconut oil with a few cloves of crushed garlic and bring this mixture to a boil. Once the mix cools down to room temperature massage it thoroughly on the scalp. Repeat this twice or thrice in a week for proper results.
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Henna
Apart from its natural hair coloring and conditioning properties, henna is known for its hair strengthening qualities too. This is one ingredient that is widely used in Asian countries, especially in India to encourage hair growth. A combination of mustard oil and henna leaves forms an effective concoction for hair growth.
Preparation of this mixture is also very simple. Just add 60 grams of washed and dried henna leaves in 250 ml of mustard oil and bring this mixture to a boil. Make sure that the henna leaves get totally burnt while boiling. Strain the oil by using a muslin cloth and store it in an air tight container. Massage this oil regularly to boost hair growth.
Coconut
We are all acquainted with the multiple qualities of coconut. For centuries coconut has been preferred by one and all for the treatment of hair loss. Regular application of coconut milk increases the resilience of hair thus making it less prone to breakage. The milk of one coconut is packed with proteins, essential fats and minerals like potassium and iron, and these wonderful ingredients are capable enough to enhance the health and eventually the growth of hair.
Coconut oil too contains the same ingredients and is therefore widely used to strengthen hair starting from the root, through the shaft to the tip. Treatment of hair loss becomes easy when the scalp is massaged regularly with coconut oil. Therefore, grate the coconut first and squeeze out the milk by making use of a little water and then apply this milk on the scalp, particularly in those areas where the thinning or balding is prominently visible. Let it remain overnight and rinse it off the next morning by using a mild shampoo.
Minoxidil
Certain over the counter or prescription hair loss treatments have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA. The name of one such over the counter treatment is Minoxidil that is easily available in pharmacies and can be purchased without any prescription. This lotion is applied by rubbing it on the scalp, at least twice in a day to encourage hair growth and also to stop further hair loss.
Individuals using minoxidil regularly may experience hair re-growth or less amount of hair loss and sometimes even both. This lotion comes in two different measurements – one is a two percent solution and the other is a five percent solution. Even though both of them are equally effective continuous usage of minoxidil solution could lead to side effects like dryness or irritation of the scalp where it is applied. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is also used to treat hair loss experienced by women due alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia.
Hair Transplants
Hair transplant is a typical hair loss surgery that is performed by removing a small portion of the scalp that has thick hair. This scalp portion is further split into single hairs or little plugs of skin each having a few hairs. They are then surgically inserted into the bald sections of the scalp.
Fine hairs are usually implanted at the front and the thicker ones at the back to bring about a natural look. The patient has to undergo several transplant sessions to achieve the best results as hereditary hair loss is a continuous and time taking process.
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Finasteride
Finasteride is a prescription medicine that comes in the form of tablets and is mainly used to treat male pattern baldness. Daily intake of finasteride could reduce the rate of hair loss in some men and in some it could enhance hair growth. When male hormone testosterone converts to form the hormone di hydroteterone or DHT, it causes the hair follicles to become smaller in size.
Finasteride prevents the formation of dihydrotesterone thus allowing the hair follicles to retain their original size. The full fledged effects of Finasteride usually take three to six months to become visible. The side effects of Finasteride include loss of sex drive or erectile dysfunction. However, seldom does anyone complain of any side effects after consuming finasteride.
You can certainly try these methods of treatment if you are facing problems of hair loss. However, you are advised to consult a doctor in case of hair loss caused due to serious health issues.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.