Home Remedies For Hair Thinning

Introduction:

We all care about hair thinning and hair loss at some point in our lives. Hair is an important feature of our appearance. The human body has hair spread across the entire skin surface, except for the palm of hands, sole of feet and lips. Hair performs functions like protecting sensitive areas such as the nose and eyes from dust and communicating the sensation of light touch. The colour, thickness, curl, and amount of hair depend on genetic factors. Hair is composed of a protein called keratin. The process of hair growth and maturity is called keratinization.¹ Once the lifecycle of hair is over, it falls off and is replaced by new hair.²  

Your body loses more and more hair as you age. It is a common problem faced by nearly everyone. But it is important to not take any medications without seeking professional help. You may experience hair thinning because of loss of hair strands on the head or with ageing.^2,3

What Causes Hair Thinning?

You may experience hair thinning because of the causes listed below:

•  Ageing: A change in hair thickness can be a result of ageing. Hair is made of strands of protein. The average lifespan of a hair follicle is 2 to 7 years, and then the hair falls off and is replaced with new hair. With ageing, hair strands become smaller and have less pigment. The thick hair in adulthood becomes thin, fine, and light-coloured with ageing. Many hair follicles stop producing new hair.²
• Androgenic Alopecia: Androgenic alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss in men and hair thinning in women. Androgenic alopecia leads to hair thinning in an M-shaped pattern. Hair loss occurs on the temple (side of the head) and crown (top portion) of the head.³
• Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL): It is one of the most common causes of hair loss in women. Millions of women are affected by FPHL. It begins when a woman is in her 40s, 50s or 60s.⁴ 

Also, do inform your doctor of past allergies to medication, if any.

Underlying and undiagnosed cancer, thyroid problems, hormonal imbalance, and regular medications can cause rapid hair loss over months or even weeks in some patients.

Dr Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Symptoms of Hair Thinning:

Hair thinning can be a sign of hair loss. Hair loss has significant social and psychological consequences for both men and women.³

Common symptoms of hair thinning include:

• Hair becomes less dense
• Ponytail becomes thinner⁴ 
• Gradually, more scalp becomes visible³

Also Read: Natural Home Remedies For Hair Fall

Sesame oil contains Palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid. As the oil has enhanced penetration and reaches up to the hair follicle, it increases the circulation of the scalp, thereby increasing hair growth and strength. For best effects use twice a week.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS MD(Pediatrics)

Suggested Home Remedies for Hair Thinning:

Home remedies to promote hair growth and hair health are as follows:

1. Hair Message

Scalp massage is helpful in increasing hair thickness. The mechanical stimulation of cells and improvement in the blood flow increases the thickness of hair.⁵

2. Amla

You can use dry fruit powder of amla for shampooing hair. It can also be used as a hair tonic. Amla is strongly suggested for hair care.⁶

3. Shikakai

You can use dry powder or pods of shikakai to promote hair growth and prevent hair-splitting. It is used for the healthy growth of hair and to keep hair in its original colour.⁶

4. Bramhi

You can use hair oil containing Bramhi to promote hair growth. Certain alkaloids present in Bramhi may be responsible for hair growth benefit.⁷

5. Fenugreek

Fenugreek or methi is a commonly used aromatic herb. The leaves are beneficial in preventing hair fall. Fenugreek is also helpful in promoting hair growth.⁷

6. China Rose 

The leaves and flowers of China rose are used to promote hair growth. China rose is also helpful in increasing hair length. It acts by increasing the follicular size and prolonging the anagen phase (active phase) of the hair.⁷

7. Rosemary

Rosemary stimulates hair growth. The topical application of rosemary stimulates hair follicles. In addition, aromatherapy with rosemary oil is beneficial in promoting hair growth.⁷

8. Ginseng

Ginseng has hair growth-promoting activity. Red ginseng is more beneficial than white ginseng in promoting hair growth. It acts by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for hair loss in men.⁷

9. Jatamansi

Jatamansi has hair growth-promoting activity. It acts by increasing the follicular size and prolonging the active phase of hair.⁷

10. Onion

Onion juice has hair growth-promoting activity. It can be applied on the affected area. Onion contains minerals like iron and zinc, which promote hair growth.⁷  

11. Capsicum

Capsicum is widely used for its nutritional value. The chemical constituents present in capsicum play an important role in hair growth.⁷

12. Green tea

The polyphenols present in green tea showed effects on hair loss in an animal study. The anti-inflammatory (inflammation-reducing) and anti-stress (stress-reducing) benefits of polyphenolic compounds present in green tea might be responsible for the hair growth-promoting activity.⁷

13. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil can be applied topically to promote hair growth. Before using, lavender oil can be mixed with carrier oils, for example, jojoba oil.⁸

14. Folic Acids

Folic acid is used by our body to make new cells. Hair follicles make new cells every day. Foods rich in folic acid can be added to the diet to meet the daily dietary requirement of folic acid.⁹

15. Fatty Acids

Supplementing the diet with omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids along with antioxidants results in thicker hair and promotes hair growth.⁴ Good sources of omega-6 fatty acids are sunflower oil, corn oil, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and fish like sardines, salmons, and mackerel.¹⁰

16. Biotin

Biotin is another health supplement that promotes hair growth and thickens hair, but there is not enough data to prove its effectiveness in humans.⁴ 

Also Read: Natural Home Remedies For Grey Hair

Though there are studies that show the benefits of the given herbs and home remedies in this condition, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of these herbs and home remedies on human health.  Thus, these should be only taken under the guidance and supervision of your Ayurvedic physician. If you’re facing any side effects from given medications or treatments, do let your doctor know.

Delve into meditation and yoga to improve your mental health and reduce your anxiety as yoga and meditation are considered to as effective remedies to promote hair growth and reduce stress-related hair loss.

Dr Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

When to Seek Medical Help?

You should seek medical help if:

• You experience sudden hair loss, as this can be a sign of a severe health problem²
• Your hair fall is causing you psychological distress

You must not rely on home remedies for the treatment of this condition. Similarly, do not self-medicate, and you should consult a qualified doctor for any advice for the condition.

Conclusion:

Hair thinning is a sign of hair loss. Hair loss is common in both men and women, and it can have many underlying causes.³ There are many herbs and home remedies like amla, shikakai, bramhi, and fenugreek, that help in taking care of hair and promote hair growth.^6-8 But in case of hair loss that is sudden and unexplained, consult a doctor for advice.² Knowing the cause of hair loss is vital for its treatment.

Also Read: Effective Home Remedies For Frizzy Hair

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Also Read: How Can Onion Juice Improve Your Hair?

References:

1. Hair – Better Health Channel [Internet]. Last updated on: 2021 Aug 23. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hair
2. Aging changes in hair and nails: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Last updated on: 2022 Mar 21. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004005.htm
3. Common Hair Loss Disorders – American Family Physician [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 29]. Available from: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0701/p93.html
4. Thinning hair and hair loss: Could it be female pattern hair loss? [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 29]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/female-pattern
5. Koyama T, Kobayashi K, Hama T, Murakami K, Ogawa R. Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2022 Mar 29];16:e8. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740347/
6. NOPR: Medicinal plants for skin and hair care [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 29]. Available from: http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/25921
7. Patel S, Sharma V, Chauhan N, Thakur M, Dixit VK. Hair Growth: Focus on Herbal Therapeutic Agent. Curr Drug Discov Technol [Internet]. 2015 Aug 4 [cited 2022 Mar 29];12(1):21–42. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26058803/
8. Lee BH, Lee JS, Kim YC. Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Lavender Oil in C57BL/6 Mice. Toxicological Research [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2022 Mar 29];32(2):103. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC4843973/
9. No need to avoid healthy omega-6 fats – Harvard Health [Internet]. [cited 2022 Apr 15]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/no-need-to-avoid-healthy-omega-6-fats

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