CHENNAI: Excessive hair loss makes one embarrassed and self conscious. It is caused by a number of reasons such as mental stress, high blood pressure, pregnancy, chemotherapy, skin disease, sudden weight loss, side effects of certain medications, poor circulation, thyroid disease, iron deficiency, liver malfunction, Vitamin B deficiencies, consuming large doses of vitamin A, high cholesterol and excessive consumption of alcohol.
While an average adult head contains 1,00,000 hairs and the average hairs per square inch is 2,200 hairs, the average lifespan of hair is 4-6 years and sheds 75-100 hairs per day.
growth cycle of hair in 3 stages
ANAGEN (GROWING) STAGE : The anagen stage is the growing period of a hair follicle and it lasts for two to seven years.
CATAGEN (INTERMEDIATE) STAGE: The catagen stage is the intermediate period of hair growth and it lasts for
2 to 4 weeks.
TELOGEN (RESTING OR SHEDDING) STAGE: The telogen stage lasts for 3 to 4 months. This time new hair begins to grow from hair follicle. As it grows upward the old hair will shed naturally.
Natural Remedies for Hair loss
Coconut oil and curry leaf for hair fall control and hair re-growth: Curry leaf and coconut oil has been long used in Ayurveda to cure problems like hair fall and to prevent premature greying of hairs. Collect a handful of fresh curry leaves, dry them in air and then Heat coconut oil and add the dried curry leaves in it and then filter and apply to the hair & scalp
Bhringaraj to stop hair fall and induce hair growth : The leaves of the Bhringraj plant can be used as fresh leaves or dried powder which control hair fall and to boost hair regrowth. Massage the bhringraj oil onto your scalp and hair at night and wash it off in the next morning.
Licorice and milk: Make a paste by adding a tablespoon of ground licorice root to a cup of milk. Apply this to your scalp and hair length and leave it overnight and wash your hair next morning.
Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): Jatamansi is a small shrub whose rhizomes speed hair growth. It’s been shown to increase hair growth in alopecia caused by chemotherapy.
Castor Oil: Castor Oil is a potent natural ingredient to promote faster hair growth. It is has a good mix of vitamin E and other essential amino acids that are nutrients for your hair. Ricinoleic acid in castor oil will balance scalp pH which can also help replenish the scalp’s natural oils and undo some of the damage of harsh chemical hair products. The antioxidants in castor oil also support the keratin in hair and help make hair stronger, smoother and less frizzy.
Increase collagen production with Vitamin C : Collagen is an important component of the hair, but as we age collagen starts to break down, leaving hair more prone to breaking. The best way to boost collagen levels in your hair is to increase the amount of Vitamin C in your daily diet. Foods naturally loaded with vitamin C include; citrus fruits, strawberries, pepper etc (This writer is an executive scientist at CavinKare Research Centre)