Hair Fall & Thinning: Causes, Natural Remedies & How to Stop It
Hair fall and thinning are common concerns affecting millions of people across the globe. While it’s normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day, excessive hair shedding or noticeable thinning can be distressing.
For many, hair is more than just about appearance; it’s tied to self-confidence and identity. Understanding the root causes and exploring natural solutions can help you take control of your hair health.
In this blog, we’ll explore the common causes of hair fall and natural remedies and learn how to stop hair fall and thinning hair.
Table of Contents
Common Causes of Hair Fall and Thinning
Here we’ve listed the common causes of hair fall and thinning, so make sure to take a look!
1. Genetics: Genetic hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common hair fall reasons. If there's a family history of balding, you may experience pattern hair loss, a receding hairline for men or overall thinning for women.
2. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal fluctuations from thyroid disorders, menopause, pregnancy, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning or hair shedding.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, zinc, biotin, and protein can weaken hair follicles and slow growth.
4. Stress: Physical or emotional stress can push hair into the “telogen” (resting) phase prematurely, leading to a condition called telogen effluvium, which is a temporary hair fall due to stress that can last months.
5. Medical Conditions: Conditions like alopecia areata, scalp infections, autoimmune diseases, or chronic illnesses can trigger hair loss.
6. Medications: Drugs used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, or high blood pressure may list hair loss as a side effect.
7. Hair Treatments and Styling: Frequent colouring, bleaching, heat styling, or tight hairstyles (like ponytails and braids) can weaken the shaft and cause breakage or traction alopecia.
Natural Remedies for Hair Fall
If you're looking for holistic ways to support hair health, here are natural remedies for hair fall that may help:
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for soothing the scalp and conditioning hair. Its enzymes reduce dandruff and unblock hair follicles.
How to Use: Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then wash it out with a mild shampoo.
2. Onion Juice
Rich in sulphur, onion juice improves blood circulation and nourishes hair follicles, promoting growth.
How to Use: Blend one onion and strain the juice. Apply to the scalp for 20-30 minutes before washing it off.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil penetrates deep into the hair shaft, reduces protein loss, and supports hair growth with its fatty acids and antioxidants.
How to Use: Massage warm coconut oil into the scalp twice a week and leave it overnight if possible.
4. Fenugreek (Methi) Seeds
Fenugreek is a powerhouse of protein and nicotinic acid, both essential for healthy hair. It is one of the widely available hair thinning remedies that actually works!
How to Use: Soak fenugreek seeds overnight, grind into a paste, and apply to your scalp for 30 minutes before washing off.
5. Green Tea
Green tea contains polyphenols and antioxidants that boost hair growth and reduce hair loss by reducing DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss).
How to Use: Brew green tea, let it cool, and rinse your scalp with it post-shampoo.
6. Rosemary Oil
This essential oil improves circulation and has been shown in studies to be as effective as minoxidil in promoting hair growth.
How to Use: Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut) and massage into the scalp.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Healthier Hair
What you put into your body matters as much as what you apply externally. Here are key diet and lifestyle strategies to prevent thinning:
1. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on a nutrient-rich diet that includes:
-
Protein: eggs, legumes, lean meats, dairy
-
Iron: spinach, lentils, red meat
-
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: walnuts, flaxseeds, fish
-
Biotin: almonds, whole grains, sweet potatoes
-
Vitamin D: sunlight, fortified foods, mushrooms
2. Hydration: Drink plenty of water daily to maintain cell health and scalp hydration.
3. Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or meditation. Chronic stress disrupts your body’s hormonal balance and can lead to hair fall.
4. Sleep Well: Aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep. Hair follicles regenerate during sleep, and poor sleep can accelerate hair thinning.
How to Stop Hair Thinning – Hairfall Treatment Practical Solutions
If hair thinning is already a concern, look at the following hair loss problem solutions that can help slow or reverse the process:
1. Avoid Harsh Treatments: Reduce your use of heat tools, chemical dyes, and hair relaxers. Opt for air-drying and natural colouring alternatives like henna.
2. Scalp Massage: Regular scalp massage boosts blood circulation and helps nutrients reach the hair follicles more efficiently. Use essential oils like lavender or rosemary during your massage for added benefits.
3. Switch to Mild Hair Products: Choose shampoos and hair conditioners that are sulphate-free, paraben-free, and tailored to your scalp type. Look for ingredients like keratin, caffeine, or biotin for hair loss treatment for men.
4. Regular Trims: Although trimming doesn’t promote growth, it removes split ends and breakage, giving hair a fuller appearance.
5. Medical Treatments: If natural methods aren’t enough, consult a dermatologist for hair loss treatment for women. These hair thinning treatments may include:
-
Minoxidil (Rogaine): FDA-approved topical treatment for hair regrowth
-
Finasteride (Propecia): Prescription pill for male-pattern baldness
-
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Uses your blood’s platelets to stimulate hair follicles
-
Laser Therapy: Low-level laser treatments to promote circulation and growth
Final Thoughts
Hair fall and thinning can be emotionally taxing, but with a proactive approach, most cases are manageable or reversible. Start by identifying the root cause, whether it’s hormonal, nutritional, or lifestyle-related. Then, you can use the appropriate hair fall and thinning products.
Remember, consistency is key. Natural solutions don’t offer overnight results, but with time and patience, they can lead to visibly healthier, fuller hair.
If you notice sudden hair loss, bald patches, or your scalp feels painful or inflamed, it’s best to consult a dermatologist. Hair loss may indicate an underlying health condition that needs medical attention.
FAQs
Q. How much hair fall is considered normal?
Ans. It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. If you notice excessive clumps while combing, showering, or on your pillow, it may indicate abnormal hair loss.
Q. Can hair thinning be reversed naturally?
Ans. Yes, in many cases, hair thinning due to nutritional deficiencies, stress, or hormonal imbalances can be improved with lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, scalp care, and natural remedies.
Q. How long does it take for natural remedies to show results?
Ans. Most natural remedies take 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use to show visible improvement. Hair growth is a slow process, so patience and regular application are key.
Q. Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?
Ans. Deficiencies in vitamin D, iron, biotin (B7), zinc, and vitamin B12 are commonly linked to hair fall. A blood test can help identify deficiencies.
Q. Is it safe to apply onion juice or oil on the scalp every day?
Ans. Onion juice is effective but may cause irritation for some. Using it 2–3 times a week is typically sufficient. Always do a patch test first and wash thoroughly to avoid odour.
