If you’re noticing more than the usual quantity of hair strands on the floor of your shower room or on your hairbrush, then you may be experiencing hair loss. Unfortunately, this condition is common, beginning around 35. You may be in the company of 80 million people who suffer from hair loss. In this article, we’d like to explore what it is, its causes, as well as help you find ways to stop hair fall.
Two types of hair loss and what causes them
On average, we lose 50 to 100 scalp hairs daily. However, when you lose more hair than usual, you are experiencing hair shedding. It is typically associated with the presence of stressors, such as weight loss and giving birth. You can also shed excessive hair while recovering from sickness with a high fever or going through stressful life events, such as getting a divorce or losing a job. The good news is that when the stressors are removed or disappear, your condition can improve. Within a few months, your hair can regain its normal volume.
On the other hand, hair loss happens when something prevents your hair from growing. One of the most common kinds is genetic hair loss. Hair fall may also be caused by an over-responsive immune system, exposure to drugs and treatments (such as in chemotherapy), and harmful beauty habits, such as wearing hairstyles that pull tightly on the scalp. While patients with more severe cases should see a doctor, there are many instances where it’s possible to stop hair fall immediately. The following section brings you several ways to effectively solve your hair loss woes.
How to stop hair fall immediately
1. Infrared light therapy
The innovative technology uses low-level infrared light that isn’t visible but can instead be felt. Its healing power comes from the safe use of red and near-infrared light with wavelengths that deeply penetrate the scalp at the cellular level. Studies on subjects with chemotherapy-induced alopecia have shown that low-level light therapy can effectively promote epidermal stem cells in the hair follicles, thus promoting hair growth.
2. Supplements
A lack of essential nutrients, such as biotin, protein, iron, and zinc, may cause your hair to fall out. If you’re not getting adequate amounts of these from your diet, you may dose up with hair growth supplements that contain these vitamins and minerals. For instance, biotin or vitamin B7, which stimulates keratin production, is widely used to complement other products or herbs to stop hair fall and treat and strengthen damaged hair
3. Yoga
Stress can indeed be a major culprit of hair fall. So why not try yoga to stop hair loss? Yoga is a great way to reduce stress and prevent the fight-or-flight response that can trigger the immune system to overreact and cause hair fall. At the same time, the mind and body practice can also boost blood circulation to the scalp, allowing the efficient delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to your hair follicles, so cells can self-repair and regenerate.
4. Scalp massage with oils
Studies show that scalp massage to stop hair loss does work. Pressing, kneading, and rubbing the scalp can deliver many benefits, such as increased blood flow to the hair follicles.At the same time, it induces relaxation and relieves anxiety and stress (which cause hair fall).
Massaging with nourishing oils like coconut, argan, and sesame can further condition the scalp and strengthen hair. For example, coconut oil contains lauric acid, which binds with the hair protein and quickly penetrates the hair shaft, fortifying the hair and preventing breakage that can lead to hair fall.
5. Cardio exercise
If you’re looking for a more physical activity to stop hair fall, cardio exercise may be just what you need. Aerobic activities like running, taking a brisk walk, or biking can get the heart pumping more effectively to enhance blood supply and grow more blood vessels. These blood vessels increase the nutrient intake of the hair follicles to regenerate better and faster.
6. Topical medications
Certain medications can help stop hair loss and stimulate new growth, such as topical Minoxidil. When combined with finasteride, Minoxidil can be effective in two out of three cases, working immediately to stop hair fall for men (regrowth will be visible within the first three to six months of application).
Finasteride is a steroid-like medication that has been shown to halt male pattern baldness. However, before you decide to use any medication, it would be best to see your doctor to preempt any allergic reactions or side effects, especially if you’re pregnant or have heart problems.
7. Haircare-savvy habits
More often than not, you can stop hair fall immediately by getting to one of the most frequent roots of the matter: poor beauty habits. These include wearing tight hairstyles and using high-heat hairstyling tools, harsh shampoos, and hairbrushes with synthetic bristles. You may also lose hair from chemical treatments like bleaching, perming, and hair straightening. All these can strip away natural moisture and destroy the keratins in the hair, causing it to weaken and fall off.
It’s time to stop subscribing to the belief that there is “no gain without pain.” One can still be beautiful without damaging the hair and scalp with harsh hairstyles, treatments, and products. Instead, use mild and organic hair care products that nourish your tresses and scalp. Set your blow dryer on low heat, or better yet, get rid of the excess water in your hair and dry it naturally. Don’t forget to use hairbrushes that have natural fibers.
8. A nutritious diet
You are what you eat. You can even expound this further to “your hair is what you eat.” To ensure that your body has ample supplies of keratin that’s needed for healthy hair follicles and shafts, eat foods that boost keratin production, such as eggs, salmon, sweet potato, and sunflower seeds.
9. Home remedies
DIY remedies to stop hair loss at home for females (and males too!) may provide an alternative yet still potent solution to hair loss. For instance, there’s onion juice, which can be applied onto the scalp. Onions have high levels of dietary sulfur with amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein that our hair needs to remain healthy and strong. Onion juice may also encourage collagen production, which strengthens the skin containing the hair roots.
Another effective home remedy is fenugreek seed paste. Fenugreek seeds are abundant in iron and protein, which are essential for hair health. They also contain flavonoids and saponins, which have antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help optimize the environment for hair growth.
The takeaway
Stop hair fall immediately with these easy yet powerful ways to arrest hair fall. So what are you waiting for? Do your part in taking care of your hair, and you may soon reap the rewards of having a gorgeously full head of healthy hair.
