Hair fall is normal. According to renowned beauty expert, Shehnaz Hussain, in order to promote new hair growth, your scalp generally sheds around 50 to 80 hair strands per day. However, when your scalp sheds more hair than it grows, you start experiencing what we call ‘scanty hair’ or ‘baldness’.
Medical conditions, hormonal imbalance, heredity, stress, poor sleep patterns, poor diet, medications, and excess use of hair products are some of the reasons for hair fall.
While you can decrease the rate of hair fall using OTC medicines or store-bought cosmetics, using home-based remedies is considered best for long-term effects.
Remember that hair fall is a complex subject, and the more chemicals you add to reduce it, the chances of making it worse can be even more.
We share a few amazing, tried and tested home remedies, using 4 natural oils to stop hair fall.
Choose one and follow the routine religiously to see optimum results.
Flaxseeds Oil
Using flax seeds for hair can be a good choice to boost hair growth as the seeds are packed with great many health benefits.
They are rich in Vitamin E that not only prevents premature graying but also stops scalp damage, they balance pH level and regulate natural oil production (sebum) in the scalp, and the high content of omega-3 fatty acids in flax seeds ensure new hair growth and hair elasticity.
Furthermore, the fibers in flaxseed soothe the scalp and bind moisture effectively, thereby reducing dry hair and split ends.
You can treat your hair with flax seeds in several ways – you can use flaxseed hair oil to massage your scalp just like how you do with coconut oil or you can include flax seeds in your diet by eating it raw (2 tbsp. every day), adding ground flax seeds in soup and smoothies or having it with your yogurt.
Make sure to leave the oil on your scalp for at least half an hour after massaging, following it up with shampooing and conditioning for effective results. Either way, use flaxseeds regularly.
Peppermint Oil
Massing scalp with peppermint oil for hair growth is a proven Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach that has been around for thousands of years.
Peppermint oil is antimicrobial, insecticidal and antiseptic, anesthetic, and anti-inflammatory. It also imparts fresh sensations and acts as a relaxant.
You cannot, however, use this essential oil directly on your hair or scalp.
Undiluted essential oils are highly concentrated and peppermint oil can cause a burning sensation on your skin.
You must need a carrier oil, like coconut oil, olive oil, or shea butter oil along with peppermint oil for massaging your scalp.
- Add a few drops of peppermint oil in 1 tbsp. of your favorite carrier oil.
- Massage your scalp thoroughly.
- Leave the oil for at least 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with mild shampoo and condition your hair.
- Follow the treatment at least twice a week.
If you do not have time to massage your scalp, you can also add 12 to 15 drops of peppermint oil straight into your 200 ml shampoo and conditioner bottles.
Distilled peppermint oil contains the highest level of menthol as possible. Therefore, you must buy a good brand to achieve your hair health goals.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has universal benefits for hair growth and we all know that. It is one of the magical home remedies that has been used for centuries. Coconut oil has several health benefits.
It contains medium-chain fatty acids, lauric and capric acid, and has rich antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties.
Coconut oil has the capability to bring back the shine and color of the hair, improve growth, and prevent free radicals from interrupting.
You can massage warm coconut oil onto the scalp as it is or blends along with any of the following ingredients to improve effectiveness:
– Dandruff treatment: 2 teaspoons of coconut oil, juice of half a lemon, and honey 1 tsp.
– Damaged hair: A teaspoon honey, an egg, and coconut oil. Leave for 3 hours minimum.
– Dull hair overnight therapy: Almond oil, argan oil, and 1 tbsp. yogurt into coconut oil.
Castor Oil
Castor oil works great for dull and damaged hair and split ends for it is rich in protein, minerals and Vitamin E.
It also contains ricinoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids. Since it is a very thick oil, heat it before massaging onto your scalp for better root penetration and optimized blood circulation.
Use it the same way you would use coconut oil. You can also mix it with coconut oil, mustard oil, peppermint oil, and lavender oil for greater benefits.
There is no one particular symptom for hair loss – it can be gradual or come on suddenly depending upon the cause.
Sometimes hair loss is temporary and sometimes it is permanent. You must address the root cause to prevent hair fall. Therefore, to go safe, use these 4 safe but highly effective oils to improve blood circulation in the scalp, an essential process for hair growth.
References
Daphne Sashin. “Premature Graying: Reasons, Options”. WebMD, November 14, 2012. Web.
Yvette Brazier. “What to know about coconut oil”. Medical News Today, November 8, 2019. Web.
