On average losing 50- 100 hair daily is not alarming, but anything beyond that is a cause of concern. Men and women both face hair loss and this can lead to hair thinning or balding affecting our appearance
Common Causes of Hair Fall
Poor nutrition: Hair is made of keratin, a protein, and hence protein protein-deficient diet leads to hair fall. A diet lacking calcium, iron and essential vitamins leads to malnourishment leading to excess hair fall
Unhealthy lifestyle: Late nights, waking up late in the mornings, unruly meal timings, excess tea, coffee, alcohol intake, and regular ingestion of junk food, lack of exercise, stress and anxiety are all major causes of hair fall
Hormonal issues: Women and men both go through hormonal changes as they hit their forties which causes hair thinning. Peri-menopause and menopause in women lead to lower estrogen causing hair fall. People with hypothyroid and metabolic syndrome also exhibit hair loss.
Certain medications: People taking Vitamin A, anti-depressants, anti-biotic and immune suppressants, and birth control pills can all lead to hair loss.
Genetics: Some people have a poor hair growth cycle which can lead to hair thinning. As per Ayurveda, Vata and Pitta prakriti people are more prone to hair fall, baldness and premature greying.
Age: With age, all the systems slow down leading to a decline in hair growth resulting in hair thinning and poor hair health.
Poor hair care: Using a lot of styling products, blow drying, hot ironing, hair colors, etc. makes the hair brittle leading to hair fall.
Tips to Reduce Hair Fall:
Hair and scalp hygiene: Ensure to cleanse the hair and scalp with a mild herbal shampoo for hair fall which has herbs like amla and bhringraj, which are well known for their hair health-promoting activity.
Oil massages: Massaging the scalp with oil helps promote scalp circulation, provides nourishment to the hair follicles and stimulates hair growth and also prevents hair fall. Clinically proven moha:5 in 1 hair oil, reduces hair fall and promotes new hair growth in 2 months. It is a blend of almonds, sesame, jojoba, coconut and hibiscus and the best oil to reduce hair fall.
Post-wash hair care: Always remember to condition your hair after a wash to lock in the moisture which prevents hair breakage and fall and helps with easy detangling of hair.
Hair packs: Hair packs are a great way to provide nourishment to the hair shaft and also the hair roots. Make a hair pack at home mixing triphala, hibiscus flower, curry leaves and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Apply to the scalp and strands and let it rest for 20 minutes. Wash it off with a mild herbal shampoo for hair fall.
Diet and lifestyle: If you have realized that your diet and lifestyle are taking a toll on your hair health, you need to amend it too. Be mindful of what you are eating. Cut out junk, salty and sour food from your diet. Give up smoking and alcohol. Eat home-cooked fresh and warm food. Be certain that you have the right proteins and minerals in your diet. Sleep on time and ensure sound sleep.
Exercise: Stress is one of the causes of hair fall. Yoga or any form of exercise reduces cortisol or stress hormones and helps reduce and prevent hair fall. Pranayam, shashakasana, Shavasana are all useful in preventing hair fall.
Using the right hair accessories: Take measures to keep the hair combs, clips, and bands clean so as to prevent scalp infections. Do not share hair accessories with others, it's unhygienic.
If the hairfall is alarming and is reduced with home remedies, always consult with an expert for better guidance.