One of the most frequent questions we receive from our customers is how to stop hair loss and regrow hair naturally. We understand that hair loss can be frustrating, surprising and downright disheartening. However, we believe that with the right diet and natural hair treatment options you can stop hair loss and regrow hair naturally. Looking for solutions, we have combed through numerous scientific research papers and discussed the matter in detail with several hair specialists and nutritionist in Dubai. The result is a monthly hair loss program that uses a combination of natural oils, diet and scalp massage to combat hair loss without any intervention of medication. In this article, we will discuss all the possible causes of hair loss, discuss natural solutions for each cause, and finally provide a comprehensive program to combat hair loss naturally.
How to stop hair loss and regrow hair naturally: 3 Main causes of hair loss
The most common causes of hair loss can be divided into the three main categories below:
1. Environmental Causes
There are four environmental factors, which contribute to dry, sensitive skin and hair loss.
Water
Chlorinated water can weaken the hair follicles which can lead to hair breakage, hair thinning and hair loss. Hardness impurities can also damage your hair due to excess mineral buildup in hair. Hard water can cause color fading and excessive dryness, which leads to frizz.
Solution:
Use a shower filter that removes chlorine and hardness impurities or use bottled water to wash your hair.
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Temperature / Direct Sunlight
High temperatures can lead to brittle, damaged hair and split ends. High heat levels can cause the pores in our skin and hair follicles to open up, allowing sand and dirt in the air to clog up our skin and hair without us realizing.
Solution:
- Avoid the sun’s rays where possible or wear a hat to reduce the effect of overexposure.
- Drink two liters of water per day to combat the impact of dehydration and profuse sweating – this will flush out your pores and keep hair healthy and shiny.
Humidity
Humidity is a catalyst for frizzy hair. The molecules in your hair will either attract or repel moisture. Humid Air will overload your hair with water causing the strands to swell and become difficult to manage, and this is why you struggle to style your hair when it is frizzy.
Solution:
Keep your hair regularly trimmed and free from split ends, as these are prone to becoming frizzy in high humidity.
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning disturbs our body’s internal temperature control and reduces the production of sweat. It also dries out the skin and strips it of its natural oils, leading to dry, dehydrated skin. Hair takes 2-3 days to produce these natural oils, which is vital to keeping strands healthy.
When exposed to sand, dirt and extreme climates, our hair begins to dry out, causing the first stage of hair loss – thinning of the hair.
Solution:
Keep your AC unit at a temperature of 24°C or higher, and regularly clean the filters to prevent the spread of airborne diseases.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
There are a few types of nutritional deficiencies that can lead to hair loss. Using natural hair masks and tonics can help to reduce nutritional deficiencies, however, maintaining a healthy diet is essential to avoid hair loss. In this section, we will explain each nutritional deficiency together with topical solutions and a list of food items required to combat each deficiency.
Vitamin C Deficiency:
Vitamin C is vital for the absorption of iron – a deficiency of which can cause chronic hair loss. Deficiency usually occurs when there is a lack of Vitamin C in someone’s daily diet. However, smoking, alcohol abuse, chronic illness, and eating disorders can also deplete the body of Vitamin C.
Natural hair treatment remedy:
Amla oil: Amla is a tree found in the subcontinent of India. The tree produces yellow fruits the size of a plum. Amla is an excellent source of Vitamin C and will go down to the roots of the hair under the scalp to make it stronger and more robust. In addition to Vitamin C, amla oil contains antioxidants and antiviral properties, which is also beneficial to people suffering from hair loss. There are various other health benefits such as improving eyesight, improving calcium absorption and preventing diabetes.
Research:
A study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health Search database indicated that amla oil is the most effective at keeping hair parasite-free. Another research paper published in the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research has placed patches containing amla oil in various concentrations on the animals’ fur and monitored fur growth over 15 days. They found amla oil caused “significant” and a rather rapid fur growth. A 2012 study found that amla oil was also a powerful inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase. The medication finasteride, used to treat male baldness, also works by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase.
Reference:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1302812
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22178180
Diet:
Eating one raw amla fruit once a day can also be very beneficial for your body and hair. If you live in Dubai, you can find amla fruit in Carrefour and Choitram supermarkets. Oranges, Lemons, Guava, Strawberries, Kiwi Fruit, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Kale, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Red and Green Peppers, are all excellent sources of Vitamin C.
Collagen Deficiency
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body, and it makes up a large part of our skin, hair, and nails. Technically a polypeptide, collagen contains a mixture of amino acids like proline and glycine, which are found in all connective tissue within the body.
Collagen deficiency is one of the major causes of hair loss. There are at least 16 types of collagen found in the body. Collagen contains different types of proteins, which serve separate purposes within the body. Collagen types 1 & 3 support hair, skin and nail growth, and maintenance.
Natural hair treatment remedy:
Onion Juice:
Onion Juice is considered to be the most effective hair treatment solution for collagen production.
The sulfur from onions helps to promote collagen production. Collagen, in turn, improves the production of healthy skin cells and hair growth. It’s also believed that onions may boost circulation. Applying onion juice to the hair and scalp could increase blood supply to hair follicles, which in turn improves hair growth.
Research:
A 2002 study published in US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health Search database attempted to put onion juice’s hair loss science in action. They tested the effect of onion juice on 23 patients, 16 males (69.5 percent) and 7 females (30.5 percent). The group was advised to apply the treatment twice daily for two months. Re-growth of terminal coarse hairs started after two weeks of treatment with crude onion juice. At four weeks, hair re-growth was seen in 17 patients (73.9 percent), and, at six weeks, the hair re-growth was observed in 20 patients (86.9 percent) and was significantly higher among males (93.7 percent) compared to females (71.4 percent).
Reference:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12126069
Diet:
Our body naturally makes collagen, but collagen production reduces, as we get older. A decrease in collagen can result in hair loss wrinkles and looser skin. Healthy whole foods have a variety of nutrients that often work in tandem to encourage the production of collagen and protect it from breaking down due to environmental damage.
Beef Bone Broth:
While most foods contain antioxidants and other nutrients to help the body synthesize collagen, bone broth is one of the rare foods that contain a bio-available form of collagen your body can use right away. Since collagen types I, II, and III are concentrated in the tendons, ligaments, bones, and joints – cooking down these animal parts for long periods of time helps release collagen from the bones.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to protect the skin from sun damage and prevent collagen breakdown
Leafy Greens
All green plant foods (such as bok choy, green algae, arugula, kale, lettuce, green beans, and broccoli) contain chlorophyll, which is a pigment that gives plants their vibrant green color. Studies have shown that consuming chlorophyll increases the precursor to collagen (procollagen).
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are one of the richest plant sources of zinc, which as mentioned above, acts as a cofactor for collagen synthesis. Studies have also shown taking zinc supplements may help slow down the rate of collagen breakdown, suggesting zinc-rich foods may do the same. Numerous studies in the past decade have indicated that pumpkin seed and pumpkin seed oil are one of the most effective ingredients in fighting hair loss.
Pumpkin seed oil:
In addition to helping with collagen synthesis, pumpkin seed oil or PSO is highly effective in treating alopecia since block the action of 5 alpha-reductase, which is the main antagonist in androgenetic alopecia. Pumpkin seed oil can be applied topically to enhance collagen synthesis. However, pumpkin seed oil is most effective when ingested since ingestion is the most effective for 5-alpha-reductase inhibition.
Research:
A 2014 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal in 2014 has shown that the average hair count in men who received pumpkin seed oil capsules, showed an increase of 40 percent and only 10 percent in those who received the placebo.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017725/
Trace minerals
Trace elements are the components of enzyme, hormones, vitamins and nucleic acid. Your body only needs a teeny tiny amount of each one. However, lack of adequate trace elements like Zinc, Calcium, Iron, and copper can lead to hair loss.
1. Zinc
Zinc is an essential material for the formation of more than 300 kinds of enzymes. According to various studies, a lack of zinc can seriously affect the growth of hair and even cause hair loss. Zinc is mostly found in meats and seafood. Oysters are the go-to zinc source; they contain more zinc than any other food. Pumpkin seeds are a great vegetarian alternative to zinc.
2.Calcium
Calcium plays a vital role in protecting skin and hair. If people find that their hair has gradually become gray, they should supplement calcium to solve the problem. Seeds, cheese, yogurt, and almonds are an excellent source of calcium
3.Iron
A lack of iron can disturb the healthy growth of hair. Various studies have indicated that if people cannot absorb adequate iron in time; alopecia and hair loss can be severely induced.
4. Copper
The appearance of hair loss can probably indicate the lack of copper inside the body. If people usually maintain a balanced diet, they will not be troubled by the deficiency of copper. Copper is found in organ meats, shellfish, nuts, and seeds.
3- Hormonal Problems (Inheritance)
Most cases of hereditary hair loss are caused by Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is known to contribute to both male & female pattern baldness because it binds to scalp follicle receptors, causing them to shrink, causing increased hair fall.
As you age, DHT becomes more prevalent, ultimately thwarting any hair growth. Studies suggest that 95 percent of hair loss can be attributed directly to DHT. The latest fight against male hair loss has come in the form of DHT blockers.
DHT blockers
DHT is converted from testosterone by the type-2 of 5 alpha-reductase enzymes. DHT blockers work by inhibiting these enzymes. As a result, DHT blockers can stop hair follicle miniaturization. The most common commercial DHT blockers are Finasteride (also known by its brand name Propecia) and Minoxidil. Propecia works as a DHT blocker, and Minoxidil works as a vasodilator, which means it dilates blood capillaries in the scalp causing increased blood flow to the hair follicles. However, using the mentioned commercial medicines have many side effects, and the hair loss will continue when the patient stops using these products. Natural DHT blockers (food and essential oil) aim to block DHT by having a healthier diet, which can block DHT and do not include the side effects caused by commercial products.
Solution:
Rosemary Oil – Propecia Alternative
Rosemary oil extract is a natural substance that has been clinically proven to be more effective than finasteride (Propecia) at inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.
Research:
The effect of rosemary oil on hair loss has been measured against both finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil. Research has indicated that rosemary oil is more effective than both of the mentioned drugs. In a 2013 study at Kinki University Japan, rosemary oil inhibited 5 alpha-reductase by 94.6 percent compared to 81.9 percent for finasteride. A 2015 study compared rosemary oil to minoxidil, after six months, both groups saw significant increases in hair growth. However, the group that was treated with rosemary oil had more hair growth than the minoxidil group.
Reference:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25842469
http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/25842469
Peppermint Oil – Minoxidil Alternative:
While peppermint oil may be known for its skin care benefits, it’s also good for your hair and scalp. Menthol in peppermint essential oil is a vasodilator (similar to Minoxidil), which improves blood flow to the scalp. Increasing circulation with a vasodilator like a peppermint could promote hair growth and prevent some hair loss.
Research:
A recent 2014 study from Keimyung University in Korea indicated that Peppermint Oil is more effective at inducing hair growth compared to minoxidil.
Reference:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/
Diet
Here are some food/fruits through which you can block DHT naturally.
Avocado: Avocados are one of the biggest natural DHT blockers.
Tomato: Lycopene in tomato inhibits the DHT by regulating or inhibiting 5 alpha-reductase
Pumpkin Seeds: Contains many essential minerals including zinc, magnesium, iron, etc.
Walnuts: Walnuts contain L-lysine which is a natural DHT inhibitor.
Banana: They are also rich in Biotin, which prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
Saw Palmetto tea: Works by stopping the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Nettle Root Tea: This is another herb that blocks the 5 alpha-reductase enzymes from converting testosterone to DHT.
Green Tea: Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate, or EGCG, one of the active constituents of green tea, also blocks the formation of DHT. Green tea has been shown to reduce DHT blood levels significantly.
Calcification and Fibrosis (For hair regrowth on bald spots)
In 2012, a study entitled ‘Detumescence Therapy’ was published out of Hong Kong University. The study sought to determine if there was a difference in skin thickness between balding and non-balding scalp regions. The study used a sample of thinning and balding male / female volunteers and compared their scalps to a group of volunteers with healthy scalps. They found that in balding regions, the scalp skin was significantly thicker and less elastic than in non-balding regions. The team then tested a method to return the scalp skin’s elasticity to normal levels. Over a 300-day period, each volunteer was given two 20-minute scalp massages per day. The massages were specific in nature and designed to generate acute inflammation in the scalp skin. The final results were the most impressive of any hair loss study yet. Not only was the skin’s thinness, and elasticity restored in balding areas, but those areas also began re-growing hair follicles five months into the study. In ten months, 100 percent of the balding sample regrew 90 percent of their lost hair.
The problem with skin thickness in the balding area is mainly caused by Calcification and Fibrosis. Calcification occurs when calcium builds up in places where it doesn’t usually appear. Fibrosis (over-accumulation of collagen) occurs when balding scalps are wrought with excess collagen. The massages techniques used in the study were designed to address these issues by generating acute inflammation in the scalp skin. The pressure of the massages would also help expel any trapped sebum, and send additional blood flow to the scalp.
Reference:
How to stop hair loss and regrow hair naturally – Suggested Hair loss program:
After carefully reviewing numerous research papers and discussing the matter with several hair loss specialists and nutritionists, we have created a comprehensive program to help our customers with hair loss.
Important Notes:
1- Please note that you should not follow this program during pregnancy
2- Please note that the natural hair loss program is a lengthy program and needs to be followed at least for six months for optimal results, however, you will notice changes after a month of following this program.
3- Please note that the diet section of this program is as important as the natural hair treatment section and need to be followed rigorously.
4- We recommend testing hair treatment options on a small patch of hair just in case there is any irritation or allergic reaction.
Shopping list:
1- Pure Blue shower filter: We highly recommend the pure blue shower filter that removes 98 percent of hardness impurities from your shower water. However, if you want to purchase another brand, make sure you avoid shower filters that use vitamin c since as they don’t remove a significant amount of chlorine. Activated carbon filters also lose efficiency in hot water. Hence you should make sure you purchase a shower filter that uses KDF 55 and calcium sulfate.
2- Pure rosemary oil: Make sure you purchase 100 percent natural/organic rosemary oil such as NOW Foods Rosemary Oil. If you are in UAE, you can find pure rosemary oil in the organic store or on souq.com.
3- Amla oil: Make sure you purchase 100 percent natural—not diluted—amla oil such as Aroma Tierra Amla oil. Commercially produced products such as Dabur contain Paraffinum Liquidum, which can cause hair breakage for various hair types. If you are in the UAE, you can find pure amla oil on Souq.com.
4- Peppermint oil: Make sure you purchase 100 percent natural/organic peppermint oil such as NOW Foods Peppermint Oil. If you are in UAE, you can find pure rosemary oil in the on souq.com.
5- Pumpkin seed oil: Pumpkin seed oil is one of the most important ingredients in your daily diet and can also be used as a hair treatment tonic. For your diet, you can find Flora Organic Hydro-Therm Pumpkin Seed Oil on souq.com, or in the organic food store in Dubai. As for your hair treatment, you can find Aroma Tierra Pumpkin Seed Oil which is a mix of pumpkin seed oil and natural carrier oils.
5- Almond oil: Sweet almond oil is loaded with nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, all of which are essential for nourishing the hair follicles and strengthening the hair. Almond oil can be used as a carrier oil, which needs to be mixed with essential oils. Make sure you purchase pure almond oil such as FineVine Pure almond oil. If you are in UAE you can find pure almond oil on souq.com. If you are allergic to almond oil you can substitute it with coconut oil or castor oil.
5- Shampoo: If you are suffering from hair loss there is a chance that your shampoo could be contributing to hair loss. Some recent studies indicated that several ingredients found in commercial shampoos can cause hair loss. Parabens—which are used as a preservative in shampoos—can cause allergic reactions and exacerbate some skin conditions. Sulfates in the form of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) can also contribute to hair loss. According to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology, these sulfates were found to be irritants in patch tests at concentrations of two percent and greater, additionally, rat studies have shown both SLS and ALS cause damage to hair follicles. Even though more research needs to be done on these ingredients, its best to use a shampoo that is paraben and sulfate free. If you are in UAE you can find paraben and sulfate free shampoos on souq.com.
Please also note that it is better to wash your hair with water every two days since some shampoos will strip your hair from natural oils that protect your hair.
Hair treatment directions:
1- Amla oil treatment: all you need to do is massage amla oil into the scalp, leave it on for 15 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water.
2- Rosemary oil treatment: Mix five drops of rosemary oil with a teaspoon and almond oil then massage evenly into your scalp. Rinsing out the oil afterward is optional. However, you need to let the oil sit on your scalp for at least 15 minutes beforehand.
3- Peppermint oil treatment: Mix two drops of peppermint oil to one tablespoon of almond oil and rub the mixture into your scalp for 30 seconds. If the tingling is too intense, add more of your carrier oil. You can leave the mixture in your hair for about 20 minutes, but be sure to wash it out thoroughly and avoid peppermint oil coming in to contact with your eyes.
4- Onion juice hair treatment:
- Peel off the outer skin of a medium-sized onion.
- Put that onion in the blender or a food processor. Start the blender and blend the onion to get onion pulp.
- Use a clean cotton cloth and put the cloth over a small bowl, like you are covering the bowl.
- Put the onion pulp over that cloth and squeeze the cloth. This will bring the juice into the bowl and the fibers of the onions will be there in the cloth, which you can throw.
- Take two tablespoons of onion juice in a bowl.
- Add a tablespoon of sweet almond oil to it and mix it with a spoon.
- Soak a cotton ball into this mixture and apply it all over the scalp.
- Leave it on for an hour and then wash off with water and a mild shampoo.
Message techniques
- 2 MINUTES – WARMUP (We recommend to start after applying rosemary/amla oil): Begin with a general warmup massage of the entire scalp – front, back, top, sides. Firmly plant Press and pinch your skin all over.
- 2 MINUTES – PINCHING. Use your thumb pad and your pointer and middle finger pads to pinch the scalp skin, pinch your entire scalp but focus more on balding spots.
- 2 MINUTES – PRESSING. Use your finger pads, to press hard against the scalp, press your entire scalp but focus more on balding spots.
- 2 MINUTES – STRETCHING. Use your thumb pad or nails and your pointer and middle finger pads to stretch the scalp skin. Firmly plant your hands, press down and stretch the scalp skin, holding the stretch for 1-2 seconds each. Stretch your entire scalp but focus more on balding spots.
Hair Restoration Program
Duration: 1 month (For best result it is recommended to follow this program for 6 months)
Weekly schedule:
Day 1: Rosemary oil (message for 8 min)
Day 2: Onion Juice/peppermint oil – wash hair.
Day 3: Amla oil at night (message for 8 min) – rinse optional.
Day 4: Onion Juice/peppermint oil – wash hair.
Day 5: Rosemary oil (message for 8 min).
Day 7- Amla oil at night (message for 8 min) – rinse optional.
Diet: Make sure you include the following food items in your weekly diet.
Pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed oil (daily), Avocado, Eggs, Beef Broth, almonds, walnuts, tomatoes, blueberries, oranges, amla fruit, yogurt, spinach, Oranges, Lemons Kale, Broccoli, seafood (fish, oysters), Nettle Root Tea, Green Tea, Saw Palmetto tea
If you decided to try this program, we would love to hear back from you in the comment section below, and if you found the information on this post useful please don’t forget to share it with others!”
Wow!!
So nicely explained… I loved it. Thanks for your post.
Will surely try.
Thanks, Navdeep I’m glad you liked it. I look forward to hearing your feedback after you tried it out
Thanks for your nice and informative article, I really appreciate it. Hair fall is every common troubling problem for the woman. A fuller hair head is a pride for any women but when they started losing them there is nothing worse than that. So the solutions up here you provided is really important. I will definitely try.
Thank you, Maria I’m glad you liked it. I look forward to hearing your feedback after you tried it out
This is great information and very thorough! Would love to start trying your suggested treatments. Are these natural treatments also good for 4 year old kids? My daughter has always had a thin hair and I wonder if I could help it grow thicker and fuller by doing these natural remedies? Thank you!
Thank you, glad you liked the article, as for your 4 year old diet is the most important, using amla oil is good too since it a good source of vitamin c and promotes hair growth but I wouldn’t recommend other treatments mentioned since hair loss in children is most likely not DHT related.
Thanks for the in-depth infographic. This fabulous infographic tells the whole story about “causes of hair loss”. I defiantly shared and pinned my pinterest profile.
Thank you, Valerie, glad you found it helpful
Great article.
We really appreciate your effort!
Keep up the awesome work!
I’m going to start this regimen as soon as I receive my filter. I ordered it today. I live in the UAE, any idea where I can get 100% amla oil?
You can find at souq.com https://uae.souq.com/ae-en/mamado-ma24-natural-amla-oil-150-ml-10058674/i/
I have heard that lack of Vitamin D can cause hair loss. Does anybody have more info about this?
there is no amla oil available in souq.
I am still having hairfalls even after 2 weeks using the filter.
can you suggest other amla oil brand
Mamado Ma24 Natural Amla Oil – https://www.amazon.ae/Mamado-Ma24-Natural-Amla-Oil/dp/B07MVXXHWK?ref=SQAE-WEB-DP301
This is the best guide on preventing hair loss. I am facing this problem for a long time. I hope your tips will work.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi! Great article with lots of good information! (could not get links to load though).
I am mixing a little sweet almond oil with a few drops of essential peppermint oil on my scalp one to two times per day and think it is helping! Based on this article, I hope to add the onion treatment once a week or so.
I like the idea of trying a couple of doable things based on where I think my concern might be from the information presented. For example, if I were a guy with male pattern baldness, I would probably use the rosemary oil mixed with the sweet almond oil one to two times per day. My concern with doing something different every day is that it’s too much and may not be as effective as focusing. Thank you again! Amazing article!
Wow! You Put a Lot Of Information About DHT Blockers.
Thanks For Sharing These Info.
Specially For “Doctor Type” Tips.
Thank you, administrator, this is the most helpful article I have read about this topic.