Preventing Hair Loss: A Natural Approach

Hair loss is a distressing condition for women. Whether you’re blonde, brunette, red, grey,  long, short or bobbed we love our hair and nobody wants to lose it.  

It is normal to lose between 50 to 100 hairs daily but what if you notice more hairs in your hairbrush, in the shower base or on your pillow?

Hair grows in cycles.  The active hair growth phase is known as the Anagen phase where hair grows from the follicle and this phase can last for several years.  Catagen phase is when the hair growth stops and this phase may last for up to three weeks.  Telagen phase is when hair growth is resting and hair falls out, this phase can last up to 3 months.

Excessive hair fall can be due to a stress event experienced within the last few months. Examples of this can be; emotional stress, significant weight loss, illness, giving birth, or stopping birth control.  This is usually temporary and once the body recovers the hair usually grows back within a few months.  

Hair loss is different and occurs when the hair stops growing. When hair stops growing it can be from an hereditary cause, medications such as chemotherapy, or immune imbalances.

There can be many reasons for hair loss and identifying the underlying cause is important so it can be addressed.

If you’re wanting to maintain your ‘crowning glory’ below are some must do’s for healthy hair.

Support Healthy Hair Growth

Nutrition

Nutrient deficiencies of iron, zinc, protein, and biotin may contribute to hair loss. Ensure you are consuming foods rich in these nutrients on a regular basis for healthy hair growth. If you suspect your iron levels may be low, chat with your healthcare professional, who may recommend pathology testing.

Spirulina is used by natural health practitioners for improving hair health as it is rich in protein, iron and other key nutrients.

Healthy gut

Our skin and hair reflect how healthy we are and how healthy our gut environment is.  If we have inflammation, overgrowth or bacteria, low levels of good gut bacteria and poor digestion of nutrients, this will affect the health of the hair. 

Microbiome Mapping or a Complete Digestive Stool Analysis may be helpful in identifying any gut issues related to hair loss.

Eating a diet of vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, lean meat and limiting processed foods is a good start to improving your gut microbiome.

 Thyroid function

Low thyroid function can cause hair loss.  If you have thinning of the outside of the eyebrows, hair falling out, always feeling cold, low energy, and can’t lose weight, it may be time to ask your healthcare practitioner to check your thyroid levels

Manage stress

Stress and illness can cause hair loss which is usually temporary and once the stress is over the hair usually grows back.  However, extended periods of stress can cause high levels of cortisol and inflammation, which can affect the growth of new hair.

We can’t avoid stress, so finding ways to reduce its impact on you is important.  Consider yoga, exercise, meditation, spending time on a favourite hobby, play with your pets and spend time with people who you love. 

If you find it difficult to manage stress, talk to a professional who will provide you with tools to help. 

Hydration

Dehydration can affect the health of our hair.  Hair, like skin, relies on hydration to stay healthy and when we are dehydrated the hair may be dull, brittle and growth of the hair may be affected. If you notice more hair fall than usual, try simply increasing your water intake. 

Topical treatment

Aromatherapy scalp oils such as lavender, rosemary and cedarwood are soothing to the scalp and help to stimulate hair growth.  Clinical trials have shown these oils applied in a carrier oil (grapeseed or jojoba) were successful in promoting hair regrowth in participants with alopecia areata.  Be guided by a natural therapist on how to apply and use this treatment for best results.

Avoid

• Pulling on the hair with harsh brushing or tight ponytails

• Using harsh chemicals such as dyes, relaxing treatments and products that disrupt your hair’s pH balance.  pH affects the health of hair follicles.

• Stress causes tight muscles in the back, neck and shoulders which affect circulation to the head and this affects hair health and growth.

Resources:

Hair loss: Who gets and causes (aad.org) American Academy of Dermatology Association

Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD. Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol. 1998;134(11):1349-1352. doi:10.1001/archderm.134.11.1349

Hair Growth - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

This blog is not a platform for providing medical diagnoses or treatment recommendations. The information provided is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only. The blog content is designed to educate and inform readers about naturopathic principles and practices, but it should not be taken as a replacement for professional medical guidance. The individual needs of any particular person have not been taken into account and readers should always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns. Read Disclaimer here