What is hair loss?
Hair loss or alopecia is the loss of hair from the scalp. To deeply understand the hair loss system, we need to know that the hair follicle growth occurs in cycles.
Each cycle consists of a long growing phase (Anagen), a short transitional phase (catagen) and a short resting phase (telogen). At the end of the resting phase, the hair falls out (exogen) and new hair starts growing in the follicles thus beginning the cycle again.
What is excessive hair loss or clinical hair loss?
Our scalp on an average loses up to 150 strands of hair every day. In order to maintain or preserve regular volume, hair needs to be replaced at the same rate at which it is lost. It’s quite critical to maintain a healthy scalp because that is where the roots of the hair reside.
If the rate of hair fall is more than 100-150 strands a day, it cannot be called Normal hair loss. This condition is known as clinical hair loss which requires treatment.
What are the reasons for excessive hair loss?
- Poor blood circulation
- Lack of Nutrition
- Infection
- Drugs
- Pregnancy
- Pollution
- Hyperthyroidism
- Involutional alopecia
- Allergies
- stress
- Lack of exercise
- Lack of sleep
How it can be prevented?
Diet plays a major role in the prevention of hair loss. Proper intake of Protein and Vitamins induces Hair Growth. Also, Ayurvedic hair treatments give you a proprietary medicine for hair fall, which helps to grow new hair.
Why only Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, one of the oldest systems of medicine, describes the practice of Shiro Abhyanga, which is otherwise known as the ‘head massage’ for healthy hair.
This is because, your scalp is where hair roots lie. These roots needs nourishment. Moreover, the scalp is the furthest part of the body to which the heart pumps blood against gravity. This is the reason why regular head massages have been prescribed to improve blood circulation in the scalp.
Which Ayurvedic oils can be used to treat hair fall?
1. Svetakutaja oil:
This plant has the capability of preventing scalp diseases. It is botanically termed as Wrightia Tinctoria. The leaves of this plant are used to extract the oil and it is widely known for its antimicrobial and anti-dandruff properties.
2. Bringhraj oil:
This herb is known in Ayurvedic Granthas as ‘Keshraj’ which literally translates to “king of hair”. The oil is extracted from the Bringhraj plant which is quite popularly known for its medicinal properties that not only reduce the hair fall but also revive and regenerate new hair growth.
3. Amla oil:
Amla is a rich source of vitamin C. It has antioxidant properties and it repairs the daily wear and tear. The oil is extracted from the fruit which is botanically known as Phyllanthus emblica.
It is widely used as a natural conditioner.
- Minimises hair loss.
- Prevent greying of hair.
4. Virgin coconut oil:
Research has shown that virgin coconut oil is a superior grooming oil that seals in moisture and prevents styling damage.
It is the purest form of coconut oil. Coconut oil is rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin K, fatty acids, proteins and iron. It benefits our hair by-
- Keeping hair moisturized.
- Preventing hair breakage.
- Eliminating dandruff and dryness.
- Promoting shiny and silky hair.
5. Olive oil:
Olive oil is a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin E. It benefits our hair by-
- Treating dry and damaged hair.
- Makes hair smooth and soft.
- Repairing split ends.
- Restoring hair shine and vitality.
6. Argan oil:
Argan oil is a good source of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and Vitamin E. It benefits our hair by-
- Keeping hair moisturized.
- Penetrating the hair follicles.
- Strengthening weakened hair.
- Adding shine.
Here is a list of other oils which you can use for your hair growth:
- Castor oil- this multipurpose oil is thick in texture and helps to promote hair growth. It also seals in moisture and builds hair’s resilience to help it withstand styling sessions.
- Jojoba oil- the soil is loaded with ceramides which makes it an ideal midweek sealing oil that strengthens and smoothes the hair. It has antifungal properties and it unclogs the pores which help to repair hair and cleanse our scalp. It also helps in balancing the pH levels.
- Emu oil- clinical research shows that emu oil works with the Anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle which induces faster growth when used directly on the scalp.
These Ayurvedic Oils are a boon for a dry scalp but we must not forget that proper growth and development of hair is mainly induced by a healthy diet. All else is simply a secondary factor when it comes to Hair Growth.
Read Also: This is what happens to your hair after you’re dead.