How to stop hereditary hair loss naturally?

Understanding Hereditary Hair Loss

Having a full head of thick, lush hair is associated with youthfulness and even attractiveness. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an average person loses about 50-100 strands of hair per day. But in some people, these are not restored with new growth. One of the factors responsible for hair loss can be heredity.

Hereditary hair loss is a natural condition caused by a combination of genetics and hormone levels and often leads to baldness. This condition is known as androgenic alopecia and male pattern baldness in men & female pattern baldness in women.

Hair fall in both men and women commonly begins in the 20s and 30s; one may lose 50% of the hair before it is even noticeable. Hereditary hair loss begins with thinning of the hair and often progresses to complete hair fall on parts of the scalp. Excessive hair strands on the comb or the pillow are one of the symptoms of a hair loss problem.

In men, hair fall usually begins at the crown and temples and proceeds in an M-shaped pattern. In the most advanced stage, only the hair at the back of the scalp and the rim of the hair alongside remain. Women with genetic hair loss conditions rarely develop bald patches. Instead, they experience a general thinning around the midline that occurs in the shape of a Christmas tree. 

The Cycle of Hair Growth and Development

Hair growth is a cyclical process that goes through four different phases: the growth phase, the transition phase, the resting phase, and the shedding phase. This cycle controls how much hair we typically lose daily.

Old hairs fall out to make space for new ones.

The first stage is the growth phase, called anagen. During this time, hair follicles grow new strands. Hair grows about one centimetre every 28 days in this stage. The anagen phase can last 2-6 years for hair on the scalp.

Next is the transition phase or catagen. This short phase means the follicle is getting ready to rest. It lasts a few weeks. Then there's the resting phase, called telogen. The hair stops growing in this stage, and the follicle stays inactive for around three months. After that, the hair falls out. The final phase is exogen—the shedding stage. The resting hair detaches from the follicle, allowing new anagen hair to grow. Losing 50-100 hairs daily in this stage is normal.

Conventional Hair Treatments For Hair Loss

There are several conventional hair fall treatments. These include medications, lifestyle changes, and other approaches. Here's an overview of these treatments:

Medications

Several medications, such as Minoxidil and finasteride, are commonly used for hair fall treatment by promoting hair growth or inhibiting the hormones responsible for hair thinning.

• Minoxidil

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  Minoxidil can stop or slow hair fall and may result in hair regrowth. But if the hair fall treatment stops, hair loss generally resumes. It is not useful for treating a receding hairline or baldness at the front of the scalp in men. Common side effects of minoxidil include irritation, application site redness, and respiratory infections.

• Finasteride

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  This oral medication is used to treat male pattern baldness. Finasteride works by reducing the amount of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. Common side effects of finasteride include swelling in hands or feet, dizziness, sexual issues such as erectile dysfunction, and infertility.

• Phenylephrine

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  Phenylephrine is a topical medicine that works well against hair fall. It tightens the muscles around the hair follicles, strengthening the hair strands and making them less likely to get pulled out when brushing or braiding. So, using phenylephrine can reduce hair fall from styling. It helps the follicles hold onto the hair more firmly.

  Redensyl, Capixyl, and Procapil

  Redensyl, Capixyl, and Procapil help make hair follicles healthier and promote hair growth. These medications improve blood flow to the follicles, making hair grow back faster. Redensyl works on the hair cycle to reduce hair loss and extend the growth phase. Capixyl improves hair quality by controlling and stopping the DHT hormone.

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting a healthy diet, managing stress levels, and practising proper hair care techniques can also help improve overall hair health and minimise hair fall.

• Reduce Stress

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  Managing stress levels is essential for maintaining healthy hair, as chronic stress can lead to hair loss. Relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help relieve stress and support hair health. 

• Food Habits and Diet

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  Fruits, veggies, lean meats, and good fats give vitamins and minerals that assist hair growth. Also, maintaining proper hydration by drinking plenty of fluids helps keep your hair lustrous.

Other Methods

There are many other methods to stop hair fall. 

Let us discuss them below: 

• Essential Oils

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  Some essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, and lavender may help with hair fall. These are mixed with other oils and put on the scalp. They improve blood flow to hair roots and make hair stronger.

• Scalp Massage

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  Massaging the scalp can increase blood flow to hair roots. This gives hair roots more nutrients to grow better and relaxes the scalp muscles. Massaging helps reduce tension and hair grow healthier.

Hair Fall Causes

There could be different reasons for hair fall. However, broadly, we can classify hair fall causes into two main categories: normal and hereditary.

Normal Hair Loss

• Age: As people get older, their hair grows slower. It leads to thinning.
• Stress: Being stressed can mess up the hair growth cycle and cause excessive hair fall.
• Hormone changes: When hormones change during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid issues, hair may temporarily fall out.
• Not enough nutrients: Not getting enough iron, protein, and vitamins affects hair growth.
• Medicines: Some medicines for cancer, arthritis, depression, and heart problems cause hair fall.

Hereditary Hair Loss

• Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia): This is the most common type of hair loss in men. Genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink, is the primary cause.
• Female pattern baldness: Women can also experience hereditary hair thinning. You may see it as a widening part line or diffuse hair loss.

Hair loss - Signs and Symptoms 

There are various signs and symptoms associated with hair fall, depending on the underlying cause. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Slow hair thinning: This is often the first sign of hair loss. The hair gets thinner and less dense over time.
• Receding hairline: For men, a receding hairline is a common sign of male-pattern baldness.
• Excessive shedding: Losing more than 50–100 strands of hair daily can mean too much hair loss.
• Bald patches: Round or patchy bald spots on the scalp may hint at an autoimmune disease called alopecia areata.
• Itchy, flaky scalp: Inflammation or infections of the scalp can lead to hair fall and scalp irritation.

You may observe that some hair loss happens regularly. Age, genes, and overall wellness may affect this. But if you have unexpected or excessive hair loss, it's recommended to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and hair loss treatment.

When should I get Medical Attention?

You should seek a medical cure for genetic hair loss if you experience any of these signs:

• Your hair falls out suddenly or excessively. If you notice a significant increase in hair shedding or develop bald spots quickly, it could mean you have an underlying medical condition that requires hair fall treatment.
• Your scalp feels uncomfortable or irritated. A red, itchy, flaky, or painful scalp may indicate an inflammatory condition, infection, or autoimmune disorder that requires medical care.
• If your family has a history of hair loss, especially severe or early cases, it's wise to see a dermatologist for evaluation and possible hair treatment for hair loss.
• If over-the-counter or home remedies haven't worked for you, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and an appropriate hair fall treatment plan.
• If you experience other symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, weight changes, or other physical changes, along with hair loss, it could signal a serious health problem that needs attention.
• You are experiencing psychological distress as a result of your hair fall.

Prevent Hair Loss Naturally

Hereditary hair loss is part of the genetic blueprint. But we can start adopting a few simple lifestyle changes as a cure for genetic hair loss. Wish to know how to stop hereditary hair loss naturally? 

Continue reading to find out.

• Eat more dietary protein: Hair is made of a tough protein, keratin. Incorporating cheese, eggs, fish, meat, chicken, lentils, and nuts will help give hair strength and texture.
• Be gentle with your hair: Avoid tight hairstyles, such as buns, braids, or ponytails. These styles tug at the hair, pulling it off the root and damaging the strands.
• Scalp massage: It helps stimulate blood flow to the scalp and encourages new hair growth.
• Increasing iron intake: Iron is another nutrient the body requires to grow healthy hair. Some dietary iron sources include clams, lentils, pumpkin seeds, spinach and white beans.

How to cure Genetic Hair Loss naturally

Natural methods cannot be a permanent cure for genetic hair loss. However, some natural approaches may help slow down hair shedding or promote healthier hair growth:

• Eat a balanced diet: Consume foods rich in proteins, vitamins (like biotin, vitamin C, and vitamin E), minerals (like iron and zinc), and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are essential for healthy hair growth. Consider taking saw palmetto supplements. They may help block the effects of DHT, the hormone that causes genetic hair fall.
• Massage your scalp: Gently massage your scalp to improve blood circulation and stimulate hair follicles. 
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can worsen hair loss. Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
• Try herbal remedies: Herbs, like ginseng, green tea, and hibiscus, may have hair-promoting properties. However, their effectiveness is not scientifically established.
• Use onion juice: Applying onion juice to the scalp is an old remedy. Onions contain sulphur and other compounds that may promote hair growth.
• Apply aloe vera: When applied topically, the proteolytic enzymes in aloe vera may help remove dead skin cells and promote healthy hair growth.
• Hair Care: Avoiding harsh hair treatments, chemicals, and excessive heat styling can prevent further damage to hair follicles. Quitting smoking, which can restrict nutrient supply to hair follicles, may also help.

What foods stop Hair Fall?

Below are some foods and nutrients that help reduce hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.

• Biotin (Vitamin B7): Biotin is a B vitamin that is important for hair health. Egg yolks, nuts, seeds, avocados, and sweet potatoes are biotic-rich options.
• Iron-rich foods: Iron deficiency can lead to hair falling. Some options to combat the deficiency include spinach, lentils, red meat, pumpkin seeds, and fortified cereals.
• Zinc-rich foods: Zinc is an essential mineral for hair growth and repair. Good sources include oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and lentils.
• Vitamin C-rich foods: Vitamin C aids in iron absorption and collagen production. It is vital for hair structure. Good sources include citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats nourish hair follicles and promote regrowth. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources.

Homeopathy Treatment For Hair Loss

Many people suffering from excessive hair shedding keep trying new products and treatments to control hair loss and boost hair regrowth. This usually does more harm than good because of the harsh chemicals in many of these products and their poor suitability. Homeopathy is a holistic field of medicine that provides hereditary hair loss treatment with a natural approach. Homeopathy provides a suitable hair loss treatment without causing any damage to the body.

Homeopathic medications are made from plants, herbs, and mineral substances that are completely safe for the body. Homeopathic medicines are individualised and are prescribed based on the patient's individual case history. For instance, if two people are getting treatment for genetic hair loss, they can receive totally different hereditary hair loss treatments. This is because of their unique requirements and assessment of how their bodies are expected to respond. It considers causes like genetics, family history, hormonal imbalance, nutritional factors, emotional stress, and other factors that may act as a trigger to hair fall.

Research published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that Thuja extract, fluoric acid, and natrum muriaticum promote new hair growth by inducing the anagen phase (growing phase) in resting hair follicles. Therefore, they are potential hair growth-promoting agents.

Can Hair Loss Be Treated With Homeopathy?

Yes. Homeopathy can help treat hair loss or alopecia. Several Homeopathic remedies can stimulate hair growth by correcting imbalances within the body, thus addressing the underlying causes of hair loss.

Homeopathy Medicines For Hair Loss

Here are some commonly prescribed Homeopathic medicines for hair fall:

• Thuja Occidentalis: Reduces DHT effects, minimises hair shedding, and stimulates growth
• Natrum Muriaticum: Help with postpartum hair fall, frontal thinning, and iron deficiency anaemia
• Lycopodium: Used for postpartum, post-menopausal, ovarian dysfunction hair fall
• Fluoric Acid: For patchy bald spots (alopecia areata treatment), regrowth after illness/fever
• Phosphorus: Best for hair falling in bunches from the crown due to changes in water/place/weather, dandruff. 

Conclusion

Although natural methods may not be able to cure hereditary hair loss 100%, adopting a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and exploring potential alternative remedies like Homeopathy could help slow down its progress and foster healthier hair development. Seeking advice from medical professionals for tailored recommendations for hair treatment for hair loss is crucial for effectively addressing individual requirements and situations.

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