Hair loss can be upsetting whether due to alopecia, chemo or genetics. But most hair loss for women is due to stress, conventional shampoos (sodium lauryl sulphate is an engine degreaser in shampoos, but too harsh for the scalp) or over-processing (chop it off and start again!) Everyone loses around 50 to 100 hairs a day, but more than that can lead to weak thin hair.
Conventional hair loss treatments can be harsh, tested on animals and sound dodgy one medication should not be used on women as it creates male hormones, which is why it’s never given during pregnancy, a common cause of temporary hair loss). Over half of men have a receding hairline by age 50, with female pattern hair loss (affecting the crown) being less common.
Tips to Help Prevent Hair Loss
- Avoid tight ponytails that can cause cause you to lose hair at the front of your head (traction alopecia). Choose looser biodegradable hair ties that are kind to your hair and planet (so won’t harm sea creatures, if they fall down storm drains and go into the sea).
- Use a quality wooden comb and wood hair brush, to avoid breaking delicate wet hair. Avoid bristle brushes (cruel, and like ‘brushing a wool jumper’, not recommended by trichologists.
- Once you’ve cut off over-processed hair (as much as you dare, to avoid split ends travelling up to the root), switch to natural hair dyes.
- Learn to relax, as stress increases the cortisol hormone, which can stop hair growing. Inverted yoga poses are good (not for heart conditions, glaucoma etc). A simple legs-up-the-wall pose is good, if you’re not up to a headstand!
- Drink plenty of water to hydrate your scalp and stop smoking and reduce alcohol (both cause vitamin deficiencies).
- In warm weather, allow hair to dry naturally or use a dryer on the lowest setting. Infrared hairdryers don’t ‘toast your hair’, but dry it the same way as the sun does. But they are too expensive for most people.
- Gentle head massage can stimulate the scalp, though coconut oil is too heavy for most people. If you use a base oil (like grapeseed), warm a teaspoon and apply to dry ends and leave for 30 minutes or overnight, then shampoo out the next day. Avoid aromatherapy oils for pregnancy/nursing and medical conditions like epilepsy/asthma. Avoid rosemary & citrus oils for high blood pressure. Also avoid using aromatherapy oils, if pets are nearby (or sleep on your bed. Good oils to add to base oils for hair loss are rosemary, peppermint, cedarwood, lavender, lemongrass and thyme.
- Have patience. It takes months to see effects, though there are natural hair growth helpers. So just get on with your life!
Nutrients to Help Prevent Hair Loss
Eat a healthy balance of plant foods. Sometimes allergies play a part (some people who give up gluten, processed foods, caffeine and refined oils/sugars see improvement). Hair-friendly foods include:
- Protein (beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds)
- Zinc (beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, wholemeal bread)
- Iron (dried apricots, beans, peas, lentils, green leafy veggies – check medication as some prohibit too many due to interaction)
- Selenium (a couple of Brazil nuts daily)
- Vitamin D (a little natural sunlight, mushrooms or in supplement)
- Biotin (B vitamin, often missing in dodgy diets and alcoholics)
- Copper (also good along with vitamin B12 for hair pigmentation to avoid premature greying). Mostly found in fortified foods and supplements.
Feel Beauty Probiotic offers plant-based supplements in plastic-free packaging, which can improve your hair, skin and nails in weeks. Unlike gelatine capsules that often break apart as soon as they reach your stomach, these release in around 45 minutes. Speak to your doctor if pregnant or on medication, before use.
