Everytime I clean shower drain in my bathroom, I get unnerved at the amount of fallen Hair I find. Minor hair fall is a common phenomenon among men and women (losing between 50 to 100 strands a day is considered normal) but when you lose hair while combing, oiling, shampooing AND conditioning, you begin to question if you are suffering from Alopecia—a condition that leads to loss of hair in some parts of the head.

Extreme hair fall is a reason for concern but you need not spend thousands of rupees on its treatment yet. Simple alterations in your diet, hair care routine and lifestyle choices can slow down hair fall.

How to stop hair fall?

A regulated diet and hair care regime to control hair fall is a long and dedicated process. But if you are super stressed about your hair fall (ironically, stress is one major reason for hair loss), here are some easy remedies that you must include in your routine.

1. Organic coconut oil with curry leaves

Let’s start with one remedy that has worked wonders for me. Heat about 200 ml of organic coconut oil and add 4-5 bunches (yes, stalks too!) of curry leaves to it. Let the curry leaves cook for a while. When the oil changes colour, switch off the flame, allow it to cool, store in a glass jar and use twice a week. Thank us later.

2. Fenugreek seeds with curd

Fenugreek is a versatile seed. Not only does it add heat and flavour to your dishes, but it also provides nourishment to your scalp. You can read about its benefits here and if your concern is hair fall specifically, try the following home remedy.

Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and drain the water (don’t throw away this water, add it to your plants). Grind the seeds into a paste and mix it with curd. Massage your scalp with this hair mask, leave it on for 15 minutes and wash away with a chemical-free shampoo.

3. Rosemary oil

A study compared the use of rosemary essential oil with that of minoxidil – a common medication used for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (commonly known as male-pattern baldness). Fifty participants used rosemary oil and the other 50 used minoxidil. At the end of the 6-month study, both sections reported a similar increase in hair count but the rosemary oil users experienced significantly less scalp itching.

Why waste money on minoxidil when you can simply blend a couple of drops of rosemary oil in your shampoo and avail the same benefits?

Click here to get the hair-friendly essential oil.

4. Onion Juice

Another home remedy that I have had success with! Onion juice is an excellent conditioner and regular use can help control hair fall. One warning—make sure you wash the towel immediately, unless you want it to smell like onions.

Cut and peel half an onion (for hair that falls below the shoulder) and blend it into a paste. Add some water if need be. Apply the pack from roots to the tips of your hair. Put on a shower cap for about 15 minutes and wash away with a chemical-free shampoo.

5. Organic Henna Powder

Several generations have tried and tested this solution to hair fall. Not only will henna control hair loss, but will also dye your hair a gorgeous brown-red (if you want to avoid dyeing your hair, then oil your hair before you apply henna). Make a paste of organic henna powder and apply it from the roots of your hair to your tips. Ensure the paste covers your hair and scalp completely. Put on a shower cap, wait for 2 hours and proceed with your regular shampoo routine.

What causes hair to fall?

Among the several medical conditions (thyroid, hormonal issues, genetics etc), our diet can be a crucial reason for severe hair fall. Make sure you include the following foods in your diet to control hair loss:

1. Oats: The fibre, protein, magnesium, folate, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and copper found in oats strengthen your hair and make your scalp healthy. Click here to buy them organic now!
2. Spinach: An excellent source of folate, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C, spinach can prevent hair fall.
3. Walnuts: Brimming with omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, these nuts can strengthen hair follicles making your hair stronger, and healthier.
4. Lentils: Don’t miss that dal with your rice. Lentils are a great source of folic acid – the acid responsible for the health of red blood cells that supplies oxygen to your skin and scalp. A good flow of oxygen will make your scalp healthy and prevent hair loss.
5. Seeds: Chia, flax, sunflower and other such nutritious seeds will strengthen your hair and make them fall less.

Simple tips to follow to avoid hair loss:

These simple habits (or change in habits) can go a long way in preventing hair loss. Outer care is just as important as inner care.

1. Hot showers are known to strip your hair and scalp of the natural, essential oils. Avoid them at all costs. Turn down the temperature a bit because warm showers are fine.
2. Do not comb hair when they are still wet.
3. Tight ponytails, plaits and other tight hairstyles are to be avoided. And if a hairdo is a necessity then style them when they are completely dry.
4. Avoid chemicals like parabens and sulfates in your hair care products. Click here for a range of such eco-friendly, hair-friendly products.
5. Stress is linked to an increase in hair fall. If you are experiencing a lot of stress nowadays, here are some easy ways that can help.

Also Read: Getting Forgetful? 7 Easy Ways to Improve Your Memory Naturally

(Edited by Saiqua Sultan)

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