Beauty, Hair

10 Natural Ways To Prevent Hair Loss

how to prevent hair loss

Feeling a little thin on top? These 10 natural ways to prevent hair loss may help!

By Jody McCutcheon

We are as attached to our head’s hair as it (initially) is to us. When we start losing it, we really start, uh, losing it. And we want it back!

As far back as Ancient Egypt, people have sought ways to stem hair loss and stimulate hair growth. While the Egyptians employed a cocktail of iron oxide, red lead, onions, alabaster, animal fats and honey (and wore a lot of wigs when none of those worked), today we still use some of those remedies, in one form or another.

Men’s hair loss in particular has created a billion-dollar industry. Potential cures range from chemically laced topical treatments like Rogaine and drugs to hair transplants and toupees. Yipes!. Yet hair-loss science is imperfect, uncertain and riddled with misinformation that allows companies to sell solutions that may or may not work.

how to prevent hair loss naturally

Why we lose hair

Our heads have about 120,000-150,000 strands of hair. It’s normal for both men and women to lose fifty to a hundred daily. Any more than that, and we start to feel the anxiety of impending baldness.

We lose hair for several reasons. Chiefly, ageing weakens hair and makes it more brittle. Ageing also decreases hormone production and nutrient absorption, both of which slow hair growth.

Other reasons for hair loss include:

  • nutritional deficiencies
  • genetics
  • pattern baldness
  • illness and autoimmune disorders
  • stress
  • trauma
  • pregnancy
  • menopause

Even air and water pollutants and sunlight’s phototoxic ageing effects may facilitate alopecia. In short, there are so many potential causes of hair loss, it’s vital to visit a specialist to know what’s behind your personal hair loss situation,

While there’s no way to completely stop natural hair loss due to ageing and genetic factors, we can certainly control how fast we lose it. And, we can possibly reverse abnormal loss and stimulate growth by taking certain steps, such as those below.

10 Natural Ways to Prevent Hair Loss

10 Natural Ways To Prevent Hair Loss

1. Change Your Diet

Of all the natural ways to prevent hair loss, this may seem to be the most obvious. But what few people realise is that one consequence of the typical North American high-fat, high-protein, high-salt diet is an acidic environment in the body. This can lead to premature hair loss.

Iron-rich foods like lean red meats and dark green veggies contribute to ferritin levels sufficient to increase the hair’s growth cycle. This means it will grow for a greater period of time. Iron also delivers oxygen to hair follicles, which further incites growth.

Hair is made mostly of protein, and protein deficiency causes hair loss. So, it stands to reason that adding protein to your diet will stimulate growth.  But paradoxically, too much protein may result in baldness. A Goldilocks situation seems to exist in terms of protein and hair growth.

Another food ingredient crucial to hair health is omega-3 fatty acids. These facilitate the production and action of hormones and oily lubricants that lead to healthy scalp and follicles and bouncy, shiny hair. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, shellfish, nuts and seeds and their oils.

Healthy hair also requires us to eat our vitamins. For example:

  • A and B-complex vitamins promote vibrant, shiny hair
  • B12 can neutralise premature hair loss
  • C and Zinc help strengthen hair
  • Biotin helps avoid hair loss and premature greying
  • D facilitates healthy follicular growth
  • E helps maintain a healthy, moisturised scalp.

The bottom line? Eating whole foods such as organic eggs, lentils, spinach, red meat, pumpkin seeds and salmon is best. Also include plenty of fruits and vegetables, vitamins and minerals. Most vegetable skins are rich in silica, which  contributes to hair strength.

healthy salad

2. Detox Now

Behavioural strategies can also mitigate hair loss, starting with the elimination of three common vices. Namely, alcohol, tobacco and coffee. Excess booze intake leads to hair loss through dehydration. This makes hair dry and brittle (one quarter of your hair strands is composed of water). It also dramatically depletes the body’s iron and zinc levels. Caffeine in large amounts similarly affects the body.

Cigarette smoke, meanwhile, contains toxins that accelerate hair loss as well as  premature greying. What’s not known is whether these tobacco toxins directly affect the scalp or simply accelerate the ageing process. What is known is that quitting mitigates the problems.

3. Drink Certain Teas and Infusions

Another of the best natural ways to prevent hair loss naturally is to drink teas.

For example, green tea, saw palmetto and stinging nettle tea contain ingredients that inhibit the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a compound that’s linked to thinning hair and pattern baldness. An extract of the saw palmetto plant may have a similar effect on testosterone. These products are prime weapons in the battle against some forms of alopecia.

Swapping coffee for green, nettle or saw palmetto tea may not give you a morning kick, but it could wake your hair follicles up! Can’t drink that much tea? You can actually buy the concentrated ingredients of these teas in pill form to help prevent hair loss.

4. Use Light Therapy

Red light therapy has been proven to stop hair from shedding and increase hair growth in some cases. While the ‘laser comb’ is perhaps the most popular device for those with hair loss, any LED red light instrument will do.

These devices all use light wavelengths which, when applied directly to the scalp, can increase collagen and elastin production, stimulate hair growth, reduce the inflammation that may be causing hair to shed, and increase circulation to the scalp.

One of the easiest ones to use is the Mayraki Hair Growth Ulti-Nutra Laser System.

It combines advanced technologies such as LLLT with low cycle wave vibration massage, ozone sterilisation, and RF & EMS technology. With 12 panels of low-level lasers, this device effectively shines laser light onto the scalp, directly targeting the roots of the hair follicle to initiate cell repair, stimulate blood circulation, and promote the regeneration of healthy tissues. Additionally, the 14 individual vibrating nodes of the wave vibration massage feature a design that effectively mimics the experience of a traditional massage that soothes the scalp and enhances blood circulation.

10 Natural Ways To Prevent Hair Loss

5. Chill Out With A Massage

This might be one of my favourite of all the natural ways to prevent hair loss naturally!

When we say some experience was so rough, we ‘lost hair’ over it, it could well be the case. As I mentioned in the intro, stress is another factor in hair loss. More specifically of a condition called telogen effluvium.

Meditation and exercise are two ways to relieve stress and create a better hormonal balance, thereby helping to prevent alopecia. Massage also may be beneficial. Both of the body, and of the scalp.

For the latter, the addition of oils such as almond or coconut make the massage more pleasant, sure. But they also infuse the scalp with essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to hair growth. You can get a massage from a professional, or simply massage your own scalp with either your fingertips.

6. Don’t Fake It

One of the easiest natural ways prevent hair loss is to simply stop using extensions, weaves or hairpieces daily. These may damage hair follicles permanently over time, as they all cause stress where they anchor to the scalp.

Sure, hairpieces may provide some temporary volume, but constantly wearing them is another hair-loss accelerator. Believe me, I know many women who have tried all kinds of hair extensions. And inevitably they end up with loads of hair being pulled out when they’re applied and removed.

Also be careful with hair straighteners, tight ponytails, blow dryers, harsh chemical hair dyes and heated rollers. All of these can further damage delicate hair and cause it to break off.

Luckily, there are now plenty of natural hair dyes to choose from. And there are even some fairly gentle hair straightening products today, too!

7. Try Anti-Hair Loss Products

Did you know? One of the best natural ways prevent hair loss is simply to use an all-natural shampoo.

That’s because most commercial shampoos contain sodium laurel or sodium laureth sulphate (SLS). Both of these detergent chemicals are harsh on hair, and SLS also corrodes hair follicles and impairs their ability to grow hair. One study even showed that if you use pure SLS on your scalp, it will actually cause hair to fall out immediately!

Some trichologists (hair specialists) believe that increasing use of SLS  in shampoo is leading more women to lose their hair (or to have it thin out) than ever before.

Not to worry! Eluxe has recommended some fantastic, gentle shampoos with all natural ingredients.

You can also look for shampoos that contain certain hair-encouraging ingredients. Namely:

  • caffeine
  • rosemary oil
  • biotin
  • saw palmetto extract
  • peppermint oil.

One we would recommend is Wild Science Growth Boost Shampoo and Conditioner. These contain hair-growing botanicals like caffeine, biotin, salicylic acid, vegetable proteins, and essential oils. It’s all 97% naturally-derived, silicone, paraben, and sulphate-free, and vegan.

But you can also try other products designed for encouraging hair growth, like oils and serums.

Our pick? Mayraki Hair Growth Serum Intense.

It was crafted to offer a rapid and efficient remedy for all those grappling with hair thinning and loss. It works thanks to  Mayraki’s specialised Copper Peptide Complex, and a blend of natural botanical extracts.
mayraki hair loss serum

8. Try A Supplement

Anti-hair loss supplements is another of the best natural ways prevent hair loss. Especially if you’re losing hair due to too much DHT (a male hormone that causes androgenic alopecia). If you suffer from a lack of ferritin, protein, iron, biotin or other trace elements that are essential for healthy hair growth, a supplement may help, too.

There are several on the market, such as:

  • Viviscal, which many celebs have endorsed
  • HairAnew, which always gets good reviews from users
  • NutraFol, which has special formulas for both men and women.

Most anti-hair loss/pro-hair growth supplements are likely to contain marine collagen of some kind, so aren’t vegan friendly. But NutraFol has four patented clinically proven ingredients to combat the underlying causes of hair loss, thinning hair and declining hair health. It also claims to contain bio-actives that will  minimise hair shedding and hair loss due to stress and DHT.

Even if you’re not losing too much hair, designated hair supplements like these have a rich content of A, C, D, and Zinc. They also contain biotin, selenium and other anti-ageing herbs that can offset  the damaging effects of stress, nutritional deficiencies, and act as a preventative part of your anti-aging strategy for your locks. So why not give one a try?

9. Use A Dermaroller

In case you’re not familiar with it, a dermaroller is a simple device that is used to make tiny pin pricks in the skin. The pricks penetrate into the dermal layer, just deep enough to stimulate new cell production. They also boost circulation, but don’t cause damage or (too much) pain. This whole process is also known as ‘microneedling’.

The dermaroller has been used as a beauty device for decades to renew the youthfulness of skin but stimulating collagen, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

In a similar way that the dermaroller is used to stimulate collagen production on the facial skin, it can also be used to increase cell production and increase blood circulation around the scalp, which in turn will help with new hair growth.

We’d recommend the 1.5mm dermarollers by BIA (Beauty In All). Priced at around $20, this is one of the cheapest and best natural ways to prevent hair loss. Especially when you follow up your rolling with a hair-growth product like BIA’s Hair Growth Elixir. The dermaroller allows it to penetrate into the scalp more deeply.

10. Use A Good Hair Oil

Our final of the best natural ways to prevent hair loss is to regularly use a hair oil. This is a secret that has been used in India for generations.

And by ‘hair oil’, I mean this: you can either use a commercial hair oil that’s designed to stop hair loss. Or, you could just use a natural oil, such as lavender or peppermint, and apply it directly.

And it will be worth it! Did you know that lavender oil has been shown to have the same effect on stopping hair loss as minoxidil?

Here’s how it’s done:

  • For best results, warm up the oil and massage a small amount gently into the scalp on dry hair.
  • Leave for at least 30 minutes to a few hours and wash off as normal with shampoo and conditioner.
  • But here’s the kicker: you need to use it 2-3 times a week. Which means this one takes quite a bit of time to try.

Got the time and the will to do it? Avani Hair Growth Oil by Veda is a good one to try! It features high concentrations of thyme and rosemary oils, which are said to help your hair grow. It smells lovely, too!

Avani Hair Growth Oil by Veda

Do you have any tips of your own on natural ways to prevent hair loss? We’d love to hear them!

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35 thoughts on “10 Natural Ways To Prevent Hair Loss”

  6. taia

    Very good written article. It will be supportive to anyone who utilizes it, including me.
    Keep doing what you are doing – can’t wait to read more posts. I am subscribing ..

    Reply
  7. Carol

    I need to adopt all these tips for my life urgently! That’s why my hair has not been on my shoulders for years! I loved the tips and will certainly come back for more! Thank you!

    Reply
  8. expert weaveing

    Thanks,
    For updating us and sharing a useful information with us .Here i am going to add more some tips in that regard .

    Hair loss happens for many different reasons, and not all of them are related to aging. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways you can prevent excessive hair loss without resorting to expensive products and prescription
    1
    Use essential oils combined with a scalp massage. Massage promotes good circulation in the scalp and increases blood flow to your follicles. Gently massage your scalp daily by hand for a couple of minutes. To enhance the message, use a few drops of lavender, rosemary, thyme, peppermint, or cedarwood essential oil in an almond, coconut, jojoba, grapeseed, or sesame oil base on your scalp.[1]
    While many claims to have success with this treatment, there currently is no clear scientific evidence of its effectiveness.
    2
    Use egg oil (eyova). While it isn’t scientifically proven to help, many think that egg oil can prevent hair loss. It may also be able to help stop graying, treat dandruff, and moisturize your hair. Massage egg oil into the scalp and leave on overnight.
    Shampoo off in the morning with a sulfate-free shampoo that’s mild and gentle. Use shampoo only once as repetition removes the natural lipids of hair, making it dry and brittle.
    People typically claim to see results when they use egg oil 2-3 times a week for at least 12 weeks. However, you may need to use it less frequently if you have protein-sensitive hair.
    Egg oil (eyova) is a convenient alternative to egg yolk masks and does not smell like raw egg yolks. There is no risk of salmonella, which could give you an infection.
    You can make egg oil at home, see How to Make Egg Oil at Home or buy it online.
    If making your own egg oil, you are at risk for contamination of salmonella. Be sure to wash your hands and work space thoroughly.
    3
    Restore moisture through hot oil treatments. When applied to the hair, hot oil can moisturize and also stimulate growth. You can use any natural oil including safflower and canola or olive oil.
    Heat the oil up so it is warm, but not too hot. The ideal temperature is not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Then, massage the oil into your scalp.
    Put on a shower cap for about 30 minutes. When the time is up, shampoo out the oil.
    Mayonnaise may also work well as a conditioner. Slather your hair with a generous dollop, put on a shower cap for up to an hour, and then rinse it out.
    4
    Rub rangoli henna into your hair. While not scientifically proven to work, many use rangoli henna for health and hair strength.This is a green powder that seals the hair cuticle, which strengthens the hair shaft at the root.[5]
    Henna is considered safe on the skin and hair for most people, but some have reactions to it. If you have a reaction, stop using it and consult your healthcare provider if necessary.
    Don’t use darker colored hennas, as these are usually unnatural and contain a chemical called p-phenylenediamin
    5
    Rub green tea into your hair. Green tea hasn’t yet been scientifically proven to effectively treat hair loss, but some studies have been done and the results suggest that it may be a promising treatment option. Green tea contains antioxidants, which may prevent hair loss and also help hair growth.[6]
    Brew 2 bags of green tea in 1 cup of water. Let the tea cool slightly, and then apply it to your hair.
    Leave the tea on for 1 hour. Then, rinse your hair thoroughly.

    Reply
  10. Jay

    All of your tips are fantastic. I have some issues with my hair right now and gladly that I found your article I hope this will help me. Thanks!

    Reply
  15. Como Acertar na Lotofácil

    I need to adopt all these tips for my life urgently! That’s why my hair has not been on my shoulders for years! I loved the tips and will certainly come back for more! Thank you!

    Reply
  19. saiba mais

    I loved the article and gotta put it into practice as soon as possible, lately I’m suffering a lot with hair loss, this post helped me a lot, I’m very grateful.

    Reply
  22. Wendy

    I have struggled with my hair for a long time now. I am quickly approaching my 30s and I have bad hair quality. Recently, I have also noticed that my hair has stopped growing as it used to. A few years ago I went to the salon on a monthly basis. Now, it takes me almost two months before I even need to cut my hair! I am desperate and I really need help right now. Hair is one of the most important parts of a woman and I don’t want to give up on this one. I went to the doctors but they didn’t found anything wrong with me. The exams I took showed that I am healthy and there’s no reason for this to even happen to me. Please, I really need hair advice urgently!

    Reply
    1. Chere Di Boscio

      Hi Wendy! Are you eating enough protein? Getting enough B vitamins? Perhaps a hair supplement can help? Even if you are healthy, your hormones may be out of balance, or you may be low in ferritin or iron.

      Reply
  23. Janio Fagundes

    It’s really true:”Men’s hair loss in particular has created a billion-dollar industry, with putative cures ranging from chemically laced topical treatments and drugs to transplants and—ugh—wigs. Yet hair-loss science is imperfect, uncertain and riddled with misinformation that allows companies to sell solutions that may or may not work.”

    Reply
  24. Faby Gon

    Very good written article. It will be supportive to anyone who utilizes it, including me.
    Keep doing what you are doing – can’r wait to read more posts.

    Reply

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