According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common causes of hair loss are hormonal changes and irritation or damage to the scalp or hair follicles. While gradual hair loss is normal as you age, there may be some home remedies that can help you keep your full head of hair as long as possible. However, these remedies have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for effectiveness, so you should talk to your general practitioner before applying any new treatments to the skin and hair.
Rosemary and Sage Essential Oils
A mixture of rosemary and sage essential oils has been used for many years to combat hair loss in Ayurvedic beauty care, according to Melanie A. Sachs, author of "Ayurvedic Beauty Care." To use rosemary and sage essential oils, combine 1/2 tsp. of each essential oil with 2 tbsp. of a carrier oil such as olive oil, avocado oil or vitamin E oil. Gently rub the mixture into the scalp and roots of the hair follicles and put a towel around your head to keep the oil off your skin and clothes. Leave the mixture in your hair for 60 minutes before washing the oils out with a gentle shampoo. Let the hair dry naturally after washing. Note that it is very important that you use carrier oil when applying essential oils, as using pure essential oils could irritate the skin and scalp. Rosemary and sage essential oils can be used on a daily basis as long as no irritation occurs.
Yucca Root
According to Melanie A. Sachs, author of "Ayurvedic Beauty Care", applying yucca root to the scalp and hair is a common folk remedy for hair loss. To use yucca root, crush a fresh 2-inch piece of the root in a mortar and pestle after removing the brown outer layer with the back of a spoon or sharp knife. Rub the yucca root in your hands while in the shower and shampoo your hair with the lather. Alternatively, you can mix 2 tbsp. powdered yucca root with 12 oz. of water and use that liquid to wash the hair. Rinse your hair gently after using dry yucca root or yucca powder and let the hair dry naturally without drying. Yucca root can be used daily as long as it does not irritate your scalp.
Beet Root
According to Jethro Kloss, author of "Back to Eden: Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Food and Home Remedies Since 1939," beet root applied to the hair can help slow the hair loss process. To use beet root to stop hair loss, blend a 3-inch piece of beet root in the blender with 1/2 cup of distilled water and blend until the mixture forms a moderately thick paste. Apply the beet root paste to the scalp with clean fingertips and gently massage the area for two to three minutes. Wrap a towel around your head and leave the mixture in for 25 to 30 minutes before rinsing the mixture out and washing the hair with a gentle shampoo. Alternately, 2 tablespoons of beet root powder can be mixed with 1 cup of distilled water and used in the same manner as the homemade beet root paste. Beet root paste can be applied on a daily basis. However, stop using the paste if it irritates your scalp.
References
- "Ayurvedic Beauty Care"; Melanie A. Sachs; 1994
- "Back to Eden: Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Food and Home Remedies Since 1939"; Jethro Kloss; 2004
- Mayo Clinic: Hair Loss: Causes
Member Comments