Thinning hair has a variety of causes ranging from genetic patterns, to thyroid disease, drug interactions, hormonal disturbances and nutritional deficiencies. Preventing hair loss requires a holistic approach involving nutrition, lifestyle adjustments and the addition of vitamin and herbal supplements to the daily diet. Some herbal supplements may cause side effects, so check with a health-care practitioner before staring a new treatment.
Nutrition
Nutrition encourages healthy blood flow to the scalp and nourishment for hair follicles, preventing hair loss and even helping to restore thinning hair. Eating a well-balanced diet and adding necessary vitamin supplementation is important.
Vitamin A stimulates hair growth and strengthens the hair follicles, according to Ohio State University. Vitamin B helps reduce hair loss due to increased stress levels and provides proper nerve function, according to University of Illinois at Urbana McKinley Health Center. Vitamin D stimulates hair growth and balances hormones, preventing hormonal deficiencies leading to hair loss, according to the Dermatology Online Journal from the University of California at Davis. Vitamin E encourages proper blood flow and circulation to the scalp, strengthening blood vessels. The addition of iron to the diet helps to oxygenate the blood, improving circulation to the scalp.
Lifestyle Changes
Adjusting lifelong habits can help reduce hair loss. Keeping the body hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water daily is important to grow healthy hair. Additional protein consumption in the diet encourages healthy hair growth. Alcohol and cigarette smoking reduce blood circulation, preventing the scalp from receiving adequate blood flow to hair follicles. Coloring and perming hair weakens the hair shaft with chemicals, encouraging hair to break and fall out. Brushing hair when it is wet and wearing it pulled back in a tight ponytail causes hair to stretch and break, placing strain on the scalp and roots.
Topical Treatments
Hot oil treatments applied to the hair and scalp help strengthen hair making it more pliable. Vitamin E oil can be added to hot oil treatments or applied to the scalp on its own to promote better blood flow to the scalp and the hair follicles. Topical commercial hair-loss preparations can stimulate hair re-growth.
Chinese Herbs for Hair Loss
Chinese herbs have been used for centuries to strengthen the blood and promote hair loss. The most popular Chinese herbal preparation for hair restoration is called Fo-Ti or He Shou Wu. Fo-Ti is not only recommended to prevent hair loss but also for restoring natural pigment to gray hair, according to the Ageless Herbs website.
Other Chinese herbs used to prevent hair loss are Ganoderma lucidum, or Reishi mushroom. This highly touted herb is known as the "mushroom of immortality" in China and enhances blood flow, promoting hair re-growth. Ligustrum lucidum promotes healthy blood flow and circulation to the scalp. Schisandra chinensis, or Wu Wei Zin, improves the quality of the skin on the body and scalp, and stimulates hair follicles.
Highly skilled herbalists often combine Chinese herbs into an herbal tonic. As with all herbs, there may be side effects, so caution is advised when using herbs. A consultation with an herbalist or doctor of Oriental medicine ahead of time will ensure the right herbs are prescribed for each individual.
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