In a society which appearances are highly valued, the experience of losing your hair can be devastating. There are various reasons why you may have thinning hair, ranging from a genetic condition to a nutrient deficient diet. Before trying a natural remedy, you should consult your primary care provider to determine the root cause of your condition.
Conditions
Alopecia and male pattern baldness are two common conditions that cause thinning hair. According to the July 2010 "New York Times" article, "A 'Forest Fire of Hair Loss,' and Its Scars," alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that can leave sufferers with little to no hair all over their body. Some sufferers of alopecia may experience the restoration of their hair, while others may not. According to the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), male pattern baldness is a genetic disorder that results in the thinning of hair in about 50 percent of men over the age of 50 years. Natural remedies are often used to prolong or alleviate the symptoms of these conditions, but not cure them.
Other Causes
You may experience thinning hair without having alopecia or male pattern baldness. According to UMMS, thinning hair can be the result of a medication side effect, other immune disorder, nutrient deficiency or hormonal imbalance. At times stress can be so severe that it causes hair loss. Even food allergens and the excessive or improper use of chemical hair treatments can leave your hair brittle and damaged.
Lifestyle Changes
Correcting hair loss may require a few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle. Eliminating caffeine, refined foods, trans-fats and any possible food allergens from your diet can improve your overall health and, thus, the health of your hair, states UMMS. Additionally, you should carefully abide by manufacturer instructions for chemical hair treatments, consult a dermatologist or professional hair stylist for the best treatment schedule or allow your hair to rejuvenate by not using any harsh products.
Supplements
Supplementing your diet with vital nutrients can improve the condition of your hair. UMMS recommends a multivitamin that is rich in vitamins A, C, E and B-complex as well the trace minerals of magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium. It also suggests taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement like fish oil. You should consult your primary care provider before taking any supplements as they can interfere with medications and exacerbate certain conditions.
Herbal Remedies
The herb gingko biloba is recommended by UMMS to help those suffering from alopecia due to its high antioxidant content and ability to promote circulation. This site also provides the recipe for a topical lotion made of three to four drops each of peppermint, rosemary and sage oil mixed with 1 tbsp. of vegetable or olive oil that can be massaged directly into a thinning area of your scalp one to two times per day to alleviate inflammation. These herbal treatments can interfere with some alopecia treatments; therefore, you should consult your primary care provider before using herbal treatments.
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