Hair loss is a common problem that affects many people at some point in life. Culprit factors include medical conditions, poor diet, genetics, stress and anxiety, infection of the scalp or hormonal changes. If you are worried about it, consulting your doctor may be necessary. Alternatively, follow the simple home remedies below to improve strength and vitality of your hair and reduce hair fall.

How to Reduce Hair Fall

1. Give Your Hair Some TLC (Tender Loving Care)

Like the rest of your body, your hair and scalp need care.

• Regularly massaging your scalp with coconut oil or olive oil will stimulate blood flow.
• Avoid using tongs and curling irons on your hair as much as possible. This practice weakens your hair and makes it thin.
• Avoid tight hairstyles such as buns and braids because they put a strain on your hair and compromise your hairline.
• Oil your hair regularly with light, non-greasy hair products.
• When combing your hair, start by finger-combing it before using a wide-toothed comb.

2. Keep It Clean

Always keep your hair and scalp clean. Wash your hair twice a week but not daily as this will remove moisture and natural oils. After washing your hair, use a soft towel to dry it. The best option is a microfiber cloth that will not strain your hair.

When considering how to reduce hair fall, note that your hair is weak when wet. Therefore, avoid vigorous combing when wet. Another option is to air dry your hair and avoid the towel altogether. Unclean hair and scalp may lead to infections that may eventually lead to hair loss and other problems.

3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals on Your Hair

To keep your hair healthy, bouncy and full, you need to avoid harsh chemical treatments. Completely avoid hair treatments that are alcohol or silicone based. Also keep off hair treatments containing parabens. Instead, go for hair products that are mild and made from natural products such as coconut, olive, and jojoba oils. Such products constitute the path to reducing hair fall.

4. Avoid Stress

Stress has negative effects on your health, both mentally and physically. It can also cause hair loss. Avoid any stressful situations when possible, and practice meditation techniques, yoga or regularly go to the gym.

5. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Drinking eight glasses is not only good for glowing skin, stomach and brain, it is also great for your hair. Staying hydrated catalyzes hair growth. The evidence of inadequate water intake can be seen in dry, brittle hair, leading to hair fall. On the other hand, keeping yourself hydrated will result in glossier, shinier and smoother hair.

6. Eat a Healthy Balanced Diet

Healthy eating contributes to a healthy head of hair; after all you are what you eat involves your hair as well. Most of the time, hair loss can be attributed to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Zinc, iron, vitamin B complex, vitamin A, and vitamin C, besides omega-3 fatty acids are some of the nutrients that stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss.

• Incorporate whole grains, green leafy vegetables, carrots, citrus fruits, seafood, nuts and cheese in your diet. Yogurt and eggs also have amazing benefits for your hair.
• Avoid junk food at all costs. Fatty foods and carbonated drinks are a no-no when your hair is falling off. Also, reduce your intake of processed carbohydrates.
• Eat a protein diet that consists of white meat and seafood such as oysters, salmon, and tuna. Proteins are essential in production of keratin which is a significant component of the structure of hair.

7. See Your Doctor

If you experience a significant amount of hair loss or are concerned about falling hair, visit your doctor for further assessment. If no serious medical condition exists, your doctor will recommend some options to restore your hair, such as medications, laser treatment, or surgery if necessary.

Home Remedies to Reduce Hair Loss

1. Hair Oil Massage

Massaging your scalp stimulates blood circulation to the scalp and in turn, stimulates hair growth. It also strengthens the roots and moisturizes your hair. Use coconut, jojoba, olive or castor oil to gently massage your scalp, especially along the hair lines.

Do the following for best results:

• Mix the oils, e.g., rosemary and argan and use the mixture to massage the scalp with your fingertips. Massage in circular motion while applying gentle pressure.
• Do this once or twice a week, and you will get amazing results.

2. Indian Gooseberry

The fruit contains high antioxidant properties and is rich in vitamin C. The fruit or oil will work great for your scalp and hair.

• Mix the oil or pulp with lime juice and massage your scalp and hair with it.
• Put on a shower cap and allow it to sit for two hours or overnight.
• Wash hair thoroughly, oil and comb as desired.

3. Fenugreek

How to reduce hair fall? Fenugreek makes your hair shine, and prevents hair loss, dandruff and immature graying. Fenugreek seeds contain hormones that promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. To get the most out of these precious seeds, do the following:

• Soak seeds overnight and strain the water in the morning. Spray it generously on your hair and leave it on for a while before washing it out.
• Crush the soaked seeds into a pulp and apply it on your hair, starting from the scalp working to the hair strands. Leave this for about one hour before washing off.
• For long-term use, soak fenugreek seeds in coconut oil or olive oil and leave for about a month tucked away from indirect sunlight. Strain this mixture and use the oil to massage your scalp and hairline.

4. Onion Juice

Onions are high in sulfur which prevents hair loss and promotes blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles. Onion juice also helps in regenerating the hair follicles and reduces inflammation and itchiness. Since it has antibacterial properties, onion juice helps fight common scalp infections, germs and hair parasites.

• Strain the juice from a grated onion and apply it directly onto your scalp and hair follicles. Leave it on for half an hour, and then rinse off.
• Mix onion juice, aloe vera, and coconut oil and apply onto your scalp and hair. Leave for half an hour before shampooing.
• Repeat the above treatments twice a week for four weeks.

5. Licorice Root

When considering ways of how to reduce hair fall, note that licorice root opens up hair pores besides calming skin irritations. To prevent hair loss, follow the following procedure:

• Apply paste made from ground licorice root, milk and saffron onto your hair and leave overnight.
• Wash off using a gentle shampoo.