Hair thinning can be a distressing experience, affecting both men and women. However, women tend to be more prone to hair thinning due to various reasons such as hormonal changes, stress, and nutritional deficiencies. As an Ayurvedic doctor, I have seen many patients struggling with hair thinning and the impact it has on their overall well-being.
If you are experiencing hair thinning, it is essential to identify the root cause and take corrective measures to prevent further damage. In this article, I will share my expertise on the 5 highly effective Ayurvedic ways to stop hair thinning and thicken hair naturally.
So, get ready to know the causes of hair thinning and all natural holistic Ayurvedic remedies to prevent further hair loss. This post will give you all the necessary tools to make your hair thicker, promote hair growth and regain your confidence.
Understanding the Causes of Hair Thinning in Women
Hair thinning can be caused by various factors, including medical conditions, hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies, stress, and lifestyle factors. Here are the most common causes of hair thinning and how they affect your hair growth:
A. Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a medical condition that can cause hair thinning. It is a form of temporary hair loss that occurs due to physical or emotional stress on the body. The condition causes an increased number of hair follicles to enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, leading to hair thinning and shedding. This type of hair loss is usually temporary and can be reversed once the underlying cause is addressed.
B. Hormonal Changes and Imbalances
Hormonal changes and imbalances are another common cause of hair thinning, especially in women. Hormonal changes during menopause, pregnancy, and childbirth can cause hair to become thinner. Androgenic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss, is another condition that can cause hair to thin due to hormonal imbalances. The condition is characterized by an excess of androgens, male hormones that women also have in their bodies.
C. Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can cause hair thinning and affect hair growth. Nutrients such as iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D are essential for healthy hair growth. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to hair thinning and loss. Iron deficiency, in particular, is a common cause of hair thinning in women.
D. Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Stress and lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise can also contribute to hair thinning. Stress causes hormonal imbalances in the body, leading to hair thinning and shedding. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the scalp, affecting hair growth. Poor diet and lack of exercise can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, causing hair thinning and loss.
Ayurvedic Perspective of Thinning Hair
According to Ayurveda, hair thinning occurs due to an imbalance of the Vata and Pitta doshas, which govern the nervous system and metabolism, respectively.
Vata is responsible for the movement of all things in the body, including blood and nutrients to the hair follicles. When Vata is imbalanced, there may not be enough nourishment reaching the hair follicles, which can lead to weak and thinning hair.
On the other hand, Pitta is responsible for the transformation of nutrients into useful substances in the body, including the conversion of food into the necessary building blocks for hair growth. When Pitta is imbalanced, it can result in inflammation and an accumulation of toxins in the scalp, which can damage hair follicles and lead to hair thinning and hair loss.
Additionally, excessive heat and stress can also increase Pitta, which can further aggravate hair thinning and hair loss. Therefore, Ayurvedic treatment for hair thinning and hair loss involves restoring the balance of Vata and Pitta in the body. This can be achieved through a combination of diet, lifestyle modifications, and the use of Ayurvedic herbs and oils.
Ayurvedic herbs such as Bhringraj, Brahmi, Amla, Neem, and Shikakai are effective to promote detoxification and circulation in the scalp, thus supporting healthy hair growth. These herbs can be used in the form of oils, powders, or supplements to nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth.
Can You Make Your Hair Thicker?
Many people with thinning hair wonder if it’s possible to regain the thickness they once had. While there is no guaranteed way to completely reverse hair thinning, there are several natural ways you can adopt to promote healthy hair growth and thickness.
In this section, we will discuss the science behind hair growth, lifestyle changes, and vitamins and supplements that can help you make your hair thicker.
The Science Behind Hair Growth
To understand how to promote thicker hair, it’s important to understand the hair growth cycle. Hair goes through three stages of growth: anagen, catagen, and telogen.
- Anagen is the active growth phase, during which hair follicles produce new hair cells. During the anagen phase, hair grows actively. This phase typically lasts 2-7 years.
- Catagen is the transition phase, during which hair follicles shrink and detach from the scalp. During the catagen phase, hair growth slows down.
- Telogen is the resting phase, during which hair follicles remain dormant for several months before new hair growth begins. During this phase, hair growth stops and the hair falls out.
Hair thinning can occur when the hair follicles enter the telogen phase too soon, or if the anagen phase is too short. Thus to promote hair thickness, it’s important to focus on the anagen phase, as this is when hair follicles are actively producing new hair cells.
To extend the anagen phase, you can stimulate blood flow to the scalp through massage, exercise, and a healthy diet. This helps to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth and thickness.
1. Vitamins and Supplements to Hair Thickness
Proper growth of hair tissues depends on nutritional sufficiency of a number of minerals and vitamins. Here are the most important nutrients that you should make sure to include in your diet or take them via supplements:
- Biotin: Biotin is a B vitamin that promotes healthy hair growth and thickness.
- Iron: Iron is essential for healthy hair growth. Iron deficiency can cause hair thinning and loss.
- Zinc: Zinc is essential for healthy hair growth and can help prevent hair loss.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for healthy hair growth and thickness. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to hair loss.
2. Lifestyle Changes to Thicken Hair Naturally
Making simple lifestyle changes can also promote hair thickness. Here are some tips:
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. A healthy, balanced diet can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to promote hair growth and thickness. Include foods like green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains, which will give you hair healthy nutrients as protein, iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D from your diet.
- Self Care: Regular exercise can improve blood flow to the scalp, promoting hair growth and thickness. In addition, stress can contribute to hair thinning and loss. Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to manage stress levels.
- Use Ayurvedic Hair Growth Oils: Ayurvedic hair growth oils, for which you will find an easy recipe below, contain natural ingredients that help promote hair growth and thicken hair. These oils penetrate deep into the scalp, providing nourishment to hair follicles and promoting healthy hair growth.
- Massage Your Scalp: Massaging your scalp increases blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth and thickness. Use your fingers to gently massage your scalp for a few minutes every day.
- Avoid Heat Styling Tools: Heat styling tools like hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage hair, causing it to become thin and brittle. In addition, Harsh chemicals and tight hairstyles can damage hair and lead to thinning. Avoid using these tools as much as possible, or use them sparingly. Avoid these treatments and tools, instead opt for gentle hair care routines.
- Use Natural Shampoos: Traditional shampoos can contain harsh chemicals that strip hair of its natural oils and cause damage. Instead, use natural shampoos that are free of sulfates, parabens, and other harmful ingredients.
3. Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies for Hair Regrowth
Herbs are an essential component of Ayurvedic hair care. They are used to promote scalp circulation, detoxify the scalp, and promote healthy hair growth. Some of the best Ayurvedic herbs for hair growth include:
- Bhringraj: Bhringraj is known as the “king of herbs” in Ayurveda and is used to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. It helps to improve scalp circulation, strengthen hair follicles, and nourish the hair.
- Brahmi: Brahmi is a powerful Ayurvedic herb that is used to calm the mind and promote mental clarity. It is also used to promote hair growth and strengthen hair follicles.
- Amla: Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants. It helps to nourish the hair and scalp, prevent premature greying, and promote healthy hair growth.
- Neem: Neem is a powerful Ayurvedic herb that is used to treat a variety of skin and hair problems. It helps to detoxify the scalp, promote healthy hair growth, and prevent dandruff and other scalp infections.
4. Recipe for Ayurvedic Hair Regrowth Herbal Oil
To make an Ayurvedic hair growth oil, you can use a combination of hair healthy herbs as bhringraj, brahmi, amla and neem. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp bhringraj powder
- 2 tbsp brahmi powder
- 2 tbsp amla powder
- 2 tbsp neem powder
- 1 cup coconut oil
Directions:
- Mix all the powders together in a bowl.
- Heat the coconut oil in a pan until it melts.
- Add the herb mixture to the pan and stir well.
- Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Strain the oil into a clean bottle and store in a cool, dry place.
To use, massage the oil into your scalp and hair, leave it on for at least an hour, and then wash your hair as usual. Repeat this treatment once a week for best results.
5. Step by Step Ayurvedic Hair Masssage
Ayurvedic hair massage, also known as champi, is a therapeutic way of nourishing the scalp and promoting hair growth. Performing Ayurvedic hair massage regularly can help to promote healthy hair growth, reduce hair fall, and relieve stress. Here are the steps to perform an Ayurvedic hair massage:
- Warm the oil: Heat the herbal hair oil slightly by placing the bottle in a bowl of hot water. The warm oil will penetrate the scalp better and provide more nourishment to the hair follicles.
- Divide hair into sections: Part your hair into sections, and apply the oil to the roots of the hair in small amounts.
- Massage the scalp: Using the fingertips, gently massage the scalp in circular motions. Apply light pressure, and cover the entire scalp.
- Apply oil to hair strands: Apply the remaining oil to the length of your hair strands, and massage gently.
- Leave the oil on: Cover your hair with a shower cap or towel, and leave the oil on for at least an hour. You can also leave it on overnight for maximum benefits.
- Rinse and wash: After an hour, rinse your hair with warm water, followed by a gentle shampoo.
Conclusion
Dealing with hair thinning and hair loss can be challenging and emotionally draining. However, with Ayurveda, there is hope for a permanent solution. By understanding the underlying causes of your hair thinning, making lifestyle changes, and using Ayurvedic remedies, you can naturally promote hair regrowth and thickness.
At Medhya Herbals, our Ayurvedic doctors specialize in treating hair thinning and hair loss using natural and personalized approaches. Our herbal hair growth oil and other remedies are formulated with specific Ayurvedic herbs that promote scalp circulation, detoxification, and healthy hair growth.
If you are struggling with hair thinning, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our Ayurvedic doctors to create a personalized treatment plan that works for you. We are committed to helping you achieve healthy and thick hair naturally.
References
- Telogen effluvium: A review – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606321/
- Hormones and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know – https://www.healthline.com/health/hormones-and-hair-loss
- Nutritional factors and hair loss – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/
- Psychological stress and hair loss – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
- Ayurvedic approach to hair loss and hair care – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3690252/
- Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Hair Loss – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/
- The role of scalp massage in promoting hair growth – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29368863/
- Effect of Indian head massage on alopecia – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29037680/
- Hair loss and its management in Ayurveda – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321124957_Hair_Loss_and_Its_Management_in_Ayurveda_A_Critical_Review
- Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746576/