Millions of men and women suffer from some degree of hair loss, which can greatly impact how they feel about themselves and how they believe others view them. While there are professional medical treatments available, they are prohibitively expensive for most people. They can also take a lot of time or require surgery, which is impractical or non-preferable for some. For this reason, easy-to-do home remedies are becoming very popular. Here are some of the best ones.
Video Overview
Massage
Like with the rest of the body, massaging the scalp draws more blood flow to the area. As a result, your hair and follicles receive more nourishment and oxygen, which are critical for healthy hair growth. Best of all, it doesn’t have to be a professional massage. Scalp massage is an easy technique you can perform at your convenience. As a side benefit, massaging the scalp is a great way to reduce stress, which is a major cause of hair loss.
Topical Treatments
Hair loss can be prevented through external means, too, and using topical preventatives is a great accompaniment to massage. Shampoos and other hair products containing zinc will strengthen hair and keep your scalp in good condition. There are also products available containing cayenne pepper or capsaicin. These work by warming the scalp and increasing blood flow to it.
Oatmeal
Having some oats every day is one of the easiest things you can do for hair loss prevention. Oatmeal, particularly the steel-cut variety, contains an enzyme that helps block testosterone from becoming DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is linked to male hair loss. By this same mechanism, it can also help improve your sex life.
Seafood
Seafood is rich in many nutrients that support hair growth and scalp maintenance. Oysters are rich in zinc, crab and lobster contain a lot of copper, and many types of fish contain ample amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating seafood two or three times per week can help you hold on to your hair.
Citrus Fruit
Consider zesting up your diet with some citrus fruit. Its vitamin C content helps your body make collagen, which is important for follicle and skin health. The oils from the peel can even be used topically as an anti-fungal treatment for the scalp.
Nuts
If you ever needed an excuse to enjoy nuts, you have one now. Peanuts, tree nuts and even coconuts are full of hair-nourishing goodness. Vitamins B and E, as well as the minerals selenium, copper, manganese, phosphorus and magnesium, work together to give you healthy, vibrant hair that resists damage. Some of the best nuts for this purpose are macadamias, Brazil nuts, walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts.
Sun Exposure
It’s been known for a long time that a bit of sunshine is good for you, but researchers are now finding that it can help prevent hair loss. Vitamin D, which humans produce through sun exposure, is closely tied to hair quality and quantity. In animal studies, there was a direct relationship between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss. Try to spend between 15 and 30 minutes soaking in the sun every day. The more of your skin you can expose to it, the better. For a little additional vitamin D, try eating fresh mushrooms.
If you’re worried about losing your hair, it’s important to take steps to prevent it. By introducing some different methods, you can ensure that your hair is here to stay.