Hair Loss
Description
This page has 66 references
"Hair Loss" is a condition where thinning or shedding of hair occurs due to genetics, hormonal changes, or stress. It may present as gradual thinning, bald spots, or excessive shedding during brushing. Life events like pregnancy or illness can also trigger loss. Identifying the root cause is essential to choose the right treatment. Nutritional support, stress reduction, and scalp care can help restore volume. In some cases, medications or hair restoration therapies may be needed.
Symptoms & Signs
Body System
Skin, Hair and Nails
Causes
Hormonal Imbalance, Nutritional Deficiencies, Hypothyrodism, Gluten Intolerance, Medications, Illness, Skin Conditions, Poor Circulation, Stress
Things To Do
The diet for hair loss should include:
whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, whole grains, and legumes.
foods rich in vitamin B7 [biotin], such as salmon, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, etc.
foods rich in vitamin C, such as dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes, berries, citrus fruit, kiwis, etc.
foods containing vitamin E, such as leafy greens, red bell peppers, pumpkin, seeds, nuts, etc.
omega-3-rich foods, such as fatty fish, seafood, avocados, nuts, seeds, etc.
sufficient hydration, such as drinking mineral or spring water.
The following practices can improve hair loss:
using mild and non-toxic shampoos and conditioners.
gentle brushing. Use a brush that has flexible bristles, such as a boar bristle brush. It will minimize hair damage.
blow-dry your hair. Make sure, however, that the temperature of the air isn't too hot, and end it when your hair is 90% dry.
using a towel, gently pat the water out of your hair after washing it.
Use a hair wrap or a scarf to protect your hair against damage while you are sleeping.
Things To Avoid
The following dietary choices do not support hair health:
processed, junk, and fast foods.
sugar, sugary snacks, desserts, and sugary beverages.
refined carbohydrates.
low-fat diet, which can lead to brittle and dry hair.
excessive alcohol consumption.
dehydration.
undereating and drastic calorie restriction.
foods, especially fish and seafood, high in mercury.
foods you are allergic to or intolerant of.
Furthermore, avoid the following:
high-heat hair treatments such as hair straighteners, curlurs, etc.
harsh chemicals.
pulling your hair and wearing it in a high, tight ponytail or bun.
getting your hair wet in swimming pool water. Chlorine is highly damaging. Make sure to use a protective cap.
medications that can cause hair loss, such as antibiotics, anticoagulants, antisepressants, endocrine drugs, chemotherapy drugs, and more.
sudden and drastic weight loss.
excessive stress.
Supplements
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements directly affect hair loss by supporting follicle health, promoting hair growth cycles, or addressing nutritional deficiencies linked to thinning hair.
Iron: Iron improves circulation and oxygen delivery to hair roots, promoting growth and preventing thinning. Maintaining iron levels can help prevent hair loss and support longer, healthier hair.
Vitamin B7 [Biotin]: Biotin (B7) plays a direct role in keratin infrastructure and is often deficient in those with chronic hair loss. Supplementation improves strand strength and growth in clinical and anecdotal settings.
Zinc: Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss similar to iron deficiency and cause weakened, brittle hair. Adequate zinc levels help maintain hair strength and prevent further breakage.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency is linked to hair loss due to its role in maintaining healthy hair follicles. Adequate Vitamin D supports hair growth and reduces thinning.
Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B complex promotes red blood cell production, ensuring oxygen delivery to the scalp and supporting hair growth. A deficiency in biotin, part of this group, is directly linked to hair loss.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A supports the regeneration of hair follicles, promoting healthy cell growth. Adequate levels of vitamin A can prevent hair loss caused by poor cell turnover.
Collagen: Collagen provides amino acids that reinforce the structural proteins in hair follicles and skin. It improves follicle strength and helps prevent thinning with age.
Methylsulfonylmethane [MSM]: MSM, a sulfur compound, strengthens hair by contributing to the formation of keratin, the protein that makes up hair strands.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These supplements do not target hair loss directly but may support hormonal balance, reduce oxidative stress, or improve nutrient absorption relevant to hair health.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, improving scalp circulation and creating a healthy environment for hair growth. Its protective effects may help reduce hair thinning and loss.
Selenium: Selenium contributes to thyroid function and reduces oxidative damage in hair follicles. Its indirect role supports scalp balance and helps stabilize hormonal causes of hair loss.
Natural Compounds
These natural compounds may help manage hair loss by nourishing follicles, supporting scalp health, or reducing environmental and internal stressors.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft, reduces protein loss, and protects against environmental damage. It supports scalp hydration and follicle health.
Castor Oil: Castor oil improves blood flow to the scalp and provides ricinoleic acid, which supports stronger hair growth. Often used topically for spot thinning.
Argan Oil: Argan oil strengthens brittle strands, offers vitamin E, and supports scalp elasticity. Useful for damage prevention and hydration.
Plant Extracts
Direct Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These plant extracts directly support hair regrowth by stimulating follicles, improving scalp circulation, or reducing inflammation that affects hair density.
Saw Palmetto: MSM supports the production of keratin, strengthening hair strands and reducing breakage. By improving hair structure, MSM may help reduce hair loss.
Epigallocatechin Gallate [EGCG]: EGCG, an antioxidant in green tea, promotes hair growth by stimulating follicles and inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme involved in hair loss. This makes EGCG effective in maintaining strong, healthy hair.
Rosemary Essential Oil: Rosemary essential oil’s antioxidant and antimicrobial properties protect hair follicles from damage, promoting hair growth. Its ability to inhibit DHT may help reduce hair thinning.
Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract contains EGCG and other polyphenols that reduce inflammation and support follicle vitality. Used both orally and topically, it helps limit oxidative damage and prolongs the growth phase.
Ginseng Extract: Ginseng stimulates hair follicles, promoting increased growth and preventing hair thinning. Its revitalizing properties support stronger, healthier hair and reduce hair loss.
Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint essential oil promotes scalp circulation, improving nutrient delivery to hair follicles. This circulation boost helps reduce thinning and stimulates hair growth.
Stinging Nettle Extract: Nettle root may reduce 5-alpha reductase activity and lower DHT levels, which are associated with androgenic hair loss. It also offers mild anti-inflammatory benefits to the scalp.
Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender essential oil’s antioxidant and antimicrobial properties defend hair follicles and promote a healthy scalp, reducing hair thinning and supporting new growth.
Indirect Support
(Most Helpful → Least Helpful)
These extracts do not act directly on hair loss but may support stress reduction, detoxification, or hormonal regulation that influences hair quality.
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
Alternative Treatments
These alternative therapies support hair growth, improve scalp health, and promote follicle resilience in individuals experiencing hair loss.
Microneedling: Microneedling stimulates collagen production and improves blood flow to dormant follicles. It is clinically validated for androgenic alopecia and improves topical nutrient absorption.
Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy reactivates resting follicles by energizing mitochondria. Shown to improve hair density and thickness when used consistently.
Ayurveda: Ayurvedic hair protocols combine herbs like bhringraj and amla with oil-based massage and dietary modification. This holistic approach promotes scalp resilience and hair restoration.
Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy with essential oils like rosemary and lavender improves scalp health by enhancing circulation and reducing inflammation, which may help prevent hair thinning and stimulate growth.
Massage Therapy: Massage therapy, particularly scalp massages, improves circulation to hair follicles, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen. This process supports stronger hair growth and may reduce hair thinning.
Functional Lab Tests You May Wish to Explore
Books Worth Considering for Deeper Insight
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Podcasts That Offer Valuable Perspectives
Currently, no high-quality books meeting our functional, integrative, and natural healing standards are available for this condition. As soon as trusted resources are published, we will review and feature them here.
Educational Videos To Learn From
How Key Nutrients Support the Body
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Essential Nutrients Explained
References
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