An article published by Mayo Clinic provides a great overview on the topic of hair loss.
They discuss the common symptoms of hair loss, what the causes may be, risk factors you need to know, and preventative actions you can take.
We’re about to explore various hair loss solutions, one of which may change your (hair) life.
Let’s dive right in.
Why is hair loss so common?
Having a family history of hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss.
This condition is known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness.
Hormonal changes, medications, stress, radiation therapy, medical conditions, certain hairstyles and treatments can also cause hair loss.
How effect are scalp massages for hair growth?
Studies have shown that scalp massages can increase hair thickness by stretching the cells of the hair follicles.
It can also help dilate blood vessels under the skin, encouraging hair growth in the process.
A small study published on NCBI found scalp massages resulted in increased hair thickness.
Here are the key takeaways from this study:
9 Japanese men aged 25 to 46 years participated in this study (subjects showed no signs of hair loss).
The control method for this study was to leave one side of the head “un-scalp-massaged”.
The experimentation method was to apply scalp massages to the other side of the head.
A Head Spa Scalp Aesthetic Massager (the Panasonic EH-HM75) was used throughout this experiment on the 9 Japanese male participants.
The following 3 key measurements to captured multiple times throughout the 24 weeks of this experiment:
- Total Hair Number
- Hair Thickness
- Hair Growth Rate
Measurements were captured at the initial 0, 4, 12, and 24 week checkpoints where they measured the 3 key measurements of the 9 Japanese male participants.
The 0, 4, 12 and 24 week checkpoints consisted of applying scalp massages, clipping the participant’s hair and collecting hair measurements.
So after the 24 weeks, what did the researchers find?
The Good News – The scalp massage showed a significant increase in Hair Thickness
The Bad News – The scalp massage did not show anything significant to Hair Growth Rate
This study shows how scalp massages can show a significant improvement on hair thickness, if applied with the rigor set in-place for this 24 week experiment.
This study also helps to debunk potential myths around if scalp massages can show a significant improvement on hair growth rate and overall hair density.
Consider yourself a certified scalp-massage-pseudo-expert.
What are more treatments for hair growth?
Let’s take a look at some natural way to repair damaged hair, along with some of the best treatments for hair growth.
Avocado Hair Mask
You can apply avocado mixed with egg on your hair. Avocado is rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids that can help repair damaged hair.
Alternately, you can also use olive oil and butter.
Rosemary Oil
Placing a drop or two of rosemary oil on your shampoo before massaging it into your scalp has been proven effective by dermatologists in promoting hair growth.
As a bonus, your hair will smell amazing.
Collagen Powder
Studies suggest that marine-sourced collagen can stimulate hair growth.
In one research, participants have reported having thicker hair after taking collagen daily for six months.
You can easily mix collagen with water, coffee, or tea.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is a probable cause of hair thinning.
If your hair loss is caused by vitamin D deficiency then it will not be solved by using hair loss products.
Only vitamin D supplementation can solve your problem.
Here are the best vitamins and supplements for hair growth:
Vitamin A – Needed by all cells for growth. Hair tissues are the fastest growing tissue in the body.
Vitamin C – It can help get rid of free radicals that can block hair growth.
Vitamin E – Also a powerful antioxidant that can eliminate free radicals.
Biotin – Biotin-deficiency is linked to hair loss.
Learn more on nutrition and how to avoid common nutrition myths.
How often you should wash your hair?
There is no universal answer to this question.
Hair washing frequency should mainly depend on the type of hair you have.
If you have flat and fine hair or oily hair then you should wash your hair every other day at least.
If you have normal or damaged hair then you should just wash your hair every 2 to 3 days.
If you have thick and coil-y hair then you can just wash your hair 1 to 2 times per week.
Shampoo for oily hair and hair moisturizer?
If you have oily hair then you should look for shampoos that have the words strengthening, volumizing, and smoothing on the label.
These are non-moisturizing shampoos and can even remove excess oil.
If your scalp is super oily then you can try using a clarifying shampoo.
Avoid overusing it though because it can dry out your scalp and a dry scalp can actually stimulate more oil production.
Using a hair moisturizer before and after showering can help prevent hair fall.
It can also strengthen the hair and promote overall hair health.
It is particularly important to use a moisturizer after shampooing your hair.
While it can clean your hair, shampoo can also wash away the hair’s natural oils that keep it nourished.
