How to Stop Hair Fall with 3 Easy Steps

How to Stop Hair Fall with Medicine, better diet plan and healthy hair care routine including hair oiling, hair massage and hair mask.

Hair is simply made up of keratin protein, having an important social impact of a person. However, it is made up of dead cells but still, you need to take care of them. In this article of how to stop hair fall with 3 easy steps, we’ll discuss the root cause of hair problems and diet along with some important tips. 

Before that, we’ll discuss the anatomy of hair, and hair cycle in brief because it is important to know the very basic details.

Structure of Hair

It is broadly divided into four main parts. These are-

Hair shaft–

The outer part of the hair which we can see, touch, or comb. the hair shaft is the dead part of the hair.

Hair bulb –

It is the living part of hair made up of keratin protein. It regularly multiple and generate new cells which when fully keratinized becomes dead and comes out of the skin called the hair shaft.

Dermal papilla –

It surrounds the hair bulb. It contains dermal tissue and blood vessels. It plays a very important role in hair growth as it provides nutrients through the blood supply and signals of growth.

Stem cell/ hair bulge –

it is the non-cycle part of hair i.e, it the permanent part of the hair. It serves as the reservoir for hair follicles and responsible for new hair growth. 

Every structure out of these plays an important role in hair growth and maintenance.

Hair Cycle-

Our whole-body skin is surrounded by hair and hair follicles except for eyelids, lips, palm, and feet. And there is a continuous hair cycle. You may have observed that after hair fall there is the growth of new hair upon that area. This is because of the hair cycle, which contains three major phases namely, anagen, catagen, and telogen. 

The anagen phase is the 1st stage which growth phase of hair. It might last long-form 2, 4, 6 to 8 years ( mostly 6 years on an average). The main thing to note down is that, as long as this anagen phase continues, the length of hair can be seen. Your hair grows approx 1 cm per month or 1 foot per year. And since male continuously cut there hair it can’t determine the longevity of the anagen phase but it can mostly be seen in females. 

In the catagen phase, the growth of hair eventually stops and prepare to move in the resting phase. It is the transition period and lasts long for 2 to 2.5 weeks i.e. the hair bulb stops growing and prepare itself for shedding. The time between this is called transition phase or catagen phase. During this phase, the hair bulb gets the signal to stop the growth phase and start resting phase. 

Telogen is the last phase of our hair cycle. It is also called the resting phase. This last long for 2, 3 or 4 months only. In this phase, the hair follicles start with the growth of new hair which pushes the previous resting phase hair upward towards the scalp and cause hair fall naturally. You may be broadly divided telogen phase in two parts 

 a) Where the growth or hair already stops due to the lack of blood supply ( the hair bulb and hair shaft move upward towards the skin of scalp from the dermal papilla) and growth signals and lack of nutrition. 

b) After lack of these supplies hair become weak, after some weeks of resting phase it dislodges from the scalp ( not immediately but after some days) called dislodgement. At the same time, new hair grows.

With the end of the telogen phase, it started with the news cycle. This is what we see in the daily routine. And it is normal to have 50-100 hair sheds. And there are approx 10-20 hair cycle of 2-8 years in your whole life. 

Hair Fall Cause 

The aetiology behind hair fall lies between the two phases i.e. the anagen phase gets shorter and telogen phase increase. In short, we can say that the growth phase decrease or suspended and shedding phase increase. 

Some of the major cause of hair fall are-

• Deficiency of nutrients especially protein and vitamin B Complex 
• Sudden/dramatic weight loss
• Emotional stress
• Heredity
• Hormone
• Ageing
• Poor blood circulation
• Drugs
• Pregnancy
• Pollution
• Stress 
• Lack of sleep
• Alopecia areata
• Cancer treatment
• Colouring and other treatment
• Heat treatment
• Hair styling
• Scalp infection
• STI (Sexually transmitted infections) 
• Thyroid disease
• Friction ( cap, tight clothes, hairband, tight ponytail, etc) 
• Radiation

These are every possible reason why you have hair fall. You can notice that is you get gradually thin on the top of the head, circular or patchy bald spots, then these are the symptoms of hair loss and you should get conscious about it now. 

When to seek a doctor?

We had discussed the normal hair fall. But when the problem increased due to any of the above reasons, you need to take extra care of your hair. 

You need to seek a doctor when these problems are uncontrollable. Because we had only had a limited number of hair follicles i.e., hair follicles don’t increase in the numbers after birth. But once these follicles die no therapy can regenerate it. So you need is to know all about the cause. One cause is determined it is easy to work on it. 

There are two types of hair fall which needed to treat with the doctor for our query of how to stop hair fall. 

These are-

1. Androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness 
2. Telogen effluvium

Most people suffer from only these two types of problems. So let’s have a look at what are these two problems.

Androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness which is commonly called male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness is seen when your hair is eventually thinned out cause miniaturization of anagen hair and prematurely goes to telogen phase. Hair gets weaken. It may take a month to a year.

Whereas in Telogen effluvium the hair gradually goes to telogen phase. This also causes shortness of hair i.e. the length of hairs are very short because the as hairs grow (anagen phase) it gets into telogen without completing the cycle. 

How to Stop Hair Fall with medicine

Most commonly used exterior medicine for hair fall control is minoxidil. It is recommended in different concentrations according to your hair. In general, for female 2% concentration and in male 5% concentration is suggested. 

Very few people can have the side effects of the base of minoxidil. Some may have problems with it’s contains but not with the basic minoxidil. These people are suggested with any another form of it as there are may form of minoxidil available in the market. 

Those having problems and question in mind that how to stop hair fall with the lotion form they may use foam base, gel-based. But it is important to consult with your dermatologist first. 

People suffer from Androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness suggested Finasteride by the dermatologist. It works as a DHT hormone blocker which decreases the conversion of testosterone into DHT ( dihydrotestosterone). 

However Minoxidil in mostly prescribed dermatologist with or without the combination of other therapy. 

How to apply minoxidil

• It should be applied only in the part where hair loss or baldness is seen. 
• The only 1ml per time is recommended twice a day or according to prescription. 
• Should be applied on the dry scalp for better absorption.
• It is prepared with propylene glycol or with an alcohol base. while applying it the basic minoxidil absorb in scalp within 3-4 hours and alcohol get evaporated. 
• Sometimes dryness, mild irritation can be seen due to the alcohol base. However, there is no such allergy of minoxidil of its own. But still, we recommend you to consult once with your dermatologist.
• But applying this medicine is not a permanent solution, as it may work until it’s applied. Because it may work to stimulate hair follicles for the growth of new hairs but once you stop using it your body again comes to its natural phenomenon. So you need to work on the cause and some natural ways to find answer of how to stop hair fall.

How to Stop Hair Fall with Haircare routine

Healthy hair care routine- 

We have divided it into 2 parts. The first part is starting from the hair wash, hair conditioning, hair oiling, hair mask and hair steaming. This caring part depends upon the time available. Whereas the second part contains your lifestyle and diet which you need to maintain on the daily basis. 

PART 1

Hair wash –

• While selecting your shampoo, make sure that the sulphate, paraben, silicon contain should be minimum or should be free from these chemicals. Herbal shampoo or daily care mild shampoo is also a good option.
• Take the quantity shampoo required and dilute this with water. The ratio of shampoo and water must be 1:2. 
• Wash doing shampoo, use the dilute solution on the scalp and make foam. And gently massage on the scalp in a circular motion and move your hands towards the hair strand. 
• Always use tap water or Luke warm water. Don’t ever wash it with warm water since it open and damage the outer layer which results in further damage.

Hair Conditioning-

• Use homemade conditioner (steps are given below), or the conditioner that contains essential oils.
• Apply the conditioner in the hair strand, not on the scalp. Leave it for 5-7 mints. And wash it with tap water.
• Do not comb in wet hair. Because during this whole process your scalp and roots of the hair become soft and the chances of hair fall increase.

Homemade conditioner method-

• Coconut milk ( unflavored)- 200 ml (1glass)
• Aloe Vera gel – 50 ml (3 tablespoons)
• Vitamin E – 4 capsule
• Essential oils- ( optional, any one) 2-3 drops.
• Mix all ingredients properly and apply after every wash, leave it for 5-10 mints and wash it.

 

Homemade leave-in conditioner method –

• Aloe Vera gel- 5-7 teaspoon
• Coconut oil- 3-4 teaspoon ( if your hair is very dry and freeze then you can increase it by 4-6 teaspoon) 
• Vitamin E- 1 capsule
• Jasmine essential oil – 2-3 drops ( optional),
• Rosewater- 3-4 teaspoon.
• Blend it in a mixture grinder. And use this after hair wash. It helps in detangling, reduce flyaway and keep hair soft and smooth. It also works a heat protector while using a blow dryer, flat iron, curler etc.

Hair oiling- 

• You can use any oil which suits you. However, the oil must change according to the season and should be used according to your hair texture. 
• Choose your oil which contains the raw ingredients that help to overcome the problem.
• (We’ll discuss this in our further articles)
• It’s better to make the combination of hair oil and warm it on the double boiler and then apply it.
• Cover it with a shower cap, polythene, or if you have enough time then try to steam your hair with a towel dipped in warm water. These will helps to penetrate oil into the scalp. And gives you additional befits to resolve the query of how to stop hair fall. 

Hair Massage ( Marma points)-

• Take at least a few minutes for yourself and have a proper massage pressing some of the acupressure points in your head. According to Ayurveda, these points are called marma points. For this, sit in a comfortable position. Comb your hair to detangle from bottom side or endpoint of hair. 
• Massage the very first point called chapati marma or the third eye point ( between the forehead) for a few seconds. It also helps to relieve stress and support mental stability.
• The second point located on the arch of eyebrows called avatar marma.
• The third point located in between of the head i.e., 8 inches above the centre of eyebrows. It is called adhipati marma. It helps to promote blood circulation throughout the scalp and reverses hair loss. Also, promote rest in sleep so as to feel fresh when you wake up.
• The fourth point located in the very top of your head called seemant marma. Just 2 inch above the previous point. Blood flow is usually the lowest at this point and hence hair fall was mostly seen in this point.
• The fifth point called krikatika marma, located backside of head, above 8 inches from the backside of neck and half an inch left of your head.
• Ending your massage the sixth point located behind the ear. Gently press it in a circular motion.
• Inversion method massage promotes hair growth very fast. For this flip your hair upside down for 2-4 mints. Do this before going to bed in every alternate day. This will increase blood circulation to the scalp.

Hair mask –

There are several hair masks you can apply once in a week or twice in a month. The selection of this depends upon your hair problems. Most common and effective hair masks are made up of Fenugreek seeds, curd, lemon, egg, yoghurt or curd, Aloe Vera, ginger, onion, banana, herbal mehndi with Amla Reetha and Shikakai.

(The effective combination will be discussed in next article).

PART 2 –

This part includes the daily care routine which also helps to keep your whole body healthy. It includes a healthy lifestyle and diet.

 For healthy hair, you need to change some very basic and minor mistakes. These include

• Comb your hair from the tips or end parts and move upward.
• Don’t comb in wet hair, let it dry.
• Use a clean and dry comb with wide and proper teeth.
• Lower your head and then comb very gently. Don’t pull harshly.
• Use serums before combing. Or you can also add a few drops of any essential oils on the comb and then detangle your hair.
• Don’t rub your hair to make it dry. Just tab gently with a clean towel.
• If you have long hair, don’t let it open in the night while sleeping. This may cause breakage.
• Minimize the hair styling products which heat your hair.
• Don’t ever use any colouring products, hair sprays. It causes great damage to your hair which take 1-2 years of proper treatment.
• Cover your hair while going out. This will help to prevent damage from the sun and pollution.
• Maintain your hormonal balance and stress level. Some exercise may help you with this. These include- 

1. Camel posture / Ustrasana

Kneel down and maintain 6 inches of gap between both the knees. While inhaling use your hand to support your lower back and your thumbs are at lower waistline and fingers towards downside or if comfortable hold your ankle. Bend slightly towards backward. And drop your head back. 

Come back to normal position and repeat same 2-3 time a day. It not only helps in blood circulation towards head but also it works on the thyroid gland to Balance your hormonal level.

2. Rabbit posture or Shashankasana 

Sit in Vajrayana. Hold your heels ( thumb outside fingers inside). Inhale deeply and fold forward keeping your crown or ground and grand on knees. Exhale and move waist upward. Keep pulling your heels. Stay for 1-2 mints and keep on breathing. Coming back sit in children posture and then roll out.

3. Headstand posture or Shirshasana

Starts with child posture. Keep elbow right Before the knees and make a frame with your hands. Keep your crown between head lift your lower body upward while keeping balance. Come back to the position similar as you start.

How to Stop Hair Fall with Diet for healthy hair- 

Along with a healthy lifestyle, diet plays a very important role to mitigate the question how to stop hair fall . Basically, hairs are your dead part of the body. So if there is a lack of any nutrient your brain will first fulfil the need of your body then store some amount for future and if remaining then send it for hair growth. It means first we need to fulfil all our body need. 

• Not only hair but the whole bodily problems start with the digestive system. For the very first steps is to keep your digestive tract healthy. Don’t add trash such as junk food into it.
• Drink a lot of water. This will helps to keep your digestion healthy. And always have a balanced diet.
• Fibres – it absorbs water and keeps bowel movement smooth. Maintain blood sugar and healthy weight. The food contains fibre are fruits like banana, avocado, plums, berries, Apple, papaya; Vegetables like carrot, broccoli, and all green leafy vegetables etc, Whole grains, legumes like peas soybean; Oats, Barley chia seeds, flax seeds, peanut, sweet potato, almonds etc.
• Proteins- It makes the basic structure of hair called keratin. So it’s important to have quality and quantity protein in your diet. This includes- eggs, milk, legumes, nuts, lean meat etc.
• Iron – The most important nutrients for hair growth. It promotes oxygen flow and also other nutrients responsible for hair growth stimulation. Food rich in iron are spinach, Rajma, all dark green vegetables, jaggery, Bengal gram, beetroot, guava, etc 
• Vitamins – All vitamin especially vitamin c, vitamin e, and vitamin b complex is responsible for healthy hair growth and minimise hair problems. It also helps to absorb other nutrients like iron and calcium. Food wich much includes in your diet are lemon, orange, sweet lime, Amla, Whole grains, pulse, curd peanut, sunflower seeds, mango, carrot etc. 
• Omega 3 fatty acids- it plays a crucial role to increase hair strengthening replenishment of hair follicles. Super rich source are flaxseed, sesame seeds, walnut, chia seeds, almonds.

Hair growth drink- 

Conclusion

• Hair is the most important part of your body. But you just ignore it until any serious problem arises. Also in our daily life, we have so many wrong practices which further damage it. And then unknowingly we treat them with very harsh chemicals and costly treatments which last long for just a few days or weeks. 
• Instead of it if you just take few mints for yourself and get back to our basic culture you can prevent almost all the problem of your hair, skin and whole body.
• Even if you follow just half of the above-mentioned suggestions you can see a drastic change and the big question of how to stop hair fall will easily disappear from your mind.

Further, if you have any queries about how to stop hair fall please feel free to contact us in below section. We’ll definitely help you out there.

Author

Ms. Neha Lilhore
Dietitian and Nutritionist
B.Sc. Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
M.Sc. Food and Nutrition (Home Science)

Feel Free to Contact Us, Our Experts Will Assist You.

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