Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow Natural Hair Loss Solutions

By Abigail Baker

Even though the most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence, it can be difficult to feel confident when your previously healthy, full head of hair is thinning or falling out, catapulting off your shoulders and onto the floor.

Whether we like it or not, the quality or condition of our hair from day to day can be the difference between a good day and a bad one.

While it is quite normal for us to lose between 25 to 100 hairs a day as a result of a normal growth, transition, and shedding cycle, an increase in hair loss can be a signal from your body that it is in need of some extra help.

There are many reasons why your luscious locks might be looking a little different, and it is important to reach out to your healthcare practitioner to explore the root of the change, as this can range from androgenic alopecia (hereditary hair loss), age, pregnancy, and alopecia areata to damaging hair care, medication, stress, and scalp infection.

In the meantime, give your hair follicles and scalp an extra dose of love by trying a couple of these top tips…

Back To Basics

Many of us use all kinds of different mouses, shampoos, and chemical treatments to achieve our quintessential look, spending hours and hours at the hairdresser and thousands of rands on the newest straightening device or curling iron. However, these processes we put our hair through could be contributing to us no longer being able to achieve our desired look, thanks to hair loss. So let’s get back to basics…

1. Put down the heated tools

Research ways that you can dry and style your hair without the use of heated tools. For example, The Great Living Co. Super Absorbent Fast Hair Drying Microfiber Caps help to dry hair and protect it whilst it is wet. Nifty, easy to use, and loadshedding proof!

2. Review your ride-or-dies

Although you may have been using the same shampoo since you were a teenager, it might be time to switch it up and find products that are mild and chemical free. You can never go wrong with some Earthsap, Simply Bee, Be Bare, or Wellness own-brand products, as they offer all-natural ranges with options to suit your individual hair needs.

3. Be wild and free

Did you know that pulling on your hair can increase hair loss? Now this doesn’t necessarily mean an out-of-the-blue tug. Rather, while blow-drying your hair or putting it into a too-tight ponytail, you may be inducing hair loss through friction. Try sleeping in loose plaits or with your hair down and add some less intensive hairstyles to your catalogue.

4. Less is more

This may come as a surprise, but washing your hair everyday is not the answer to better hair health. In fact, it may be detrimental. Every time you wash your hair, especially with shampoos that contain harsh chemicals like sulphates, you are stripping it of sebum, an important oil necessary for strong, luscious hair. If you are a daily washer, consider skipping one day in between, to start, and see if that helps your condition.

5. Seek alternatives

Should you dye and perm your hair often, consider asking your hairdresser if there are any less harmful alternatives you can try at your next appointment. Yes, it might not be exactly the same, but giving it a try won’t hurt.

6. Healing hands

We’ve all been there, sitting at the sink with our heads in the basin as our minds float away whilst receiving a professional scalp massage. This doesn’t just feel good - massaging your scalp can actually boost your hair health as it stimulates blood flow to the area. Try giving yourself a head massage once a week for at least four minutes. Your roots will thank you!

7. Brims down

Although spending time in nature and letting your hair down is brilliant for your overall wellness, overexposure to UV radiation from the sun can result in the loss of hair follicle proteins needed to keep hair strong. Don a brimmed garment when frolicking in the sun, and you’ll be all set to go!

Eat Well To Live Well

We’ve all heard the saying that we are what we eat and - although I don’t look like a deliciously seasoned roasted cauliflower - it does hold true in many aspects of our lives, including our hair health.

1. Make anti-inflammatories mandatory Turmeric, mint, cumin, nutmeg, and ginger… not only aromatic, these ingredients can also increase your hair health whilst supporting your immunity.

2. From A to zinc

Protein, iron, and zinc, although not the first nutrients you think of when considering your beauty, can be the missing pieces in your hair loss puzzle. Try adding more fish, eggs, oatmeal, soy, nuts, and meat to your diet - so that they make up at least 20% of your daily intake - if you want to boost your hair’s staying power.

3. Fats, fats, fats

Enjoy healthy fats like fatty fish, avocado, and greek yoghurt as they all contribute to healthy, shiny, and voluminous hair.

4. Smart supplementation

While you may be following a healthy diet, you might still need an extra dose of goodness. Consider taking a multivitamin that contains vitamins A and D, as they both promote regrowth. However, follow a strict dosage plan - as too much of certain vitamins can reverse the benefits. The Solgar Skin, Nails, and Hair Formula is a great place to start.

Deep Breaths

Over the last couple of years, dermatologists have noticed a spike in hair issues attributed to prolonged stress. To add insult to injury, the experience of losing one’s hair does not exactly lead to the calming of one’s nerves. Try to manage your stress and boost your hair health with the following:

1. Meditation, mindfulness, and movement

Forget your troubles by making time to have moments to “mmm”. Meditation, mindfulness, and movement like yoga can help you clear your mind, feel centred, and focus on the here and now. In and out. In and out. Keep your breath steady and find greater peace.

2. Delete the destructive

Although we all have our indulgences, some can be more damaging than others. Should spending too much time on social media, for example, increase your stress, try to cut down your screen time by setting a time limit for certain apps. In addition, unhealthy stress coping mechanisms like smoking can be even more detrimental to your healthy hair journey, as on a biological level, cigarettes actually cause damage to the DNA of your hair follicles as well as reducing blood flow. Do some research on healthier coping mechanisms and perhaps seek out a therapist to get some tailored expert advice.

3. Oil the essentials

Adding aromatherapy to your daily regime can have soothing and calming effects, but did you know that you can also use essential oils to improve hair health?

Blood flow - Rosemary and peppermint essential oils can help boost blood circulation and cell proliferation to promote hair growth.

Healthy scalp - Tea tree, lavender, and bergamot essential oils all have antimicrobial properties that help to create a healthy, clean scalp for hair to grow in.

Balance - Cedarwood balances oil-producing glands, and thyme provides optimum hair-growing stimulation.

Try mixing a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil to a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut or olive oil, and apply it to your scalp, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes before washing it out. You can’t go wrong with the 100% organic, cruelty-free, and comprehensive Wellness Warehouse essential oil range.

With so much to try and so many ways to improve, hair loss is hardly a lifetime sentence, but more of a road stop organised by your body to help you see the forest for the trees. Look out, Rapunzelcompetition is on the way…

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