How to Stop Hair Fall Naturally?
Natural Remedies for Hair Fall Prevention

1 Introduction to Hair Fall
Descriptive, scientific, confirmative knowledge concerning natural remedies is an important part of the awareness of decision makers for getting and staying healthy in prevention strategy. One important aspect of the well-being and the social position of individuals is their appearance and moreover the subjectively viewed look of their hair. Related to this global health issue, consumer requests concerning hair fall prevention measures have been increased recently. Hair disorders positively affect health both negatively and positively. The former means an omission of hair grooming, non-treatment, or non-saving hair fall in excessive ways. Decreased hair density or any other hair related disorders is perhaps the most obvious and expected symptoms of unfavorable changes in health, physical, or mental condition. Hair disorders can be also interpreted positively through social, value, and psychological dimensions (Park and Lee, 2021). Nevertheless, it is very hard to define these noteworthy phenomena in one agreed and universally accepted dictionary or index. Clinical and basic research results concerning hair disorders, their mechanisms, and possible prevention or treatment approaches are often published by selective journals. However, decision makers in science, medicine, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries could easily get extensive review articles or books on these topics. Based on these papers from crème de la crème of the related fields (Liu et al., 2024), the present review will attempt to summarize and evaluate the conceivable possibilities, especially parts of them, either scientifically proven or believed, before neglecting the topic or rush to a product or an ingredient without sufficiently informed knowledge. Hair consists of proteins or keratins (90–96%), lipids (1–9%), and earthy materials (1%) together with trace elements. The previously mentioned proteins represent fibrous, total, intra-, or extra-cellular filaments. Non-genetic and environmental factors were also considered to affect hair growth. Based on this holistic approach during the research and selection of the subjects, skin and scalp microflora and their response to hair growth promoters were also reviewed.
2 Understanding Hair Growth
Hair is an organ consisting of keratin and grows from hair follicles, which are analogue of sweat glands. Hair affects thermoregulation, physical protection from UV radiation, light and foreign bodies, and social interaction with other individuals. Disorders of hair which cover human skin, including alopecia, can negatively affect health. Hair loss, or alopecia, is defined as a decrease in hair density per area of the scalp (Park and Lee, 2021). Alopecia may indicate systemic diseases of humans such as thyroid dysfunction and trichotillomania. Although alopecia is non-life-threatening, it can cause social handicaps affecting patients’ quality of life. Hair growth results from the growth and differentiation of hair follicles. Although hair follicles develop in fetal life, hair growth is only seen after birth. The hair cycle, which is the growth, regression, and rest cycles of hair follicles, controls hair growth. There are four different phases in the hair cycle: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen. The hair cycle is controlled by various growth factors including Wnt, Hedgehog, and Transforming Growth Factor Beta.
Alopecia occurs when the hair cycle is disturbed. The most common form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia (AGA), which is biologically affected by genetic factors and inadequate androgen signaling to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the action of 5-alpha reductase type II in the dermal papilla (DP) cells of hair follicles. Second common alopecia is alopecia areata (AA) defined as a specific, patchy, and sudden loss of hair in scalp or body with unknown etiology. It is considered to be a local autoimmune disorder in which lymphocytes attack the hair follicles. Telogen effluvium refers to the loss of telogen hair due to abnormal circulation in the telogen phase. Acute telogen effluvium, which is the most common form, may occur due to systemic diseases, physiological stress, or local irritants. Various chemical agents including heavy metals and vitamin deficiency can also induce this condition. Primary cicatricial alopecia encompasses disorders in which hair follicles are destroyed by inflammation or atrophy of hair follicles leading to irreversible loss of hair (Bassino et al., 2020). In this case, it should be distinguished from disorders of telogen effluvium and traction alopecia.
3 Common Causes of Hair Fall
Greasy hair has excess oil, making it look dark, greasy, and sickly. It may make you feel self-conscious about your hair and face, which is quite common. Greasy hair can attract dirt as well (Bassino et al., 2020).
Oily hair signifies that your scalp produces an excess of sebum. Sebum is a waxy oil produced by the sebaceous glands situated around hair follicles. Sebum is important for hair and skin. But this oil can build up on your scalp and hair, leading to greasy hair. It can lead to several hair issues, like dandruff and hair fall. You must take care of your hair properly if the natural shine of your hair loses its light. Oily scalp hair fall is also one of the biggest issues, and therefore you need to treat this oily scalp; otherwise, hair loss will be inevitable. The oils might seem bad from the outside, yet they are essential for hair. This oil maintains good moisture and shine. Moreover, without adequate oil, the scalp becomes dry and leads to dandruff, thus causing hair loss. When more than sufficient oil is produced from the sebaceous gland, hair remains greasy. While the oils drop a shiny, glamorous look, it also gives a dirty look.
Dandruff is an inflammatory condition at the outer part of the scalp, which leads to the formation of scaly or oily patches of skin. The common symptom besides flakes is itching. The oleic acid in many shampoos can damage the skin and lead to an increased number of flakes. Damage to the protective layer of the scalp is susceptible to yeasts, resulting in itchy scalp and greasy-looking flakes. Another cause is tinea capitis, a fungal infection that presents in several ways. The classical presentation consists of patches of hair loss with broken hairs, and a more inflammatory component leads to red scaly dots. Sometimes, organisms enter from the surface due to broken hairs, leading to patch hair loss without obvious scalp involvement.
3.1. Genetic Factors
The most commonly attributed cause of diffuse hair loss is genetic susceptibility, which in conjunction with age and exogenous factors determines the extent of hair loss. Both men’s and women’s hair loss is incredibly common. If the genetic factors are considered alone, it would be expected that about half of the gene carriers will develop hair loss pattern at an eventuality. However, the pattern of hair loss is not the same in every case. Factors accounting for the differences in the pattern of hair loss, which stem from genetic predisposition, remain poorly understood. The importance of genetic etiology in hair loss is reflected in the broad range of families, twin, and adoptions studies strongly supporting a genetic basis in common hair loss disorder. Genetic variation at the androgen receptor (AR) locus is emission for case-control studies of albeblonde hair color, as well as for genome-wide association studies of graying, pattern balding, beardedness, and hirsutism. Whites with a contiguous deletion of the AR gene have complete androgen insensitivity and develop female body proportions, dentition, brain morphology, etc. The location of male pattern alopecia (MPA) susceptibility loci on chromosome 20p11.23 flanking the AR locus and genes involved in Wnt signaling. The location of two signals being detected for the hair loss trait in the same region of chromosome 17, one influencing male pattern hair loss (MPHL) and the other acting upon both male and female hair loss (FPHL) is evidence for shared genetic etiology within hair loss sub-phenotypes (J. Rajput, 2022).
3.2. Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies are prevalent all over the globe when people do not eat a well-balanced diet. Nutritional deficiencies may also arise due to social factors, malignancy, endocrine, and gastrointestinal disorders. Deficiencies of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and minerals cause hair disorders such as alopecia. Nutritional factors modify and propel multiple dermal mechanisms commonly involving reactive oxygen species, inflammation, anemia, and depression affecting the hair growth cycle. The stress of hair growth leads to increased free radicals (ROS) and triggered signaling pathways. They further exacerbate the generation of oxidants such as NO and peroxides, which activate transcription factors leading to upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN−γ and TNF−α. These cytokines impair the antioxidant defense mechanism of the hair growth cycle and upregulate the autoimmune response component leading to hair loss. Since hair immune privilege is an active process and its breakdown leads to hair loss. The autoimmune response is also countered with antioxidants. Therefore, a nontoxic hair growth stimulator is proposed which quenches ROS and proinflammatory cytokines with the nutrients (J. Rajput, 2022). All these ROS-mediated mechanisms can be prevented by the use of antioxidants and nutrition. Hair Scalp Oil containing cow urine, black gram, henna, and Amla has been found effective, safe, and better than minoxidil. Role of Antioxidants, vitamins, supplements, and cow urine is presented. Before recommending supplementation, the role and status of each nutrient in hair growth are discussed, with a note about pertinent deficiencies that can sabotage treatment. Nutritional deficiencies are also a cause for hair loss. Awareness must be created and a broader framework for hair disorders management is presented. All remedies are cost-effective and can be prepared in a house.
3.3. Stress and Lifestyle
Stress is sometimes the greatest villain, and hair fall is the worst of its consequences. It comes both in the form of accumulation and sudden changes. Nutritional imbalances arise in both situations; elevated cortisol essentially reduces the number of nutrients available to hair follicles. Such nutrients include vitamin D and iron, which impair the “hair cycle.” Nutritional deficiencies, especially zinc and B6, increase the sensitivity of scalp hair to stress and lead them to an advanced catagen phase. Aggressive hair styling causes hair fall, but obsessive-baldness, chignon hairstyles, and poorly designed extensions unfortunately do more harm. Minor hair styling, if at all, is thus highly recommended. Consequences of habits acquired even during initial adolescence include hair coloring, perming, and straightening. Poor handling, exposure to the sun, humid weather, and the high-speed movement of a two-wheeler prevent hair from curling. Aggressive hair styling products are often the main cause of hair damage, which leads to baldness. Diabetics, long-term alcohol users, and people abusing drugs feel no guilt when they are kidnapped by hair fall.
Sleep is the golden key in every aspect of health and return. Major systems of the body, digestion, immunity, hair cycles, etc. are all “connected” to sleep. 6-8 hours of sound sleep are mostly advisable, but even the duration varies among individuals as they have unique “Chronotypes.” Age matters too: long indicators, short sleep, and increased daytime napping have a more profound influence on hair than testosterone. Due to the higher biological predisposition to brown fat, they tend to perform better in earlier sessions, which may require sleeping early. Fat tissue health greatly affects hair loss in menopausal women. Most important, hair fall is a daytime concern for night owls; it never gives them respite. In each case, sleep should be the El Dorado to embrace. The often-quoted aphorism “early to bed, early to rise” derives some support from several scientific angles, particularly regarding immunity and hair health. All individuals should attempt to become “morning larks.”
3.4. Hormonal Changes
In the blood-supplying layer of the dermis, capillaries bring oxygen (O2) and nutrients such as fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other compounds. Lowering the blood flow to the skin results in local hypoxia and deficiency of nutrients essential for the hair follicle (HF). The blood flow is regulated by nerves from the autonomic nervous system. Causes of blood vessel contraction may be physiochemical and pharmacological factors (Sabina Goluch-Koniuszy, 2016).
Drug abuse, nicotine, caffeine, beta-blockers, cold, stress, hunger, and anxiety can also lead to vasoconstriction that can manifest as hair falling out or slowed growth. Hormonal changes that occur in women at different periods of life may also have an impact on hair. In reproductive age, sex steroids secreted predominantly in ovaries influence the hair growth pattern generally leading to only a slight decrease in hair density on the scalp. Hyperandrogenism refers to an abnormal state with increased levels of androgens in women’s bodies.
Such hormonal disorders are accompanied by symptoms as increased body and facial hair (hirsutism) or hair loss from the head (androgenetic alopecia). Most common causes of hyperandrogenism are polycystic ovarian syndrome and androgen-secreting adrenal tumors. Polycystic ovarian syndrome affects approximately 5-10% of reproductive-age females. These women are affected by anovulation, hirsutism, obesity, and insulin resistance.
Hair thinning occurs usually in the frontal and crown areas and resembles male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Herbal remedies that decrease hyperandrogenism have been used for treating these conditions by traditional healers from the oldest times. So far formulated drugs include compounds that modify hormonal and metabolic disorders. Flutamide is a non-steroidal androgen antagonist that inhibits the binding of androgens to cytosolic receptors. Its side effects include diarrhea, hepatotoxicity, and possible breast development in males, thereby limiting its use.
3.5. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can also lead to hair fall, as they directly impact health, immunity levels, and overall maintenance. The hair is the most affected as it is a dead structure, and any disturbances in the chemical levels can lead to issues. These factors include: – External: The most common external environmental causes of hair fall are sun and dust. Harmful rays from the sun lead to hair health concerns like graying, loss, thinning, and dry and brittle hair. Dust causes localized hair fall followed by a dry and itchy scalp, with minimum as well as maximum hair fall. Chemicals used in water for bathing and washing are also external environmental concerns. High impurity levels in water lead to brittle, dry, and frizzy hair, while overcompound concentrations in shampoo can lead to dullness, hair fall, and itchy scalp. Hair styling tools like hair dryers, straighteners, chemical curlers, and heaters can lead to dryness, brittleness, and eventual hair loss. – Internal: The most common internal environmental factors are climatic changes. In warmer and humid climates, hair becomes oily and sticky, leading to a loss of luster and shine. Rainfall causes increased humidity, making hair dull, sticky, and unmanageable. Cold and temperate climates lead to dry conditions, which can cause dryness in hair and scalp. A much-heated environment leads to a loss of moisture, increasing dryness and frizziness in hair, resulting in hair fall. Air-conditioning systems decrease humidity levels inside buildings and hence affect hair health. Overuse of hair oils and masques, especially with drugs like henna, amla, bringraj, or almond, can lead to allergies or excessive greasiness, which can result in hair loss too. Air pollution is a new-age bane resulting from day-to-day activities and industrialization. Hair can get covered with smoke and dark deposits as a reaction to this on high-SUV vehicles or bikes. The equal distribution of UV and IR rays from sunlight into the atmosphere leads to heating, thinning of the ozone layer, and enhanced micro-particle emission in the atmosphere. Micro-particles can penetrate hair and scalp. They react with radicals and form solvated radicals leading to covalent bonding in protein and lipid layers. This leads to hair damage, scalp issues, and loss of luster. Water and oil technology can trap the micro-particles on the surface of hair; water spray can wash away the dust from the hair. UV- and IR-blocking shampoos, masks, or serums should be routinely used to reduce the micro-particle entering and allowing hair to breathe. Deep-cleansing shampoos can be used weekly, and not using sulfated shampoos can prevent maximum damage. It is also recommended to humidify the air indoors using humidifier machines, water, or aquatic plants.
Natural Remedies for Hair Fall
Hair fall is a common problem that can affect individuals of all ages and genders. While there are numerous products available on the market that claim to help with hair fall prevention, many of them are filled with harsh chemicals which can be more harmful than beneficial. Luckily, there are many simple and effective ways to deal with the issue of hair fall naturally. If you’re looking for natural remedies for hair fall prevention, you’ve come to the right place.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are not only thought to be beneficial for aromatherapy, but they can also promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. Essential oils work best when diluted with carrier oils like coconut oil or argan oil. To use essential oils, dilute one or two drops of essential oils of one’s choice like lavender oil, rosemary oil or peppermint oil in a small amount of carrier oil and apply it onto the scalp. Leave it on for at least one hour before washing it off. Following this treatment two to three times a week will show tremendous improvement.
Herbal Treatments
Bhringraj or Eclipta prostrata also known as false daisy is one of the most commonly used herbs in Ayurveda. It is very effective for treating and curing conditions like hair loss, premature greying, bald patches and itchiness of the scalp. The herb is said to strengthen the hair follicles, make the hair thicker, and bring back the natural color of the hair. To use bhringraj, boil bhringraj leaves in coconut oil and let it cool before applying this oil all over the scalp. Regular use of this oil twice a week would show excellent results. Also, one can use hair wash powder made from bhringraj leaves, soapnuts, amla and hibiscus flowers.
Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements are known to prevent hair fall by promoting hair growth. Biotin, minerals like zinc and iron, amino acids, EPA, DHA and vitamins like A, B-COMPLEX, C and D are very essential for normal hair growth. Most hair fall medications contain a combination of these ingredients. This makes it very important to either consume a hair supplement with these ingredients in proper doses or include foods rich in these vitamins and minerals in one’s daily diet.
Scalp Massages
Regular scalp massages are a great remedy for hair fall. Scalp massages stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, increase circulation in the scalp and promote hair growth. Moreover, massaging the scalp removes flakes and stimulates oil glands which keep the scalp moisturized. One could use mustard oil, coconut oil or olive oil as carrier oils. Either the oil can be warmed gently or a few drops of essential oils could be added to the warm carrier oil for added benefits. Massaging oil for 15-20 minutes in circul