Hair Fall
Hair fall is among the most widely recognized worries in our general public, usually in both genders and all age gatherings. Anybody can encounter hair loss. However, it’s increasingly regular in men. According to various studies conducted, the prevalence of hair loss in men is 60.3%, whereas in females is 15.3%.
Losing more than 100 hair strands a day is considered a significant hair fall. Though hair loss is a common problem in cosmetical and psychosocial line, it attracted poor attention and there is very limited studies on its prevalence and its grade in the Indian subcontinent.
Ayurveda treatment for hair loss :
In Ayurveda, hair fall is related to Khalitya. Khalitya is mainly Pitta predominant Tridoshajanya Vyadhi which is classified under Shiroroga. Vitiated Bhrajaka Pitta and vitiated Vata Dosha take a seat in the hair root, manifesting the disease. Additionally, the aggravated Kapha and Rakta cover the hair root and causes obstruction, which leads to blockage of hair growth. Depending on the predominance of dosha, Khalitya is divided into the following types –
1. Vataja Khalitya: The colour of the scalp becomes Aruna and Shyava.
2. Pittaja Khalitya: Here, the colour of the scalp looks like Peeta, Neela and Harita. Due to excess Pitta, the scalp generates more sweat.
3. Kaphaja Khalitya: In this case, the scalp becomes more unctuous and inclines towards a whitish tinge.
4. Sannipataja or Tridoshaja Khalitya: When the three doshas are involved in the development of Khalitya, the scalp look burnt.
At Sitaram, hair fall treatment consists of internal as well as external treatments. Internal medicine includes the intake of Rasayana and Kesha Vardhaka herbs and formulations. Kesha Vardhaka oils also help in reducing hair fall and promotes the growth of new hair. Panchakarma therapies help reduce hair fall and rejuvenate the whole system; they aid the regrowth of hairs. We also suggest fresh hair packs with Kesha Janya herbs and special oils to regrow hair follicles and stop hair fall. The best ayurvedic medicine for hair fall includes herbs like Amla, Bhringaraja, Nimba, Sweta Kutaja etc. Having fresh and nutritious food is a significant factor in maintaining a healthy scalp and hair.
What are the causes of hair fall?
- A family history of baldness can be the foremost common cause of hair fall.
- The hereditary cause can contribute to hair loss. Sometimes it may begin as early as puberty.
- In some cases, hair loss may be a part of a simple halt in the cycle of hair growth.
- Hair fall can be a part of major diseases, surgeries, or any other traumatic event. However, the regrowth will start gradually without treatments.
- Hormonal variations in the body associated with pregnancy, childbirth, discontinuing birth control, pills, and menopause can cause temporary hair loss.
- Other conditions that result in major hair loss include thyroid disorders, alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles), and scalp infections like ringworm.
- Diseases that cause scarring, such as lichen planus can result in permanent hair loss because of the scarring.
- Stress and anxiety
- Due to the intake of medicines for ailments like cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, depression, and heart problems. Some cases of prolonged fever, typhoid, dengue, etc., can also lead to severe hair loss
- Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder): people having a compulsion to pull out their hair, usually from their head, eyebrows, or eyelashes, also ends up in hair loss.
- Traction hair loss can occur due to hairstyles that pressure the follicles by pulling the hair back very tightly.
- Long term usage of chemicals on hair, hair colouring, heat treatments can result in hair fall.
- Lack of diet rich in protein, iron and other nutrients can lead to thinning of hair.
What are the symptoms of hair fall?
- Sudden loosening of hair.
- Gradual thinning on top of the head.
- Circular or patchy bald spots in the scalp
- Patches with scaly appearance over the scalp.
- Damaged and curly hair, which sometimes breaks in between or has split ends.
Few home remedies for hair fall includes –
- Coconut Milk – Apply coconut milk uniformly to the scalp. Then cover the head with a towel and leave for 30 mins; rinse your hair with running water. This is to be followed once or twice a week. Being a rich source of vitamin E and fats, Coconut milk helps to moisturize the scalp and hair, thereby keeping it healthy. In addition, the milk has an abundance of potassium, another vital ingredient for hair growth. Thus, washing the hair with coconut milk can help reduce the breakage of hair. Coconut oil has the presence of same constituents and nutrients, hence, it strengthens your hair right from the root through the shaft to the tip. Massaging the scalp regularly with this oil provides a protective action against hair loss. In addition, the oil possesses antibacterial property that protects from damage.
- Aloe vera – extract the pulp of aloe vera from the leaf. After washing the hair, rub the pulp on the hair. Thoroughly massage the scalp in rotatory motions. Leave it undisturbed for 20mins and then soak in running water. This can be practised thrice a week. Aloe vera pulp penetrates deep into the hair roots and scalp and plays a remarkable role in balancing the ph levels.
- Neem leaves – boil 10-12 dry neem leaves until the water is reduced to half volume. Allow the mixture to cool. Rinse your hair with this mixture. Rinse the hair with this water after hair wash.
This should be continued once every week. Neem is known for its excellent antibacterial properties, which fights against dandruff. It also ensures a healthy scalp and nourishes the hair roots. - Amla (indian gooseberry) – boil 4-5 gooseberries in coconut oil till the oil turns black. Please wait for the oil to cool on its own. Then apply on the scalp and massage uniformly. Leave this for
30mins and wash with shampoo. Amla is one of the richest sources of vitamin c, a nutrient that promotes the growth and strengthening of hair. Vitamin c also assists in building collagen that is vital for hair growth. Apart from this, this helps to absorb iron, resulting in strong and healthy hair. Amla also has the property of preventing premature greying of hair. Therefore, consuming the fruit of amla daily is a beautiful remedy to maintain and strengthen the hair follicles. - Fenugreek seeds – soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight. The next day grinds the seeds and makes a fine paste out of it. Apply this paste from the root to the tip of the hair and cover it with a shower cap. Leave it for about 30 minutes, and then rinse using cold water. Fenugreek seeds enhance hair growth and checks in the rebuilding of the hair follicles. They also make hair shiny, strong, and long.