Whether male or female, everyone longs for thick, shiny and healthy hair. Hair loss, also referred to as alopecia, affects both men and women alike and can cause a variety of physical and psychological problems. Anxiety, low self-esteem, low confidence and depression are all negative emotions that can damage an individual’s physical health. Thank fully, hair loss does not have to be a permanent ailment, and there are many natural options that will soothe and even remedy this frustrating condition.
Main Causes
The most significant cause of hair loss is a shortage of vitamins and minerals in the body. Often, hormone disturbances can also play a major role in the health of your hair. Unfortunately, the world around us is filled with toxins that are detrimental to our body, skin and hair.
Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency can be a major cause of hair loss. When suffering from anaemia, your body will not see your hair as a priority and will deliver any iron it has to the vital organs instead. The lack of iron in your hair can massively impact the severity of your hair loss.
Shampoo chemicals
There are many shampoos sold in stores that contain harmful chemicals such as parabens and sulfates. These chemicals are used for their cleansing and foaming properties, however, they are so aggressive they strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils and moisture.
Solutions
Hijama (cupping) is often used as a remedy for hair loss. However, to properly address the causes of hair loss, your diet must also change. There are many vitamins, minerals and herbs that fight hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.
Vitamins and minerals
- The most famous vitamins for healthy hair are the B vitamins, particularly biotin. You can take a vitamin B supplement, or look to natural sources. Vitamin B can be found in fish, meat, starchy vegetables (i.e. potatoes, cauliflower and corn), and non-citrus fruits (i.e. apples, bananas and avocados).
- Silicon is a vital mineral for our bones, skin, nails and hair. It strengthens the connective tissue and collagen in the body, which makes your hair strong and thick. You can take silicon supplements or find it in certain unprocessed foods, such as oats, barley or potatoes.
- As mentioned above, an iron deficiency can seriously affect the health of your hair. Incorporate some iron-rich foods into your diet such as red meat, oatmeal and pumpkins seeds. To increase your absorption of iron, it is always best to accompany iron-rich foods with some vitamin C foods such as, oranges and lemon juice!
Herbs to the rescue
Herbs are a fantastic addition to your hair-care routine. Using a combination of herbs and oils, you can massage your hair and scalp to encourage healthy, shiny, thick hair.
- Rosemary is a wonderful herb with a wide variety of uses. It is most famously used for hair loss, dandruff and maintaining the health of your scalp.
- Lavender is another herb which can vastly improve the condition of your hair, helping you to regain your natural strength and shine.
- Thyme oil is another option to combat hair loss and promote regrowth. Regularly massaging this oil into your scalp encourages good blood circulation, ensuring your hair grows faster, thicker and shinier.
- My favourite option will always be castor oil. Castor oil has been used to promote hair growth for centuries and can even be used to make your eyelashes longer and fuller – no more eyelash extensions!
Healthy Hair Recipe
Massage these natural ingredients onto your scalp regularly, and your hair will start to look thick and healthy!
Ingredients
1/3 part castor oil
1/3 part black seed oil
1/3 part pure olive oil
Thyme oil – 20 drops
Rosemary oil – 20 drops
Lavender oil – 20 drops
Method
- Mix all of the ingredients together and pour the mixture into a brown glass bottle.
Massage gently onto your scalp before going to sleep.
3. Leave overnight and rinse your hair in the morning. Preferably use a shampoo without sulfates or parabens.
© Najat Haddouch www.Islamic medicine academy.com