Natural hair restoration is essentially “nature’s way” of dealing with hair loss. While advanced methods such as surgical hair restoration have become prevalent in recent decades, the natural way of reviving hair remains a popular hair loss treatment among many people. Natural method utilizes both traditional and contemporary methods to reduce hair loss and restore hair. The natural method, a non surgical hair restoration alternative, involves no harsh side effects. It is the ideal treatment option for those concerned about the adverse effects of medications, hormones and surgeries. However, it must be emphasized that the effectiveness of natural ways may vary from one individual to another.
Natural Hair Restoration Techniques
- Aromatherapy – This technique has been reported to be among the best natural methods. An aromatherapy session involves the following instructions: Mix together four drops each of almond, sesame, lavender and bay essential oils. Gently massage this mixture on the scalp and allow to stay on for 20 to 25 minutes before washing. Massaging the oil mixture stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth.
- Massage Therapy – Massage significantly reduces hair loss. Regularly massaging the scalp for 5 to 10 minutes promotes blood circulation in the scalp and hair follicles. Massage therapy can be done with aromatherapy to restore hair growth.
- Body detoxification – Hair loss is sometimes caused by unfavorable and unhealthy substances in the bloodstream. Detoxification helps in hair restoration, ridding the body of these substances. Drinking large amounts of water and engaging in regular physical activities also gets toxins out of a person’s system.
There are also a number of helpful organic and natural ingredients that could help restore hair growth:
- Henna – Henna is a natural hair conditioner that is effective for reducing hair breakage, split ends and hair loss. It is often declared as the best natural remedy for reviving and maintaining healthy hair growth. Henna also improves the natural shine and color of hair.
- Saw Palmetto – This is a type of miniature palm tree which was first used by Seminole Indians in America and has been shown to have a positive effect on hair restoration. Saw palmetto is also used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Studies on saw palmetto extract, an extract of the fruit serenoa repens, reveal its effectiveness in blocking the hormone responsible for increasing hair loss. Products containing saw palmetto are available in tablet and oil form.
- Lucerne (Alfalfa) – The Lucerne or alfalfa plant is very rich with minerals. It is possible to purchase it in powder form and mix one spoon of it with fresh squeezed carrot juice. This has been used to treat a wide range of ailments for centuries. It is thought to have some benefits for preventing and reversing hair loss. This may be directly attributed to its high concentration of vitamins and minerals.
- Aloe Vera – Aloe vera, native to Northern Africa, is a short-stemmed plant approximately 90 centimeters tall. Its grayish green leaves are thick and fleshy, and it produces a yellowish flower on a spike toward the top. Aloe vera is typically used to treat various skin conditions including cuts and scrapes, and very commonly used for burns such as excessive sunburn. The sap from the aloe vera plant reportedly eases pain and reduces inflammation though the evidence that it aids in wound healing is seemingly paradoxical. For those who have undergone hair transplantation, Aloe vera is typically used to help with postoperative redness and alleviate scalp dryness, dandruff, and itchiness. It is also used as a hair restoration shampoo.The most natural method is of course, eating right. Healthy eating can provide a hair loss patient with vitamins and minerals needed for hair growth.
Vitamins for Hair Growth
- The B complex of vitamins – The B complex vitamins pertain to Vitamins B6 and B12. Aside from encouraging healthy hair and nails, they also keep the blood, nerves, and the immune system functioning properly. The recommended dietary allowance for every person is 1.3 milligrams for B6 and 2.4 micrograms for B12. In order to eat enough of these vitamins, one must have one cup of plain yoghurt and a banana, one ounce of sunflower seeds, and three ounces of roast beef daily.
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C promotes blood flow to the scalp and follicles, which can hasten hair growth. It is also an antioxidant that has been proven to fight DNA-damaging free radicals. Just eating an orange can get you your recommended dietary allowance. However, remember to eat five servings of fruits (such as citrus fruits and strawberries) and vegetables (red and green peppers, brussel sprouts, kale, spinach, broccoli, and collard greens) daily to get you enough Vitamin C.
- Biotin – This vitamin helps promote hair and nail growth. Biotin can be found in brown rice, oats, and sunflower seeds.
- Folic Acid – or Folate enables cell development and good blood circulation in the scalp. The best food sources of folic acid are strawberries, wheat germ, leafy vegetables, asparagus, broccoli, whole grains, beans, and folate-fortified foods such as breads and cereals.
- Vitamin E – This vitamin promotes better eye health and less risks of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as increased circulation in the scalp. It is fairly easy to get the recommended dietary allowance with food such as avocados and vegetable oil (safflower, sunflower, canola, olive and cottonseed). Dietitians suggest just one cup of broccoli and two ounces of almonds or sunflower seeds daily to give you enough of this super vitamin.
While the results of natural hair restoration are not as immediate and as apparent compared to medical or surgical methods, they are still preferred by the health conscious.