Hair loss affects both men
and women. While genetics
plays a role, there are other
factors, including: hormonal
imbalances, an underactive
thyroid gland, nutrient deficiencies and insufficient
scalp circulation. Here are 12
natural remedies that can
help boost hair growth: 1. Cut back on meat: Hormonal imbalances are a
primary culprit in hair loss.
Japanese researchers also link
excessive sebum production
in the scalp to high levels of
5-alpha reductase. Their research indicated that
animal fat intake may
increase sebum production. 2. Add the herb saw palmetto: A study in the Journal of Alternative and
Complementary Medicine
reported that saw palmetto
(serenoa repens) may
increase hair growth in men.
Hair growth improved in men taking 400 mg of a
standardized extract of saw
palmetto and 100 mg of
beta-sitosterol (from saw
palmetto) daily. Historically,
saw palmetto has been used by herbalists for hair loss in
both men and women. 3. Address a possible underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) which can cause thinning hair: Add sea vegetables like kelp,
nori, dulse, kombu and
wakame, all of which are rich
in iodine may be helpful to
balance this condition. Avoid
drinking tap water since it typically contains fluorine
and chlorine, two chemicals
that inhibit iodine
absorption. You may also
want to supplement with
100 mg or 1 mL of the herb bladderwrack (focus
vesiculosus) daily. Work with
a qualified holistic health care
professional if you suspect a
sluggish thyroid gland. 4. Get enough essential fatty acids: Essential fatty acids from walnuts,
flaxseeds, fish and avocado
are also important for
healthy hair. 5. Boost bioton: Biotin encourages hair and scalp
health. Dietary sources of
biotin include: nuts, brown
rice and oats. 6. Boost keratin production with MSM: Methylsulfonylmethane aids
in the production of keratin
(a protein in the hair) while
doing double-duty to
strengthen hair follicles. In
one study 100 percent of people who supplemented
with MSM showed reduced
hair loss and increased
growth in only six weeks. 7. Rejuvenate hair follicles with B-complex vitamins: 100 mg daily of a B-complex
supplement that includes
biotin and vitamin B6 can
reduce hair thinning by
increasing scalp circulation
and rejuvenating hair follicles. 8. Rev up collagen production with vitamin C: Collagen surrounds the hair
strands but as we age
collagen breaks down,
causing hair to be more
vulnerable to breaking. The
best way to boost collagen is not through some expensive
medical procedure, it’s by
getting more vitamin C.
Foods high in vitamin C
include: citrus fruits,
strawberries and red peppers. Supplementing with
250 mg daily can help boost
collagen production which
has the added bonus of
reducing wrinkling. 9. Prevent breakage with vitamin E: Vitamin E is required to nourish damaged
hair and to prevent breakage.
It aids the body’s ability to
manufacture keratin within
hair strands to reduce
breakage. Supplementing with 400 IU of vitamin E can
be helpful to restore locks. 10. Eat foods rich in iron: Iron is also essential for hair
growth and can be found in
blackstrap molasses, green
leafy vegetables, leeks,
cashews, dried fruits, figs,
and berries. To help your body absorb iron, you’ll need
enough vitamin C. 11. Give your hair a mineral boost: The minerals silica and zinc are also critical for
hair growth. Take 500 mg of
silica two times daily and 30
mg of zinc once daily. 12. Boost scalp circulation with rosemary essential oil: Rosemary essential oil has
been traditionally used to
increase circulation to the
scalp. Add a few drops per
dollop of shampoo or, better
yet, add a few drops of rosemary to coconut oil and
massage your scalp regularly.
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