Hair follicles can be damaged due to various causes, and once a hair follicle is damaged, it cannot be regenerated. Currently, lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of further damage to hair follicles, which may lead to hair loss and ultimately result in baldness.
Hair follicles are tunnel-shaped structures in the epidermis of the skin. Hair starts growing at the bottom of a hair follicle. The function of the hair follicle is to promote and nourish the hair, helping it stay healthy. When hair follicles are damaged, it leads to hair loss, thinning hair, and if the hair follicle is destroyed, regrowth will not occur in that area.
Dead hair follicles can result from conditions such as folliculitis (Inflammation of the follicle), genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, the use of chemicals, inadequate nutrition, excessive stress, and other factors. When noticing hair loss, it is important to take measures to minimize the damage to other hair follicles. Below are some methods that you can be performed at home:
1. Weight loss:
Try measuring your weight, and if it is higher than necessary, aim to reduce it by approximately 10%. Weight loss can help reduce hair loss or may even lighten your skin. Moreover, maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke.
2. Avoid unhealthy foods
Habits of consuming unhealthy foods can prevent you from taking other nutrient-rich foods. It is important to limit the intake of foods high in fats, alcohol, and stimulants. These not only deprive hair follicles of essential nutrients but also negatively affect health.
3. Provide essential nutrients
Nutrition is a crucial factor in promoting healthy hair follicle growth and preventing hair loss. Essential nutrients for hair health such as biotin, vitamin B5 - can be found in green vegetables, fruits, eggs and drinking water to reduce hair breakage and stimulate hair growth. Moreover, fatty acids which are also vital for hair follicles, should be included in the diet or fish oil capsules.
Certain herbs are believed to provide nutrients and help stimulate hair growth, such as ginseng and polygonum multiflorum. Moreover, onion juice has shown benefits in the treatment of alopecia areata (hair loss in patches). .
4. Proper hair care
Proper hair care is an essential measure to reduce hair follicle damage and prevent hair loss. To care for your hair correctly, you should:
- Minimize the use of chemical products on your hair and scalp, and limit hair styling with tools or products that contain harmful chemicals that negatively affect the hair and scalp. Natural herbs can be used as alternatives to reduce the impact of hair dyes.
- Wash your hair only two to three times a week and choose a shampoo that suits your hair and scalp. It is best to use natural shampoo products, such as those containing grapefruit essential oil, rosemary, soapberry or black beans.
- Avoid combing wet hair, as the hair roots are weaker when wet, which makes it more prone to breakage and hair loss.
- Limit the use of high-temperature hairdryers. You can use a low-temperature hairdryer or pat the hair dry with a towel after washing and allow it to air dry naturally.
5. Scalp massage
Scalp massage can help stimulate the scalp and potentially improve hair thickness. It stimulates the growth and density of hair in the dermal papilla cells, which are located in the lower part of the hair follicle. These cells play a crucial role in hair formation, growth and the hair cycle, including shedding and regrowth. Moreover, scalp massage is known to improve blood circulation and scalp health, while also helping to reduce stress.
Massage technique: It is recommended to perform scalp massage every other day using essential oil or herbs to enhance the effect. Oils such as coconut oil, rosemary oil, aloe vera, and lemon oil can be used. Choose an appropriate herb or oil and massage the scalp using fingertips (not your nails). Move in small circular motions across the scalp, applying light to moderate pressure. It is advisable to massage the scalp daily for about 4 minutes, continuing for a duration of around 24 weeks, as this has shown effectiveness in studies. Note that if you are using oils, you should massage for a longer duration and then wash your hair afterward. However, it is not always necessary to add oil during massage, you can perform the massage at any time of the day. Doing it before bedtime may even help you sleep better.
6. Relaxation and Proper rest
One reason for hair follicle damage leading to hair loss is excessive stress and fatigue. Therefore, it is important to manage your sleep schedule, get enough rest, and relax by listening to music, practicing yoga, walking, etc.
Once hair follicles are damaged, they can naturally regenerate, but the more important task is to prevent further healthy follicles from being damaged. Lifestyle changes are very helpful in reducing hair loss. Moreover, if you notice that despite trying various methods, your hair loss persists, it is advisable to consult a doctor for treatment.
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Reference source: webmd.com