Hair loss can often be bad news! In some cases it can lead to panic, worry or affect your confidence. Whether it’s your genes, stress, hairstyling products or your diet, hair loss has many causes.

A receding hairline, bald patches and thinning hair are all signs of hair loss. Unfortunately, there’s only so much you can do if your crowning glory has already been completely lost. The best way to fight certain types of hair loss is by taking preventive measures. Here are 7 tips to prevent hair loss and save your mane.

Change your diet

A nutritious, balanced diet plays a key role in maintaining hair health. Your food should contain enough protein, iron, vitamins and trace elements to enrich the scalp and help hair shafts to become strong. A protein-rich diet which includes eggs, milk, fish, soya and almonds helps promote the building blocks of the body supporting stronger, healthier and longer hair. Moreover, the consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids can aid stronger roots, thus preventing excessive hair loss. Consequently, taking fish oil capsules or omega-3 supplements can also be beneficial.

Avoid hairstyles that pull at the hairline

While sporting a fashionable hairstyle can be tempting, it isn’t always the case that your hairdo supports your hair health. Ponytails, braids and plaits pull on the hair, creating pressure on the scalp. This long-term pressure can result in hair thinning and hair loss. Instead of using tight hairbands and clips that pull hair tight, opt for more relaxed scrunchies or leave your hair loose. It helps release the pressure and prevents further hair loss.

Shun styling and heating tools

You may use hairstyling tools like curlers, straighteners, blow dryers and tongs to escape bad hair days. However, they don’t do your hair any favours in the long run. The heat created by these implements cause a lot of damage to the strands of hair. They fracture the bonds of the hair, break the shafts and cause the condition to deteriorate. Avoid using harsh styling tools as much as you can to prevent shedding of hair and damage.

Onion juice to the rescue

Onions have antibacterial properties and its sulphur content is believed to increase the blood circulation in the scalp. In Ayurvedic medicine, it’s believed that applying raw onion juice regularly to the scalp can help in cases of hair loss. It acts against dandruff and boosts hair follicle health.

Hot oil treatments

The practice of scalp massage using hot oil has been carried out for centuries. Hot oil treatments work wonders on the scalp and hair giving it the moisture, nourishment and a boost in blood circulation. Use warmed coconut, avocado or almond oil and apply it directly to the scalp. Massage gently with the fingertips, wrap in a warm towel and leave on for a couple of hours for the best result.

De-stress

Stress is one of the major contributing factors to hair loss. It can create a hormonal imbalance, which further depletes the blood circulation and contributes to hair loss. Restructure your lifestyle and include de-stressing practices. Meditation, yoga, exercise, listening to soothing music, plenty of quality sleep are a few of the healthy habits to cultivate that contribute to de-stressing.

Hair masks make a difference

Eggs and dairy products such as milk or yoghurt, which are high in protein, make wonderful home-made conditioners to nourish the hair from the outside in. Applying a protein-rich hair mask containing biotin and sulphur gives hair a health boost and helps to reduce hair loss. In addition, consider adding neem leaf powder and aloe vera gel to the mask for an extra boost and anti-dandruff protection.

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