Hair loss–the two words that are dreaded by men and women alike. There are various factors that can cause hair loss in women, ranging from emotional or physical stress, starting a new medication, bad hair health, auto-immune diseases, nutritional deficiencies, fever or illness, etc. Sometimes it can be multiple factors working together that cause your hair to fall out. It’s usually extremely hard to pinpoint the exact cause unless your are diagnosed with an auto-immune disease or are on medication that’s known to cause hair loss as a side effect.
Apart from maintaining a healthy diet and showing your hair some much-needed TLC, there are a few ways to counter hair fall and restore your hair to its former glory. One such method incorporates the use of Ayurvedic herbs that have long been used to tackle hair fall. Following is a list of 16 herbs and how you can use them to treat hair loss.
16 Best Herbs For Hair Loss Treatment
1. Aloe Vera
You Will Need
2 tbsp Aloe Vera Gel
Processing Time
2 hours
Process
- Slice the Aloe Vera stem and scoop out 2 tablespoons of gel.
- Apply the extracted gel to your scalp and gently massage it for a couple of minutes.
- Leave the gel in your hair for 2 hours and then wash it off using a mild shampoo.
How Often?
Repeat this twice a week.
Why This Works
Aloe Vera restores scalp health by conditioning it while balancing sebum production and pH levels. This, not only curbs hair loss, but it also promotes hair re-growth.
2. Ginseng
You Will Need
2-3 tbsp Ginseng Infused Oil
Processing Time
45 minutes
Process
- Pour three tablespoons of the Ginseng infused oil into a bowl.
- Section your hair and start massaging the oil into your scalp.
- Work the oil into your hair until the whole length of it is covered.
- Massage your scalp for 10 minutes.
- Leave the oil in your hair for an additional 30 minutes and then rinse it out with a mild shampoo.
How Often?
Repeat this thrice a week.
Why This Works
Ginseng is believed to stimulate blood circulation, thus increasing the supply of blood and nutrition to the hair follicles. This allows for healthy hair growth.
3. Rosemary
You Will Need
- 5-10 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
- 2-3 tbsp Carrier Oil
Processing Time
45 minutes
Process
- In a bowl, combine the rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut, olive, almond, or jojoba) of your choice.
- Massage this oil blend into your scalp and work it through your hair.
- Massage your scalp for 10 minutes
- Leave the oil in your hair for an additional 30 minutes and then rinse it out with a mild shampoo.
How Often?
Repeat this thrice a week.
Why This Works
Rosemary is a powerful herb for hair growth. It not only prevents hair loss but also stimulates new hair growth, detoxifies scalp and restores hair pigment.
4. Indian Gooseberry
You Will Need
- 4 tbsp Indian Gooseberry Powder
- 2 tsp Lemon Juice
- Water
Processing Time
20 minutes
Process
- In a bowl, add water to the Indian Gooseberry powder and lemon juice until you get a smooth, consistent paste.
- Massage this into your scalp and apply it to the whole length of your hair.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse it out with a mild shampoo.
How Often?
Repeat this twice a week.
Why This Works
Indian gooseberry, also known as “Amla,” is rich in Vitamin C and other minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, iron, Vitamin B complex and carotene. It promotes hair growth, strengthens hair roots, and increases shine.
Amla juice, when mixed with water, helps restore the vitality of hair, while offering strength and shine. Gooseberry can control dandruff, prevents excessive hair fall and premature graying. The addition of some Amla powder to Henna mix offers conditioning and restorative properties.
5. Neem
You Will Need
- A bunch of Neem Leaves
- 2 cups Water
Processing Time
5 minutes
Process
- Boil the neem leaves in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Set this aside to cool.
- Once the solution has cooled down, strain the liquid into a jug.
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and then pour the neem infused water through it as a final rinse.
- Do not rinse your hair further.
How Often?
Do this after every wash.
Why This Works
Neem has high anti-bacterial properties which are useful when it comes to remedying an itchy, dandruff-prone scalp. It improves blood circulation to the scalp when applied topically. Neem oil is helpful in tackling thinning hair and premature graying. It also boosts hair growth, and prevents and cures many hair problems.
Dry Neem powder can be mixed with water to make a thick paste, and this can be massaged into the scalp to exfoliate, cleanse and nourish the scalp. Nearly 30 minutes before shampooing will offer benefits. Note that the core of Neem oil is strong, and thus, it should be mixed with a lighter oil such as olive, coconut, and almond before application.
6. Sage
You Will Need
- 2 tbsp Dried Sage Leaves
- 2 cups Water
Processing Time
5 mins
Process
- Boil the dried sage leaves in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Set this aside to cool.
- Once the solution has cooled down, strain the liquid into a jug.
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and then pour the sage infused water through it as a final rinse.
- Do not rinse your hair further.
How Often?
Do this after every wash.
Why This Works
Sage has antiseptic and astringent benefits for the hair. Regular use of the herb results in thicker and stronger hair.
7. Burdock
You Will Need
- 2 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
- 2 drops Basil Essential Oil
- 2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 1 tsp Aloe Vera Gel
- 1 tsp Burdock Oil
Processing Time
2 hours
Process
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Start rubbing the oil blend into your scalp.
- Massage your scalp for a few minutes and then leave the oil mixture in for a couple of hours.
- Rinse it out with a mild shampoo.
How Often?
Repeat this thrice a week.
Why This Works
Burdock root oil extract is rich in phytosterols and essential fatty acids, the nutrients that are required to maintain a healthy scalp and promote natural hair growth.
8. Bhringraj
You Will Need
- A bunch of Bhringraj Leaves
- 1 cup Coconut/Sesame Oil
Processing Time
45 minutes
Process
- Finely chop the bhringraj leaves and heat them in a saucepan with the oil.
- Keep the oil on heat for 10 minutes and then set it aside to cool.
- Once the oil is cool, section your hair and start massaging the oil into your scalp.
- Work your way down with the oil until the whole length of your hair is covered.
- Wait for 30 minutes and then rinse the oil out with shampoo.
- Store the excess oil away for later use.
How Often?
Repeat this thrice a week.
Why This Works
Bhringaraj is one of the most powerful herbs used to remedy hair loss and premature graying. It results in healthy hair, a healthy scalp and promotes hair re-growth.
9. Jatamansi
You Will Need
- 5 drops Jatamansi Essential Oil
- 2 tbsp Carrier Oil (Coconut/Sesame)
Processing Time
45 minutes
Process
- Combine the oils in a bowl to create a Jatamansi oil blend.
- Start massaging this oil into your scalp and work your way down to the tips of your hair.
- Massage your scalp for an additional 10 minutes.
- Wait, with the oil in your hair, for half an hour at least and then rinse it out with shampoo.
How Often?
Repeat this thrice a week.
Why This Works
Jatamansi infused with oil is very helpful when it comes to preventing hair loss and premature graying because of its blood purifying properties.
10. Curry Leaves
You Will Need
- A handful of Curry Leaves
- 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
Processing Time
45 minutes
Process
- Heat the oil and curry leaves in a saucepan until the oil starts to take on a brown color.
- Let the curry leaves infused oil cool and then start massaging it into your scalp and apply it to the length of your hair.
- Leave this oil in for at least 30 minutes. You can also leave it in overnight.
- Rinse the oil out with shampoo.
How Often?
Repeat this thrice a week.
Why This Works
Curry leaves are commonly used to prevent premature graying, stimulate hair growth and nourish the roots.
11. Holy Basil
You Will Need
- A handful of Holy Basil Leaves
- 2-3 tbsp Olive Oil
Processing Time
45 minutes
Process
- Dry the basil leaves in the sun and then proceed to grind them to a fine powder.
- Mix the basil powder with slightly preheated olive oil.
- Sieve the oil in a muslin cloth and then start applying the oil to your scalp and hair.
- Massage your scalp for 10 minutes and leave the oil in for an additional 30 minutes.
- Rinse the oil out with shampoo.
- If you make large quantities of this oil, you can store it in a jar or bottle with a tight cap and place it in the refrigerator. The oil can be stored for 11 days.
How Often?
Repeat this thrice a week.
Why This Works
Holy Basil or Tulsi, as it is commonly known, helps rejuvenate the hair follicles. Massaging Basil oil into the scalp not only moisturizes the hair, but it also helps stimulate blood circulation, which leads to improved hair growth. Basil is said to contain Eugenol and magnesium, which together improve the flow of blood to the scalp.
12. Reetha (Soapnuts)
You Will Need
- 6-7 Soapnuts
- 2 Indian Gooseberries
- 2 cups Water
Processing Time
15 minutes
Process
- Soak the soapnuts and gooseberries in 2 cups of water and leave it overnight.
- In the morning, heat the water with the soapnuts and gooseberries still in it until it starts to boil.
- Let the water cool and then mash the soapnuts and gooseberries.
- Strain the liquid and use it to wash your hair instead of using shampoo.
- This mixture does not lather as well as shampoo, so instead of massaging your scalp and hair, pour the Reetha water through your hair and wait for 5-10 minutes then proceed to rinse it out with water.
How Often?
Replace the shampoo in two of your weekly washes with this natural cleanser.
Why This Works
Soap nuts or Reetha is said to contain Saponin, a natural cleanser which improves scalp health and restores pH levels. This remedy helps keeps your scalp clean and healthy without using harsh, damage-causing chemicals.
13. Hibiscus Flower
You Will Need
- 2 Hibiscus flowers
- 2 tbsp Carrier Oil
Processing Time
45 minutes
Process
- Heat any oil that you use on your hair with the hibiscus flower for a couple of minutes.
- Start applying this hibiscus infused oil onto your scalp and hair.
- Massage your scalp for 10 minutes and leave the oil in for an additional 30 minutes.
- Wash off with shampoo.
How Often?
Repeat this twice a week.
Why This Works
Hibiscus flower, apart from preventing hair loss, is known to add shine to the dull hair while it also fights graying of hair.
14. Ginger
You Will Need
- 1 Grated Ginger Root
- 4 tbsp Sesame Oil
Processing Time
45 minutes
Process
- Place the grated ginger root inside a muslin cloth and squeeze or extract juice.
- Mix 1 tsp of this juice with the sesame oil to create a ginger oil blend.
- Massage this blend into your scalp and wait for 30 minutes before rinsing it out with a mild shampoo.
How Often?
Repeat this thrice a week.
Why This Works
Ginger oil helps treat and prevent dandruff. It is also known to stimulate hair growth while boosting circulation.
15. Lemongrass
You Will Need
- 3 tsp Dried Lemongrass
- 1 cup Water
Processing Time
5 minutes
Process
- Boil the dried lemongrass in 1 cup of water and then let it cool.
- Once the solution is cool, strain the liquid and set it aside.
- Wash and condition your hair and then proceed to pour the lemongrass water through your hair as a final rinse.
How Often?
Repeat this twice a week.
Why This Works
Lemongrass strengthens the hair follicles which is essential for preventing hair loss.
16. Saw Palmetto
You Will Need
- 10 drops Saw Palmetto Essential Oil
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Processing Time
45 minutes
Process
- In a bowl, dilute the Saw Palmetto oil with olive oil.
- Start rubbing this oil blend into your scalp and apply it to your hair.
- Massage your hair for 10 minutes and then wait with the oil in your hair for 30 minutes.
- Wash the oil out of your hair with a mild shampoo.
- Optionally, you can eat the saw palmetto fruit to curb your hair loss problem.
How Often?
You can use this Saw Palmetto oil blend 3-4 times a week.
Why This Works
Saw Palmetto blocks the production of dihydrotestosterone which is a chemical linked with hair loss. By blocking the production of DHT, Saw Palmetto encourages unhindered hair growth.
Herbal remedies incorporate one or more of the ingredients mentioned above to combat hair loss. The results vary from person to person depending on the reason for hair loss. These natural herbal remedies can show tremendous results when used regularly.
