Hair loss also is known as Kalitya in Ayurveda, is a common problem in men and women. The reason may vary from genetics to poor nutrition, age factor, and stress. Stress is considered as the most crucial factor as it affects even young adults. While many hair loss treatments may have failed, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicine addresses the problem effectively. Ayurveda considers excess of pitta dosha is the cause of hair loss. Controlling or restoring the balance of pitta helps in hair fall control. Before we look into the ayurvedic treatment for hair loss, here are a few points that are worth adhering to
- Avoid the intake of tea and coffee
- Say no to deep-fried and refined food
- Excessive intake of salty, spicy and sour food is not advisable
- Oily and acidic foods, meat is not recommended
- Smoking and alcohol are big enemies for hair growth.
- Avoid washing your hair with hot water
- Do not comb your hair when it is wet
Symptoms
Hair loss can appear in many different ways, depending on what’s causing it. It can come on suddenly or gradually and affect just your scalp or your whole body. Signs and symptoms of hair loss may include:
- Gradual thinning on top of head: This is the most common type of hair loss, affecting both men and women as they age.
- Circular or patchy bald spots: Some people experience smooth, coin-sized bald spots. This type of hair loss usually affects just the scalp, but it sometimes also occurs in beards or eyebrows. In some cases, your skin may become itchy or painful before the hair falls out.
- Sudden loosening of hair: A physical or emotional shock can cause hair to loosen. Handfuls of hair may come out when combing or washing your hair or even after gentle tugging.
- Full-body hair loss: Some conditions and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can result in the loss of hair all over your body. The hair usually grows back.
- Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp: This is a sign of ringworm. It may be accompanied by broken hair, redness, swelling and, at times, oozing.
Causes
Hair loss occurs when this cycle of hair growth and shedding is disrupted or when the hair follicle is destroyed and replaced with scar tissue. Hair loss is typically related to one or more of the following factors:
- Family history (heredity): The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition called male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. It usually occurs gradually with aging and in predictable patterns — a receding hairline and bald spots in men and thinning hair in women.
- Hormonal changes and medical conditions: A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems.
- Medications and supplements: Hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout and high blood pressure.
- Radiation therapy to the head: The hair may not grow back the same as it was before.
- A very stressful event: Many people experience a general thinning of hair several months after a physical or emotional shock. This type of hair loss is temporary.
- Certain hairstyles and treatments: Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair tight, such as pigtails or cornrows, can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hot oil hair treatments and permanents can cause inflammation of hair follicles that leads to hair loss. If scarring occurs, hair loss could be permanent.
Ayurveda treatments for Hair Loss
- Shirodhara: ‘Shiro’ refers to head and ‘dhara’ to flow. Here, warms oils are poured on your head and your head is massaged. This increases circulation and leads to better hair growth. This is one of the most effective Ayurvedic remedies for hair loss.
- Shiro Abhyanga: Here, oils like Bringamalakadi Taila, coconut and til (sesame seed) may be used to massage the head. It is to nourish the roots and scalp. It will help in preventing heating up of the scalp, helps in preventing greying hair and nourishes your sensory organs. Your head remains cool. It also supports hair follicles and nourishes nerve endings. The hormones released keep you happy. This Ayurvedic remedy for hair loss helps you counter your hair loss woes by enhancing blood circulation to your nerve ends.
- Hirolepa hair pack: Here, a paste is applied on the entire scalp of your head to help cool the head. This Ayurvedic remedy for hair growth helps eliminate dandruff, controls frizz, repairs split-ends and reduces hair fall. It is also useful in treating multiple ailments like migraines, insomnia and headaches. With improved blood circulation, it helps eliminate the toxins in your body, and, also, helps improve your skin texture.
- Nasya: Here, oil is instilled through the nose as a daily practice to provide relief from various ailments. Desi ghee and Anu Tailam can be instilled into the nose.There are some other Ayurvedic treatments for hair growth to help you sport an enviable crown.