Natural ways to stimulate hair growth and healthy hair

Natural ways to stimulate hair growth and healthy hair

Hair loss is one of the less fortunate facts of life. All sorts of things can cause hair loss. Medication, illness, infection, and chemicals can be the source of the problem, says WebMD. And of course, age is another nasty culprit. Most people will be surprised to learn that they lose a staggering 50 to 100 strands of hair every single day. But if you start waking up and seeing hair on your pillow or if you notice bigger than usual clumps in the shower, then it may be time to think about a home remedy to hair loss. 

People have been fighting hair loss for centuries. The History Channel lists solutions by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These include recipes that require the hoof of a donkey, opium, and horse teeth, respectively. While we do not recommend any of the methods used by Cleopatra, Hippocrates, or Caesar, we do suggest solutions by modern day bloggers and researchers that use ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen. 

1. Coconut milk. The vitamin E and fats found in coconut milk make it a super moisturizer. Coconut milk also contains potassium, which is essential in promoting hair growth, and antibacterial properties that prevents hair from damage. Style Craze suggests coating your scalp with coconut milk and then wrapping your hair in a towel. Leave the coconut milk on for 20 minutes and then rinse your hair with cold water. Following the treatment, wash your hair with shampoo. 

2. Onion juice. Onions are full of sulphur, a key ingredient in hair growth that works because it increases collagen production. The Health Site recommends chopping an onion and squeezing out its juice. Apply the juice directly to your scalp and let it seep in for 15 minutes. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo and let your hair air dry. For best results, use this home remedy twice weekly.  

3. Greek yogurt and honey mask. Greek yogurt is full of moisturizing vitamin B5, protein, and probiotics, while honey has antibacterial properties that will protect your hair from further damage. To make the mask as suggested by Style Craze, mix 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon of honey. Squeeze the juice from one lemon into the solution and mix thoroughly until a paste forms. Use a hair dye brush to apply the mask to your scalp and hair, reaching all the way to the roots. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes and then rinse with cold water.

4. Potatoes. Potatoes may seem like one of the more boring vegetables. But in fact, they are nutrition powerhouses. The potassium, vitamin C, and iron in potatoes are all important in maintaining strong, healthy hair. Style Craze recommends pureeing raw potato and straining the puree into a bowl using a muslin cloth. Add a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of water to the resulting potato juice and mix well. Apply the solution to your scalp and hair. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes and then wash using a mild shampoo. 

5. Garlic. Garlic, like its kitchen counterpart onion, contains sulphur, says The Health Site. To use this home remedy, crush a few cloves of garlic and put them in a pan with coconut oil. Turn the heat up to bring the coconut oil to a boil. After a few minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let the solution cool. Massage the garlic-infused oil into your scalp. Leave the solution in for 30 minutes and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo. 

6. Lemon juice. Lemon is a natural astringent that can help close the pores in your scalp and thus prevent hair from falling out. This home remedy is especially helpful if you have oily hair, says Style Craze. Make a lemon rinse by mixing the juice from 2- 3 lemons with warm water. After washing your hair in the morning, pour the lemon rinse over your head and massage it into your scalp. Leave the mixture in for 5 minutes and then rinse with cool water. Do this once or twice a week for best results. 

7. Egg. You know the rotten egg smell? That's sulphur. The high sulphur content in eggs, as well as their rich reserves of phosphorus, selenium, iodine, zinc, and protein, make eggs hair growth miracles. The Health Sitesays to prevent hair loss, mix the egg white from one egg with a teaspoon of olive oil. Beat the egg white and olive oil together until you obtain a paste-like consistency. Massage your scalp with the mixture. Be sure to also coat your hair all the way to the ends. Leave the mask on for 15- 20 minutes before rinsing with cold water and a mild shampoo. 

8. Aloe vera. Studies at North Dakota State University have found aloe vera to be effective in preventing hair loss. This is because aloe vera has properties that help rebalance the pH level of the scalp. When the pH level is balanced, your scalp is a healthy environment from which hair can grow. For the best effects, rub the gel from an actual aloe vera plant into your hair and scalp.