I’m jealous of those shampoo commercials on TV. You know, the ones where they flip their luscious locks around and you’re thinking, “how does anyone fit that much hair on one head?!” If you’re like me and struggle with thin or damaged hair, then this natural hair loss treatment is a great addition to your hair care routine.
I’ll admit that my hair is definitely thinner than I’d like. Seeing all of that hair at the bottom of the shower is pretty scary. Even my husband, who once had super thick hair, is dealing with significant hair loss. There are many factors that can cause thinning hair, and for us, it’s because of hormone imbalance and autoimmune diseases.
What causes hair loss in women?
Some of us think that hair loss is just a normal part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t even need to be that old to suffer from thinning hair. Some factors are easier to control than others, but there is a natural hair loss treatment that may help, whatever the cause of your thinning hair. Here are the most common causes of female hair loss (source).
- Postpartum hair loss is common after pregnancy.
- Genetics
- Menopause or other hormone changes.
- Thyroid problems and other autoimmune diseases.
- Scalp infections, like ringworm.
- Prescription drugs, especially birth control.
- Perms, conventional hair products, excessive blow drying, etc.
- Hairstyles that pull the hair follicles, like ponytails and cornrows.
Simple changes
Obviously the best approach is to treat the root cause. The best natural hair loss treatments out there won’t do much for you if you keep inflicting damage on your scalp. I started getting a perm every 6 months at the age of 7, and by 14 my hair and scalp were so damaged I knew I had to make my peace with straight hair. I rarely curl it, and stay away from hair dryers and other heat tools.
If you’re dealing with an autoimmune disorder, then following the restrictive GAPS or AIP diet will help to heal your gut and as a result, restore your hair growth. And if you have hormone imbalance, then incorporating simple changes, like adaptogenic maca root into your morning coffee or smoothie can go a long way. You can get a recipe for maca milk here.
Another change I’ve made is to wear my hair down more. If I’m working, I really can’t stand having it in my face. However, ditching the tight ponytail holder and opting for a claw clip is gentler on my scalp.
Healthier natural hair treatments
Lately I’ve been using this natural shampoo from 100 percent pure brand to help restore the health of my scalp. Most “natural” shampoos really aren’t that natural, and they often sneak in some nasty ingredients, but this one meets my stringent standards.
The Morocco method line of hair care is different than traditional shampoo and some find it tricky, but it’s nourishing and very natural hair care. I’ve been wanting to try it, but I haven’t jumped in yet because it’s a “no-poo” method and I don’t have the time to play around with it to make it work yet. A lot of people have used it in conjunction with healthy diet changes to really restore the thickness of their hair.
Essential oils for hair loss
There’s something else you can add to your routine though that will really help restore hair growth. This study put essential oils to the test, to see if they would help improve hair growth on the scalp. The participants saw significant improvement after using a blend of lavender, rosemary, cedarwood and thyme essential oils.
There were two groups in this study. One massaged a blend of essential oils diluted with a carrier oil onto their scalps, while the placebo group just used the carrier oils. Since massage on its own helps to stimulate the hair follicles and improve hair growth, it’s helpful to see the results from both groups. The placebo group had a 15% improvement, but the group that used essential oils had a whopping 44% improvement in hair growth!
Both groups massaged the oils onto their scalp for at least 2 minutes every night for 7 months. The researchers concluded that not only was the essential oils natural hair loss treatment just as effective (if not more so) than conventional treatments, but they were also safer since there were no negative side effects.
Hair loss and autoimmunity
Something that’s really important to note here, is that only people with a condition called alopecia areata, or spot baldness were included in the study. This is an auto-immune condition that causes hair loss. It’s estimated that 50 million Americans have an autoimmune disease, so it’s a serious problem. This blend can be a really great solution for anyone with thinning hair, but especially for those of us who have an autoimmune disorder, like hypothyroid or lichen planus.
A natural hair loss treatment that works
The study gives the exact recipe used by the participants, but I changed it up just a little. Castor oil is really great at thickening and improving hair growth, so I added some of that (source). I also increased the amount so that it would fit neatly into a 1 oz bottle. You can easily double the recipe though if you find yourself going through it quickly.
I also increased the strength a bit. The original recipe was about a 2.2% total dilution, but the recipe below is at 3%, which is still within a safe range for skin care. If for some reason you find it irritating to your skin, then you can always dilute it to 2%.
Natural hair growth serum
- About 2 T grapeseed oil
- ½ tsp jojoba oil
- ½ tsp castor oil
- 5 drops each lavender, cedarwood and rosemary essential oil
- 4 drops thyme essential oil
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- In a 1 oz glass dropper bottle combine everything, except the grapeseed oil. Add the grapeseed in until the bottle is almost full.
- Cap the bottle and shake well to combine.
How to use the natural hair loss treatment
To use the natural hair loss treatment, apply some to your fingertips and massage onto the scalp. It’s easiest to apply if you part the hair by the ear, and apply the oil blend to the scalp. Keep parting the hair and working your way across until the scalp is covered. You can also use a boar bristle brush to gently coat your hair after applying to the scalp.
It can get a little messy, so you may want to apply it before bed and wear a shower cap or other hair cover. Covering after applying the blend helps it to sink into the scalp better, making it more effective.
I haven’t tried any treatments for thinning hair, just keep hair clean. I have had hypothyroidism since I was born, mine didn’t work at all. Was 6 weeks old before doctor figured out problem. This was in 1940 in Cleveland, OH. My condition wasn’t something common at that time so was lucky pediatrician figured it out. Was also late being born by 3 weeks.
Since have gotten older have noticed hair on top of head getting thinner, starting to concern me. Am aware that thinning hair is side effect of hypothyroidism. There is so much info on internet now about my situation. If somehow I can forestall losing hair all together on top am willing to do that, in healthy way. If I can afford it.
With all info available have never heard of anybody else like myself whose thyroid didn’t work at birth.
There are several products available for thinning hair but am very suspect of them. Not in financial position to try things that won’t work or aren’t healthy. I tend to be anemic and have depression and anxiety along with arthritis and also lymphedema in left leg.
Will be interested in hearing your ideas if you care to respond. Please send me email.
Have wonderful week
HI JaneEllen, thanks for your comment! The paleo diet, especially the autoimmune paleo diet is really great for reversing autoimmune conditions like hypothyroid. And connecting with a naturopath or clinical herbalist in your area who can help you add in the right supplements is also super helpful. The essential oils above were shown to help improve hair growth, and I honestly don’t know of another natural product that has been shown to be as effective as the above recipe, so it may be worth a try 🙂
If you’re willing to make changes, there is a lot that can be done to help improve your health issues 🙂
What do i do the following day after this treatment? I assume my hair will look very stringy and oily. Do i just wash it as normal in the shower or must i wait a day or so for the treatment to work? Thanks
The longer you can leave it in the better, but this should be applied at least once a week, if not several times a week for best results. I would at least leave it in all day or overnight and then wash if needed.