Hair is invariably one of the most defining elements of our body. Healthy hair is the sign of a healthy body and adds a lot to a person’s personality. Almost everyone experiences hair loss at some point in their lives. Known as alopecia in medical parlance, hair loss is often the sign of some underlying disease and can be quite distressing. The use of Ayurvedic treatment has proven to be quite successful in preventing hair fall and giving you beautiful and healthy hair.

In Ayurveda, hair is considered a tissue that uses the same nutrients as bone and is formed as a byproduct of bone tissue. Hair types have been classified according to the three basic body types: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

• Vata Body Type: Hair generally dark, coarse, coarse, inky, and frizzy

• Pitta body type: usually brown, blond, fair, fine and silky

• Kapha body type: usually dark or light, thick, heavy, wavy, and slightly oily

What is the cause for hair loss?

The metabolic processing of the food we eat produces nutrient plasma, which nourishes the hair. According to Ayurveda, excess pitta dosha (heat) in the body is the main cause of hair problems. Some of the common reasons for hair loss are:

• Hormonal imbalances: A high concentration of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair follicles of men or women, both during pregnancy and after childbirth, can cause hair loss.

• Sometimes high amounts of sebum on the scalp clog the pores in the scalp and prevent nutrients from reaching the hair follicle, leading to hair loss.

• Inadequate nutrition or unhealthy diet

• Stress, worry, lack of sleep and anxiety

• Long-standing illnesses like typhoid fever, viral infections, anemia, surgery, etc., cause general weakness leading to hair loss.

• Some medications, such as birth control pills, antidepressants, etc., including those used for gout, during cancer chemotherapy, etc., cause hair loss.

• Forcefully tying the hair pulls the hair out of the follicles and causes traction alopecia.

• Dandruff or fungal infection of the scalp

• Dirt buildup on the scalp blocks pores and weakens hair roots. This leads to hair fall.

How can hair loss be prevented?

Hair loss can usually be prevented by using basic Ayurvedic home remedies and treatments. Only aggravated cases require the expertise of a doctor. Follow these simple steps and you will see the difference they make in the health of your hair.

• Ayurvedic treatments always target the root of any problem and try to cure it completely. To prevent hair loss, it is essential that you identify the root cause in your diet or lifestyle that is triggering your pitta dosha. Once you know what is causing the problem, try giving up or at least reducing the diet, habit, or activity responsible for the increased pitta.

• To clean the hair, it is advisable to use a natural shampoo or soap that is not loaded with too many chemicals.

• Lubrication and scalp massage are very beneficial in preventing hair loss. You should use coconut oil or mustard oil at least three times in a week. Certain medicated oils like Mahabhringraj oil, Amla oil, and Arnica oil are also very helpful.

• After washing your hair, rub the scalp vigorously. This helps increase blood circulation and activates the sebaceous glands.

• You can induce hair growth by applying a licorice paste (made by grinding it into milk) on bald spots. The paste made from lemon seeds and black pepper can also be applied to bald spots.

• Be sure to eat raw vegetables, fresh fruits, salads, and green leafy vegetables regularly.

• The use of relaxation techniques like yoga, pranayama, etc., can be quite effective in overcoming stress, anxiety and insomnia, the most common causes of hair loss in today’s competitive world.

• Try to avoid hairstyles that pull on the hair and consequently damage it.

People around the world are increasingly relying on alternative treatments like Ayurveda to cure basic, everyday problems like hair loss. Home remedies prescribed by Ayurveda are easy to do, affordable and without any side effects. Jiva Ayurveda is one of the leading organizations providing Ayurvedic treatment for the prevention of hair loss and other diseases and conditions.