Tips and Remedies to Stop Hair Loss and Regrow Hair Naturally

The causes of hair loss can be as varied as there are human beings on the planet. Hair loss can be hereditary or simply due to aging, but it can also be temporary due to hormonal changes, stress or deficiencies of nutrients such as biotin, iron, protein or zinc. All the aforementioned causes can affect the health of your scalp and hair follicles and in certain cases induce alopecia, the technical term for hair loss.

Alopecia can affect men or women and can strike at any age. If you’ve suffered from hair loss once, the likelihood that you will experience it again is markedly increased. Prevention is therefore necessary to keep hair loss at bay.

How stress affects hair loss

Very often, hair loss is exacerbated by high levels of stress. Stress related hair loss is generally the result of chronic periods of emotional difficulty that trigger an autoimmune response causing inflammation in the body.

The good news is, if hair loss is stress related, the hair follicles themselves are not permanently damaged and when hair loss is triggered by stress, it usually grows back over time. The rate at which your hair regrows depends on genetic factors, and also on your ability to manage stress and to hack your lifestyle to reduce inflammation in the body. Following an anti-inflammatory diet and taking the right supplements can help your hair to grow back faster and prevent hair loss and breakage in the future.

Read on to discover some easy health tips and natural home remedies to encourage hair growth.

1. Massage your scalp

According to a few small recent studies, scalp massage encourages hair thickness and hair growth. Scalp massage has the effect of stretching the cells and connective tissue surrounding the root of hair which stimulates the follicles to produce thicker hair. It also helps to dilate blood vessels beneath the skin, thereby encouraging hair growth.

Here is how you can give yourself an effective and easy scalp massage on wet or dry hair:

1. Use the fingertips of both hands to apply a bit of pressure to your scalp, moving in small circles.
2. Work your way across your scalp to cover all areas.
3. Do this for at least 5 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Whilst there are many natural ways to improve hair growth, many of us are guilty of making some surprisingly common hair mistakes; mistakes that could be compounding the problem of hair loss and leaving your hair weak, brittle and susceptible to falling out. Changing your habits could be the key to unlocking gorgeous, glowing locks.

2. Don’t wash your hair more than once a week.

Washing your hair too frequently can strip your hair of its natural oils, meaning that your hair is no longer protected against the environment. Secondary oils are produced by your scalp to make up for the loss. These secondary oils not only make your hair look greasy but they enlarge the follicles too, making it easier for hair to fall out. When first increasing the time between washes, your hair may appear dirty quickly but your scalp will soon adapt to your new schedule and, as time goes on, your hair won’t require washing nearly so frequently.

Ideally you will not use any shampoo as the sulfates they contain damage your hair in the long run. Ideally you will wash your hair with only water but if this sounds too gross for you, you can try to start by avoiding shampoo once in a while using a variety of natural methods such as apple cider vinegar (watered down), baking soda, lemon juice or any other natural options that have a low pH and help the scalp and hair back into balance. Alternating your shampoos with dry washes using dry shampoos or natural flours such as light rye flour or wheat flour are also great ways to improve your hair and scalp.

3. The best way to use conditioner.

Whilst you can condition your hair every time you wash it, you should not be covering all of your hair with conditioner. You should be applying a small, coin-sized, piece to the ends of your hair only. Never should the top half of your hair see conditioner - this will only lead to greasy hair and a clogged scalp.

Shampoo, on the other hand, should be applied only to the top half of the hair, as it is drying by virtue of its role in stripping the hair of grease and dirt. Following this rule of thumb will prevent the top (younger) half of your hair from getting greasy, and will protect the bottom (older) half of your hair from unnecessary drying and breakage.

In the past couple of years, the trend of co-washing (short for “conditioner-washing”) has become very popular, especially to care for afro or dry and curly hair. A great alternative to shampoo that keeps your hair and scalp hydrated and shiny. Use an organic version and your hair will really feel the benefits.

4. Do not brush your hair too much or too vigorously.

Repeatedly tugging at your hair can encourage excess oil production, split ends and hair loss.

Over-brushing your hair can cause lasting damage. The friction and pull of repeatedly running a hairbrush through your locks can result in split ends. Over-brushing can encourage excess oil production and make the hair appear greasy as it stimulates the hair follicles to produce oil.

The best thing to do is to use a wide-toothed comb to minimise the surface impact of each stroke, and to gently run your fingers through your hair before brushing to release any knots. Also do not brush your hair when it's wet because that's when it's at its weakest and becomes vulnerable to breakage, split ends and damage.

Always remember to comb the ends before combing the top as this can help to reduce breakage further. It's also less painful when your hair is particularly knotty.

5. Beware of very hot showers, heat damage and hair dyes.

You’ve seen those hair strands in the plughole after having a shower, right? Well, hot water aggressively stimulates and opens up the hair follicles, making it easier for your hair to fall out. Very hot water can also destroy your hair’s natural oils and keratin, stripping your hair of its protective layer and leaving it lacking shine, and looking flat and dull.

On the other hand, hot devices like hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons have temperatures that can reach very high temperatures of up to 400°F. Exposure to high heat changes the shape of your hair’s keratin strands which eventually leads to weaker hair that has lost its elasticity and become more prone to damage. Your hair is made up of fats (4%), oils, and pigments, water, and keratin proteins (79%). When heat is applied, the natural oils are stripped from your hair, and the water molecules evaporate, the hair becomes highly porous inducing a loss of moisture that can be irreversible.

Similarly, refrain from using permanent hair dyes which generally contain ammonia, an alkali that is used to increase the pH level of your hair. Ammonia damages your hair cortex and makes the hair rough and weak due to loss of tensile strength. It also triggers more greying as the cuticle is no longer fit enough to hold the melanin.

6. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet for hair loss.

Vitamins D3, C, B and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, selenium, iron and zinc make up the essential building blocks of long, luscious locks. In addition, upping your intake of anti-inflammatory foods can help to mitigate stress and the toll stress takes on the health of your hair.

Include more of these foods in your diet to prevent hair loss naturally:

• Eggs - eggs are a great source of both high-quality protein and biotin, both of which keep your hair strong and resistant to breakage.
• Brazil nuts - just one brazil nut contains your entire recommended daily intake of selenium. Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential for the regulation of the thyroid hormones that promote healthy hair.
• Oily fish - salmon, anchovies, sardines and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids which are heavily implicated in healthy hair growth. Oily fish are also a great source of protein, and contain a certain amount of selenium and vitamin D3 too.
• Leafy greens - leafy greens, and in particular spinach, contain a whole host of vitamins and minerals fundamental to hair growth, including iron, folate, vitamin A and vitamin C. A deficiency in any one of these nutrients may contribute to hair loss.
• Sweet potatoes - sweet potatoes are a delicious source of beta-carotene which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is linked to good hair health and, what’s more, it helps to speed up the rate of hair regrowth at the same time as protecting and preventing the regression of other hair follicles.

Read on to find out whether you’re making some of these common mistakes, and learn how you can boost the strength, resilience and luminosity of your own locks:

1. Washing your hair too often

Shampooing your hair every day can strip your hair of its natural oils - the very same oils that help to protect your hair from the environment and keep it looking hydrated and bouncy. When your hair is stripped of its natural oils, your scalp begins to produce more oil to make up for it, and these secondary oils can lead to increased breakage and greasy hair.

 

You definitely shouldn’t be washing your hair more than every other day, and ideally no more than twice per week. If you find that your hair gets dirty quickly when you first start to allow more time to lapse between washes, be patient; your hair and scalp will adjust given time.

2. Over-conditioning your hair

Whilst you should certainly be conditioning your hair every time you wash it, you should not be covering all of your hair with conditioner. You should be applying a small, coin-sized, piece to the ends of your hair only. Never should the top half of your hair see conditioner - this will only lead to greasy hair and a clogged scalp.

 

Shampoo, on the other hand, should be applied only to the top half of the hair, as it is drying by virtue of its role in stripping the hair of grease and dirt. Following this rule of thumb will prevent the top (younger) half of your hair from getting greasy, and will protect the bottom (older) half of your hair from unnecessary drying and breakage.

3. Over-brushing your hair

Over-brushing - and brushing your hair too vigorously - can cause lasting damage. The friction and pull of repeatedly running a hairbrush through your locks can result in split ends. Over-brushing can also make the hair appear greasy as it stimulates the hair follicles to produce oil.

 

The best thing to do is to use a wide-toothed comb to minimise the surface impact of each stroke, and to gently run your fingers through your hair before brushing to release any knots.

 

Always remember to comb the ends before combing the top as this can help to reduce breakage further. It's also less painful when your hair is particularly knotty.

4. Washing your hair with hot water

Hot water can ruin your hair. Ever noticed that you lose a small - or a not too small - amount of hair every time you shower? By stimulating the follicles and opening up the individual strands to the heat, you encourage your hair to fall out more readily. If you turn down the temperature, you’ll notice that you lose less hair and that your hair looks thicker and more glossy.

 

Hot water can also strip your hair of its natural, protective oils and keratin, leaving your hair lacking in shine, and looking flat and dull.

Keratin is an amino acid that is a precursor to hair growth, and determines its structure and quality. Keratin-boosting supplements and nutricosmetics can encourage the growth of thick, glossy hair. Cynatine® is a cutting edge, patented, nutricosmetic that is formulated in LYMA.

 

Cynatine® has been clinically-trialled and is the world’s first solubilised keratin, meaning it has superior bioavailability when compared with other forms of the protein.

65% of people who tried supplementing with LYMA reported glossier hair, more desirable hair structure, and improved hair growth.

 

Cynatine® is the most exciting ingredient on the market today for those who want to protect, repair and increase the health of their hair.

5. Not eating the right foods

Following a balanced diet - and ensuring you’re getting solid nutrition - are key to enjoying healthy hair. A hair health-boosting diet includes omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, high-quality protein, vitamin D3 which is best taken in supplement form, iron and zinc. These are all essential nutrients for achieving long, strong and luscious locks.

 

Omega-3s are well known for being found in fish, but the other ingredients might be less well known to you. Biotin is the B vitamin responsible for keeping your scalp primed for healthy hair growth: Eggs, beans and legumes are all great sources of this all-important nutrient. In addition, these same foods all contain significant amounts of high-quality protein that can help to maintain your hair’s structure and integrity - win win.

 

Brazil nuts are another brilliant hair-healthy food as just two nuts contain your RDA of selenium. Selenium is essential in regulating the thyroid hormones that promote healthy hair. A deficiency in selenium can lead to dandruff and an itchy scalp. Don’t over-do it though: excess selenium can be detrimental to your hair. Stick to between two and four Brazil nuts per day at most.

 

Hair can lose shine and lustre for a number of reasons - the mistakes outlined here are just some of the most common. Ageing and environmental stressors such as pollution may also be causal factors in reduced hair health. This is why, in addition to Cynatine® HNS, LYMA contains LycoBeads Lycopene - a powerful antioxidant that has been formulated to reduce collagenases (the enzymatic breakdown of the body’s natural collagen that occurs naturally with age) and to help protect your hair from shine-destroying free-radical damage and oxidative stress.

 

To help support you further on your hair-health journey, we have put together a comprehensive guide to the best supplements for preventing and repairing damaged hair.

8. Take the right supplements

Many of us tend to take popular supplements such as collagen, keratin or biotin, however, following years of research we have found out at LYMA that most of those supplements are not absorbed by the body and/or are not provided with the necessary daily dosage for them to have any impactful results. The LYMA Supplement contains two potent ingredients that have been specifically formulated to boost the health of your hair so that you can re-find your balance, knowing that you look and feel your best.

Cynatine® HNS

Keratin has already been mentioned as being an important building block in the quest for long and strong hair. Keratin is an amino acid and is responsible for maintaining the integrity of your hair from follicle to tip. Keratin is fundamentally important to both hair growth and structure.

Cynatine® HNS is a superior, highly bioavailable, active strain of keratin. The unique advantage of Cynatine® HNS is that it is the world’s first solubilised keratin, allowing for enhanced absorption and thus superior resilience and shine when it comes to your hair.

In a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial into the hair-health benefits of Cynatine® HNS, 65% of people reported faster growth, thicker-looking and more glossy hair, and improved hair structure.

LycoBeads Lycopene

Without collagen, the body cannot manufacture keratin, which is why LYMA also contains LycoBeads Lycopene. Lycopene encourages the body’s natural production of collagen, and crucially inhibits collagenases - the enzymatic breakdown of the body’s collagen that occurs naturally as you age.

Chronic stress can impede your body's innate ability to fend off hair-destroying environmental toxins, and Lycopene can help you to rebuild your defences. Lycored Lycopene™ is a powerful antioxidant with free-radical fighting and health-restoring potential for your entire body. The benefits associated with LycoBeads Lycopene are in no way limited to hair.

Unlike collagen, the body is unable to manufacture lycopene itself, so taking a supplement is vital if you want to restore your hair to its former glory. LycoBeads Lycopene as formulated at 30mg in LYMA is a powerful, technology-enhanced natural carotenoid, and is the most potent strain of lycopene available.

Saffron (affron®)

Six independent, peer-reviewed studies have concluded that affron® has a natural antidepressant effect. It has been suggested that saffron extract may be just as effective as prescription antidepressant medications when it comes to treating acute stress.

Researchers also confirmed recently that Saffron controls the expression of genes encoding the pro-inflammatory cytokines, enzymes, adhesion molecule, chemokines and some of the proteins that play important roles in controlling most inflammatory processes in immune system. The antioxidants in saffron have been shown to help prevent hair loss as it repairs hair follicles and promotes hair growth.

Ashwagandha (Sensoril®)

Likewise, ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for three millennia to help relieve stress, anxiety and depression. Sensoril® Ashwagandha is a full spectrum, root extracted form of the herb in its most bioavailable form and it has been formulated in LYMA at a clinically-backed daily dose of 250mg. Ashwagandha works by blocking the neural pathways in the brain responsible for emitting stress signals.

Turmeric (HydroCurc®)

Turmeric or rather curcumin, the naturally occurring carotenoid within turmeric's roots, is effective to protect the scalp from external stressors. Indeed, its well-known antioxidant properties help to reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals which, in turn, promote hair growth. Furthermore, thanks to its ability to balance hormone levels in the body, it helps decrease the high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), one of the primary factors in hormonal hair loss.

LYMA’s formula contains ingredients that are backed-up by science, that have been shown to manage stress and its associated symptoms. If you’re worried about hair loss and looking for proven ways to improve your hair thickness and growth, try the LYMA Supplement.

Designed to help you feel your best, realise your potential, restore your balance and unlock your inner confidence, LYMA is here to help you make your move.

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.