LOSING YOUR HAIR can feel like Mother Nature’s way of playing a long, cruel prank. One day you’re running your fingers through a thick mane like you’re in a shampoo commercial. The next, you’re checking your hairline in the mirror and wondering where it all went wrong. But here’s the good news: before rushing off to book flights to Turkey, there are a few easy, natural ways to slow hair loss.
Hair loss happens to most of us at some point, but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. With a few simple tweaks your hair can make a comeback. And no, these tweaks don’t involve rubbing exotic oils on your scalp under the light of a full moon (though if that’s your thing, no judgement). These seven tips are all backed by science. Let’s get into it.
1. Eat well
Your hair is made primarily of protein, so if your diet lacks that, we’ve found the root of your problem. Try adding more hair-healthy nutrients to your diet like protein, iron, Omega-3s, biotin and zinc.
2. Don’t wash too hard
A long, hot, shampoo-lathered scalp massage can be very satisfying, but too much of a good thing can strip your hair of natural oils and leave it brittle and prone to breakage. Try washing your hair two to three times per week with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo. And go easy on the towel afterward.
3. Be gentle when styling
The damage done by styling can be extensive, so don’t be too rough with yourself. Skip the tight ponytails, harsh brushing and aggressive towel-drying. Use a wide-tooth comb on damp hair and let your locks air-dry when possible. If you’re not going out, you can probably take a break from using gel or wax too. The less you use the better.
4. Get a scalp massage
Here’s your excuse to get someone to rub your head. Regular scalp massages (just five minutes a day) can increase blood flow to hair follicles and encourage hair growth. Bonus points if you use natural oils like coconut, rosemary or castor oil. Not only do they nourish your scalp, they make you smell good too.
5. Try to reduce stress
Stress doesn’t just mess with your mind, it messes with your hair too. Chronic stress can trigger telogen effluvium – a fancy term that basically means your hair falls out more than usual. Combat this with whatever keeps your cortisol down: yoga, walks, journaling, deep breathing, whatever works for you.
6. Spend some time in the sun
Vitamin D plays a key role in the hair growth cycle, and guess where you get it? That big fiery ball in the sky. Just 10–20 minutes of sunlight a day can help regulate hair follicle function. That being said, don’t fry your scalp. UV damage is real and a sunburnt head is not fun.
7. Quit smoking
Smoking tobacco restricts blood flow, reduces oxygen delivery to hair follicles and can damage the DNA of your strands. Basically, your hair hates cigarettes almost as much as your lungs do. If you needed one more reason to quit, this is it. Your hairline will thank you.
