What causes thin hair?
Thin hair can be caused by genes, excess chemical and heat processes, inadequate diet and medical conditions such as stress. It affects men and women alike, and can cause a serious lack of self confidence in many people. Luckily there are a few things that can help thicken up our locks…
Remedies
Diet
Poor diet can contribute to thinning hair.
- Increasing your protein and iron intake can help to thicken up your tresses and improve the condition of your hair overall.
- Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of minerals and vitamins that will also improve the quality of your hair.
- Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to thinning hair. Foods that contain vitamin D are oily fish, dairy products, eggs and mushrooms.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E can be increased in your diet through leafy greens, eggs and nuts, but it can also be applied directly to your scalp to stimulate new hair growth and improve the condition of your hair. Massage castor oil into your scalp once a week to stimulate your hair follicles. It is high in vitamin E and is also an antibacterial so it will clear away any grime and bacteria that may be preventing your hair from growing properly.
Henna
Henna is a dye obtained from the henna plant. It has been used for many years to dye hair, skin and clothing items but it also contains excellent moisturising properties which strengthen and smooth hair cuticles and thickens hair in the process. Obviously this treatment will only work for you if you are ok with changing the colour of your hair. You should purchase 100% natural henna for best results and follow the instructions that come with it. The following are general instructions:
- Mix your henna powder with fresh squeezed lemon juice until you get the consistency of mashed potato.
- Cover with cling film and leave in a dark place for 12 hours so that the colour can develop.
- Remove the cling film and add some more lemon juice until it has more of a yogurt consistency.
- Wearing latex gloves, apply to your hair, being very careful not to get it on your face or neck.
- Wrap your head with cling film and leave the mixtures on for around 3 hours.
- Put your gloves back on and hanging your head over the bath or a sink rinse out the majority of the henna.
- Shampoo the rest out completely. You may need to wash more than once.
Warning! Henna dyes EVERYTHING! Be careful not to let it touch your hands or face, floor or walls, or anywhere other than your head! If it does end up where it shouldn’t, wash it off immediately.
Henna can also be mixed with different things to create different shades.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil works great for enhancing hair growth. It can also help to clear away dandruff and built-up oils to improve the function of your hair follicles.
- Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil.
- Massage the mixture into your scalp and leave it to soak in for an hour.
- Wash out with a natural shampoo. You should repeat these steps once a week to start seeing results.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil boosts blood circulation and stimulates hair growth when massaged into the scalp. The fatty acids help to prevent breakages and its moisturising properties improve the overall condition of each strand of hair.
- Use 100% natural coconut oil. Warm it up slightly so that is becomes a liquid.
- Massage the oil into your hair and scalp and leave it to soak in overnight if possible.
- Wash out with a natural shampoo and repeat at least once a week for a month to start seeing results.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds contain amino acids and lecithin which are great for stimulating hair growth. They are also effective and clearing away dandruff and repairing hair follicles. You should start to see results after using a fenugreek mask for a month or so.
- Soak ½ a cup of fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
- Strain and grind up in a blender and then add a small amount of water to make a paste.
- Apply to your scalp and leave on for 2-3 hours.
- Wash out with a natural shampoo.
Avocado & Banana
Avocados and bananas both contain masses of minerals and vitamins that are great for hair. Avocado will stimulate new growth and banana helps to lock in moisture and repair damaged hair cuticles.
- Mash together the meat from an avocado and a whole banana.
- When you have a paste, apply to your hair and scalp and leave on for an hour or so.
- Wash out with a natural shampoo. You may need to wash twice to completely clear away the mush!
- Repeat this treatment once or twice a week and you will soon notice the benefits.
How to prevent thinning hair?
The main causes of thinning hair include excess styling with heat or chemicals, certain medications, stress and diet. Try to avoid blow drying and straightening your hair on a regular basis; it destroys the cuticles and causes breakage. Making sure you are getting adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals in your diet can go a long way to improving hair quality. When you become deficient in certain vitamins, your hair and nails are one of the first things to stop growing.
