If you have been losing hair your may have been asking, “how can I get it to grow back?” There is no sure fire way to re-grow all of your hair, but there are ways to help your hair re-grow, become stronger and healthier. In this article, discover ways to give your hair the best chance to re-grow.
1. Getting enough Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps the body to develop healthy cells, tissues and hair. Combined with zinc and silica, it helps to prevent the clogging of the sebaceous glands on the scalp. The sebaceous glands produce sebum, an important lubricant for the hair follicle.
Vitamin A deficiencies can cause dry hair, dandruff and thickening of the scalp. Good sources of Vitamin A are fish oil, liver, eggs, milk and dark leafy green, orange, yellow and red vegetables.
Since Vitamin A is fat-soluble, be careful not to overdo your intake as this can cause inflamed hair follicles, dry skin and even hair loss. Be careful not to overdose when taking Vitamin A supplements, but this is not a concern when getting Vitamin A from food since it is almost impossible to overdose from natural sources.
2. Getting enough Zinc
Zinc is a vital mineral for healthy hair since it is responsible for tissue repair, cell production and maintenance of oil-secreting glands of the scalp. Since zinc plays an important role in protein synthesis and the building of collagen, it helps with hair maintenance and dandruff control.
Americans in general have a zinc deficiency. Foods rich in zinc are oats, oysters, seafood and most foods originating from animals. Small amounts of zinc are also found in eggs and milk. Although natural grains, nuts and legumes contain zinc, it is a different composition and not as absorbable in the body.
3. Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto has been used to block the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the treatment of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and other prostate issues. Since elevated levels of DHT is a known cause of androgenetic alopecia, lowering DHT levels with Saw Palmetto can help to restore the hair in men and women.
Recent studies have shown Saw Palmetto extract to be an effective anti-androgen which in turn would show hope as an effective treatment for hair loss prevention. Women taking Saw Palmetto should cease taking it when taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy.
4. Nettles, rosemary and sage
Nettles have high concentrations of vitamins A and C, minerals and lipids beneficial to hair maintenance and growth. Nettle Root Extract has been used successfully in Europe and has shown promise in hair loss prevention. Nettle Root Extract shows few side effects and is available over-the-counter at most health food stores and online.
Rosemary and sage have shown results for hair restoration when used externally. To promote scalp cleansing, hair root stimulation and hair thickening, boil together in water rosemary, peach leaf, nettle, sage and burdock. Strain out any lose particles of the herbs from the liquid and use it to wash the hair daily.
To make a great hair lotion, steep one ounce of ground rosemary, two ounces of ground sage and one half ounce of ground nettles in one pint of ethyl alcohol for one week. Strain the solution and add one ounce of water and one ounce of castor oil. Apply the lotion at night before bedtime or just before washing the hair with shampoo.
5. Aloe Vera
Indians, Native Americans and Caribbean’s have used Aloe Vera for centuries for the prevention of hair loss and to promote healthy hair. Aloe’s healing effects have been used for burns and healing of the skin and works likewise for healing and pH balancing of the scalp.
To prepare a shampoo that has shown hair restoration properties, combine Aloe Vera gel, a small measure of wheat germ oil and coconut milk. If you do not want to make your own, you may be able to find a similar product containing these ingredients at a health food store or online.
