Hair fall, a concern that affects millions worldwide, can be distressing for those experiencing it. While shedding a few strands every day is normal, excessive hair fall can indicate underlying health issues, lifestyle factors, or genetic predispositions. At Raghujiwan, we believe that addressing hair fall is not just about surface treatments but understanding the root causes and integrating holistic remedies, particularly through Ayurveda astrology.
In this blog, we will delve into:
- What is Normal Hair Fall?
- Common Causes of Hair Fall
- Ayurvedic Perspective on Hair Fall
- Astrological Insights into Hair Health
- Raghujiwan Ayurvedic Solutions for Hair Fall
- Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Changes
- What is Normal Hair Fall?
The human scalp contains about 100,000 hair follicles, and it is perfectly normal to shed 50 to 100 hairs a day as part of the hair growth cycle. Hair goes through three stages:
Anagen (Growth Phase): Hair actively grows for 2 to 6 years.
Catagen (Transitional Phase): This brief phase lasts around 2 weeks, when the hair stops growing and detaches from the blood supply.
Telogen (Resting Phase): Hair remains in a resting phase before shedding and the cycle begins again.
If you’re noticing clumps of hair in your comb or after washing, or if your hair is thinning significantly, it might be a sign of a more serious issue that requires attention.
- Common Causes of Hair Fall
a. Genetics and Hormonal Changes
For many, hair loss is genetic. Male and female pattern baldness, known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss, and it occurs due to inherited genes. This condition is influenced by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks hair follicles, causing them to produce thinner, weaker hair, and eventually stop producing hair altogether.
b. Stress and Emotional Strain
Physical and emotional stress are known triggers for temporary hair loss. Conditions like telogen effluvium occur when significant stress pushes a large number of hair follicles into the resting phase, causing more hair to fall out.
c. Dietary Deficiencies
Lack of vital nutrients such as iron, protein, and vitamins (especially vitamin D and B12) can lead to poor hair health. Hair is primarily made up of a protein called keratin, and without enough dietary protein, hair becomes weak and prone to breaking.
d. Hair Care Practices
Using harsh chemicals, excessive heat styling, and vigorous combing can damage hair, leading to breakage and loss. Additionally, tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp can contribute to a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia.
e. Underlying Medical Conditions
Several medical conditions can lead to hair fall, including:
Thyroid problems: An underactive or overactive thyroid can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS may experience hair thinning on the scalp and excess hair growth elsewhere due to hormonal imbalances.
Autoimmune diseases: In conditions like alopecia areata, the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing sudden hair loss.
Scalp infections: Fungal infections like ringworm can lead to patchy hair loss.
- Ayurvedic Perspective on Hair Fall
In Ayurveda, hair health is deeply connected to the balance of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Hair fall is often linked to an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, which governs heat and metabolism in the body. When Pitta is aggravated, it leads to increased heat in the body, affecting digestion, and leading to the weakening of hair follicles.
Ayurvedic Causes of Hair Fall:
Excessive Pitta Dosha: Consuming too much spicy, sour, or fried food can elevate Pitta, contributing to hair loss.
Poor Digestion (Agni): Weak digestion leads to the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body, which can hinder the proper nourishment of hair follicles.
Stress (Rajas and Tamas): In Ayurveda, mental stress leads to the aggravation of Rajas and Tamas, contributing to unhealthy hair.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Hair Fall:
Ayurveda focuses on addressing the root cause of hair fall through internal and external treatments. Here are some of the time-tested remedies that Ayurveda recommends:
- Herbal Oils and Massages:
Regular oil massages with herbal oils like Bhringraj, Amla, Brahmi, and Coconut oil help nourish the scalp, improve blood circulation, and strengthen the hair follicles. Bhringraj, known as the ‘King of Hair,’ has cooling properties that reduce Pitta and prevent premature greying and hair fall.
- Ayurvedic Herbs:
Certain herbs are known for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss:
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, Amla strengthens hair, prevents greying, and nourishes the scalp.
Brahmi: Brahmi helps reduce stress and anxiety, one of the common causes of hair fall.
Shikakai: Known as a natural shampoo, Shikakai cleanses the scalp without stripping away its natural oils, keeping the hair roots healthy.
- Diet for Hair Health:
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet for healthy hair. Incorporating leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and dairy products can help balance the doshas and provide the necessary nutrients for hair growth. Foods like ghee, milk, and sesame seeds are recommended to cool the Pitta dosha.
- Yoga and Meditation:
Yoga poses like Sirsasana (Headstand) and Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) promote blood circulation to the scalp, helping in hair growth. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can also help reduce stress, an important factor in preventing hair fall.
- Astrological Insights into Hair Health
At Raghujiwan, we integrate the ancient science of astrology to understand personal health better. In astrology, certain planetary positions and transits are believed to influence hair health. Here’s how astrology can offer insights into your hair fall concerns:
Planetary Influences on Hair Fall:
Sun (Surya): The Sun represents vitality and governs overall health. If the Sun is weak or afflicted in your birth chart, you may experience issues like thinning hair or baldness.
Saturn (Shani): Saturn’s influence can slow down hair growth and contribute to hair fall, especially when it is transiting through critical houses related to health or when it is negatively placed in the horoscope.
Mars (Mangal): Mars represents heat and aggression. Its malefic influence can aggravate the Pitta dosha, leading to increased body heat and hair loss.
Astrological Remedies:
Wearing gemstones like Ruby for the Sun or Blue Sapphire for Saturn may help strengthen weak planetary positions.
Chanting mantras dedicated to specific planets, such as the Surya mantra or Shani mantra, may provide relief.
Performing remedies like offering water to the Sun during sunrise or fasting on specific days can help mitigate the adverse effects of planets influencing hair health.
At Raghujiwan, we offer personalized astrological consultations to help identify these influences in your birth chart and recommend remedies for balancing planetary energies, which in turn can promote better hair health.
- Raghujiwan Ayurvedic Solutions for Hair Fall
At Raghujiwan, we offer a range of Ayurvedic products and services specifically designed to address hair fall holistically. Our approach integrates Ayurvedic herbs, customized oils, and astrological guidance for a comprehensive solution to hair fall.
Consultations:
Our Ayurvedic experts offer personalized consultations to assess your dosha imbalances, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors contributing to hair fall. We provide tailored advice on diet, herbal treatments to restore balance and promote healthy hair growth.
- Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Changes
a. Balanced Diet:
To maintain healthy hair, ensure your diet is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Include:
Iron-rich foods: Spinach, lentils, and quinoa.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Flaxseeds, walnuts.
Biotin sources: Sweet potatoes, and almonds.
b. Gentle Hair Care Routine:
Use mild, chemical-free shampoos and conditioners.
Avoid excessive heat styling or harsh treatments like bleaching.
Opt for loose hairstyles that don’t pull on the hair.
c. Manage Stress:
Since stress is a significant factor in hair loss, practices like yoga