Last Updated on: 17th September 2023, 11:02 pm

There’s nothing wrong with shedding hair. Humans shed about 50 to 100 hairs a day. The cycle of hair shedding and hair growth are part of the body’s natural balance. When this balance is disrupted, hair loss sets in.

Types of Hair Loss

There are three known types:

1. Androgenetic alopecia. This is the most common type of hair loss. The hair naturally thins out from the top and sides of the head. The cause of this may vary per individual and is usually caused by genes, frequent hair styling and hair treatment, hormones, and autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata. It is also called baldness, female pattern hair loss (FPHL), or female pattern alopecia. 
2. Telogen effluvium. Telogen is the resting stage of the hair cycle before it naturally falls out. Telogen is a natural hair cycle caused by stress that could lead hair roots to prematurely go into the telogen cycle. An example of telogen effluvium is post-pregnancy hair loss. Telogen effluvium can be chronic or acute.
3. Anagen effluvium. Anagen effluvium occurs during the anagen hair cycle. The anagen phase is the cycle when hair growth occurs. Toxins, medication, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and autoimmune diseases cause Anagen effluvium.

Hair Loss Treatment

The good news is this hair problem is treatable. There are many medications and treatments available to stimulate hair growth. Some of these treatments can reverse hair loss or at least slow down the process.

Surgery

Hair transplant is a non-invasive procedure performed to replace hair. A patch of hair is removed from a part of the head that still has hair and transplants to the bald area. It is a non-medical procedure but quite painful, so sedation is necessary. It can cause bruising, swelling, bleeding, and infection. The downside is, hair transplant does not prevent hereditary hair loss.

Medication

Medication is another way to treat hair problems. Two of the most common medications are:

1. Minoxidil (Rogaine). This is an over-the-counter (OTC) hair treatment in foam, liquid, and shampoo forms. Apply directly to the scalp once a day for women and twice a day for men. Minoxidil can slow down the loss of hair or reverse it. Treatment takes a minimum of six months for results to start showing. Possible side effects are itchy scalp and unwanted hair growth.
2. Finasteride (Propecia). This is a prescription drug pill specifically for men. It takes months to show results of hair growth and slowing down alopecia. Some side effects include lower sex drive and sex function. It also increases risk of prostate cancer.

Laser Therapy

The US FDA approved a low-level device for use in performing the new laser therapy treatment. There are no sufficient studies to show long-term results. Whatever small studies conducted have shown improvement in hair density.

Herbal Hair Treatment

Surgery, medication, and laser therapy are all excellent hair treatments but can be costly. This is why herbal hair treatment in Singapore specifically became popular, pushing many to use hair products made from herbal ingredients. Using herbs, flowers, and plants has risen in popularity and has found its way in hair tonics, hair shampoos, and hair conditioners. Here are five of the most popular herbs that can prevent hair loss or promote hair growth:

Peppermint

Peppermint oil contains methanol, which helps promote blood circulation. When applied to hair and scalp, it stimulates hair growth, strengthens hair, and generates new follicles. It is noteworthy to mention that peppermint should be combined with a carrier oil to avoid scalp problems and irritations.

Amla

Amla powder is often used as a hair color ingredient. Amla alone cannot change the color of the hair but can only tone down the natural color. For the plant to work, it needs to combine with either henna or indigo. Amla is an ayurvedic medicine used in treating stomach problems. According to animal studies, it can minimize grey hair and encourage healthy hair growth. It can also reduce dandruff caused by excess natural hair oils, treat head lice, condition the scalp, and provide nutrients to the hair. Amla powder is usually mixed with water to turn into a herbal paste and applied topically.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been known to promote hair growth. The gel-like substance in aloe vera can help restore the pH balance in the scalp. A healthy scalp means healthy hair growth, so just massage aloe Vera gel on the scalp. Aloe Vera also helps define, hydrate, and moisturize hair. Aloe Vera is probably the most widely used herbal hair treatment against hair loss.

Horsetail

Horsetail may not be as popular as the other herbs, but it is a widely used ingredient in hair products. It contains silica, which helps strengthen hair. It helps reduce brittleness, thus minimizing hair loss.

Lavender

Lavender has antibacterial properties leaving the scalp free of hair problems that could stunt hair growth. Lavender is used as a topical hair treatment in the form of herbal oil. Many herbal products for hair incorporate lavender in their brands.

Many herbal plants would provide many benefits to the hair and could be sitting inside your home.