Five Ways to Stimulate Hair Growth

Hair loss (alopecia) is common to both men and women. Causes may include hereditary factors, hormonal changes, infection, toxic exposures, cancer treatment, malnourishment, and even hair treatments. According to the Mayo Clinic website:

Overuse or improper use of hair-coloring products, hair straighteners and permanent waves can leave your hair brittle and prone to breaking off at the scalp. Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair too tightly cause traction alopecia.

Keep in mind that some hair loss is normal. On average we lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day.

There are numerous options for treating hair loss, including these natural ones:

1. Avoid chemicals in hair care products, especially hair dyes. Look for natural alternatives. See this article for more.
2. Reduce your intake of processed and sugar-laden foods. Add nutrient-rich foods to your diet to promote the growth of healthy hair.
3. Avoid pulling, twisting, or rubbing your hair.
4. Create herbal infusions. Many herbs stimulate hair growth. Herbal options include:
   
   • Burdock
   • Nettle
   • Birch
   • Rosemary
   • Yarrow
   Recipe:
   Combine 2 tbsp. of each of the above herbs in a glass jar. (Feel free to use what you have on hand.) Add 2 c. boiling water and allow to infuse for 2-3 hours. Strain into glass container. Allow to cool. Shampoo and rinse hair. Pour warm infusion into hair. Massage into scalp. Towel dry (do not rinse). Style as usual.
5. Massage your scalp on a regular basis. According to the book Organic Body Care Recipes by Stephanie Tourles:

   The scalp, like your toes and fingers, is one of the hardest places on your body for blood to reach. A daily scalp massage is not merely an indulgence, but an important beauty ritual.

   Formulate your own massage blend by combining one or all of the following essential oils with jojoba oil:
   
   • 40 drops rosemary essential oil
   • 25 drops basil essential oil
   • 20 drops lemon essential oil
   • 15 drops lavender essential oil
   • 15 drops lemongrass essential oil
   • 10 drops peppermint essential oil
   Combine essential oils with 1/2 c. jojoba oil. Place in bottle and shake vigorously. Place 2 tsp. of blend in bowl. Dip fingertips into mixture and massage your scalp for 3-5 minutes. Leave on overnight if desired and lightly shampoo the next morning.