My friend Rachel Kieffer of www.healthnutgirl.com wrote a guest post for my readers on treating thinning hair naturally that I know you'll find as fascinating as I did!
On my last visit to my hair dresser, she was amazed at the fullness, thickness and strength of my hair, which used to be very thin and brittle. She wanted to know what I did to reverse my hair loss.
Many women experience thinning hair and hair loss. It is something that we feel embarrassed about and it can cause us a great deal of stress. We regard our manes as a symbol of our femininity, and hair loss can make us feel like less of a woman.
While hair loss can be caused by medical conditions and certain medications (please check with your doctor) many women experience thinning hair because of nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes and stress.
I recommend treating hair loss with a combination of good nutrition, relaxation techniques and natural hair treatments.
NUTRITION FOR HEALTHY HAIR
It is very important to get enough protein every day.
Include at least one of the following with every meal:
~ Organic animal protein like poultry of fish
~ Beans, lentils and chickpeas
~ Nuts
~ Seeds
Eat plenty of vegetables every day. Make sure that you include vegetables from different color groups and that you are eating a wide variety, that will ensure that your body is getting a range of important nutrients.
Omega 3 fatty acids are especially beneficial and you can get them by eating wild Alaskan salmon 2-3 times a week and using flax seeds daily.
Iron is another important mineral and it is found in many dark leafy green vegetables.
I totally credit my improved mane to my daily green smoothies!
Here is a basic smoothie recipe:
- Two large handfuls of organic dark leafy greens like kale, collards, mustard, turnip, arugula, watercress, spinach, dandelion
- Two tablespoons of organic whole flax seeds
- Organic fruit like green apple, berries or banana
- 1/2 teaspoon of spirulina
- Water and ice
Blend until smooth
If you do not like the taste of green smoothies, start with one handful of greens and more fruit and gradually increase the greens.
It is important to use a powerful blender that breaks the cell walls of the vegetables and ensures you absorb all the nutrients fully. I cannot recommend the Vitamix enough, it is a wonderful investment in your health.
RELAXATION TECHNIQUES FOR HAIR GROWTH
Stress is a big cause of hair loss, and stress over hair loss can make it even worse.
Practice relaxation techniques daily:
~ Meditation
~ Deep breathing
~ Visualization
Are all great ways to reduce stress.
~ Spend time daily away from your screen and in nature.
~ Use journaling to help you address some of the causes of stress in your life.
~ Use affirmations like:
"Thinning hair does not define me or my femininity."
"I am completely amazing and beautiful."
"My body is capable of reaching vibrant health."
If you are feeling upset about how your hair looks, by all means use hair accessories, extensions, clip ons or anything that makes you feel fabulous.
SCALP MASSAGE
The following scalp massage will stimulate hair growth.
Pour a little sesame oil into a bowl.
Deep your finger tips in it and slowly massage your whole scalp.
Wash and shampoo your hair.
It is also important to style your hair gently. Don't pull it tightly or over brush, it can cause further hair loss.
Give it time, hair loss in not reversed in a day and not in a week, it can take up to six months to see results. Focus on creating a healthy lifestyle and a healthy hair will be just one of many rewards.
xoxo
Rachel
Rachel Kieffer has been in the food and health business for over 30 years and is a certified nutrition and health coach. She struggled with food compulsions and addictions for many years and has since lost over 100 lbs and created a healthy and happy life for herself! She is passionate about helping women transform and create a healthy life and body through joyful changes and lots of self love.
Get Rachel's FREE holiday gift Grain Workshop, a wonderful guide to clearing the confusion about which grains are healthy, cooking tips and recipes at www.healthnutgirl.com.