How Do Hair Follicles Work, and What Causes Them to Get Damaged? - #15210
I’ve been dealing with hair thinning and excessive shedding, and I recently started learning about hair follicles and how they affect hair growth. From what I understand, hair follicles are tiny sacs in the scalp that produce hair, but what causes them to get damaged or stop growing hair? I read that factors like stress, poor nutrition, hormonal imbalances, and scalp infections can weaken hair follicles, leading to hair loss. But can they recover once they are damaged, or is hair loss permanent? Are there natural ways to strengthen hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth? Does Ayurveda recommend any herbs, oils, or diet changes that help revive weak hair follicles? I’ve heard that Bhringraj oil, Amla, and Brahmi are good for scalp health—do they really help? If anyone has successfully improved their hair follicle health, what worked for you? Did using oils, scalp massages, or dietary supplements make a difference?
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Doctors’ responses
Hair follicles can weaken or become dormant due to stress, hormonal imbalances (like excess DHT), poor nutrition, scalp infections, or lack of blood circulation, leading to thinning and excessive shedding. If follicles are not severely damaged, they can recover with proper care, but prolonged dormancy may lead to permanent hair loss. Ayurveda recommends Bhringraj oil (strengthens roots), Amla (boosts collagen & vitamin C), and Brahmi (improves scalp circulation) for hair follicle rejuvenation. Regular scalp massage with warm oils (like coconut or sesame infused with herbs), Shirodhara (oil therapy), and Nasya (herbal nasal drops) enhance follicle health. A diet rich in iron, protein, and omega-3s, along with stress reduction (yoga, meditation), helps revive follicles naturally.
Hey there, so you’re diving into the complex world of hair follicles, huh? You’re spot-on about hair follicles being these mini factories for hair production nestled in our scalps. When it comes to why they might get damaged, you touched on key points: stress, lousy nutrition, hormonal imbalances, scalp infections… all big culprits. They can indeed mess with your hair growth cycle, making it rough for your follicles to do their job.
Now, when follicles are damaged, it’s not always a lost cause. They can sometimes bounce back, especially if the cause of damage is addressed. Think of them as just needing a little TLC to get back in gear. But, if there’s lots of scarring on the scalp or a condition that’s quite severe, things can lean more towards permanent hair loss.
Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, has some nifty tricks up its sleeve to help bolster those follicles. Bhringraj oil, amla, and brahmi are pretty darn powerful in supporting the scalp’s vitality. Bhringraj is often called the “king of hair,” known to deepen hair roots and slow hair fall. You might massage it into your scalp 2-3 times a week, warming it slightly for better absorption.
Amla is fantastic—it’s packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, so it nourishes both the hair and the scalp. Adding amla to your diet, like in powder form, or as a juice, is a great move.
Oh, and for Brahmi, it might not work wonders overnight, but as a stress-buster, it shines. You can use it in oil form or even consume Brahmi tea to keep your mind and scalp calm.
For diet, focus on foods that balance Vata and Pitta doshas since these are primarily linked with hair issues. Think cooling, hydrating foods, maybe some ghee (clarified butter), and lots of greens. Hydration is key, too, so keep those fluids up!
And scalp massages? Absolutely! They improve blood flow, helping nutrients reach the follicles kind of like a gentle wake-up call.
It’s tough since everyone’s hair is different, but with consistent effort, you might notice some improvement. If you’ve got a story to share or need more tips, throw them our way!

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