What are the stages of hair loss, and can Ayurveda help regrow hair naturally?

Question

I’ve been losing more hair than usual, and it’s starting to freak me out. Every time I wash my hair or run my fingers through it, I see so many strands falling out. I started looking into the stages of hair loss, and I think I might be in the early stages, but I’m not completely sure. How do I know what stage I’m in? Is there a way to stop hair loss completely before it gets worse?

My dad and uncles are bald, so I’m afraid this could be genetic. But I don’t want to start using chemicals like minoxidil because I’ve heard that once you stop, the hair falls out even faster. Can Ayurveda actually stop hair loss at different stages of hair loss, or does it only slow it down? I read that Ayurvedic oils like bhringraj and amla can help, but do they actually regrow hair, or just make the existing hair healthier?

One thing I’ve noticed is that my scalp feels dry and sometimes itchy. Could that be contributing to my hair loss? I read that Ayurveda looks at hair loss as an internal issue related to digestion and stress. If that’s true, does that mean I need to focus on my gut health instead of just using hair oils?

Another thing—does diet affect different stages of hair loss? I eat a lot of processed food and recently cut down on dairy. Could that be making my hair fall out more? Are there any specific foods in Ayurveda that help strengthen hair and prevent baldness?

If anyone here has used Ayurveda for hair loss, what worked best for you? Did it actually regrow lost hair, or just stop further shedding? I really want to find a natural solution before it’s too late. Any advice would be great!

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Hair loss can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially when you're unsure about the cause. The stages of hair loss, often categorized in the Norwood scale for men or the Ludwig scale for women, help indicate how severe the shedding is. However, early signs like excessive hair fall after washing or combing can suggest you're in the early stages. Genetics does play a significant role, but Ayurveda offers natural solutions that focus on both the internal and external factors contributing to hair loss. Bhringraj and amla oils are popular Ayurvedic remedies, known for promoting hair growth and improving scalp health. While these oils may not necessarily "regrow" hair in the same way as medications like minoxidil, they can make existing hair stronger, healthier, and more vibrant by nourishing the scalp and improving circulation. Dryness and itchiness on your scalp could indeed contribute to hair shedding, as a healthy scalp environment is crucial for hair retention. Ayurveda believes that hair loss is often linked to digestive health and stress. Improving digestion with herbs like triphala or ashwagandha and reducing stress through practices like yoga and meditation can support hair growth. Regarding diet, processed foods and excessive dairy can disrupt balance, so focusing on a nutrient-rich diet—especially foods like pumpkin seeds, spinach, and fenugreek—can nourish the hair follicles. It’s also important to avoid nutrient deficiencies, particularly in iron, vitamin D, and B-vitamins, which are vital for hair health. While Ayurvedic remedies may not guarantee regrowth of lost hair, they can definitely help slow further shedding and support healthy hair growth if you start early and remain consistent. For anyone who has experienced Ayurvedic treatments for hair loss, it’s about patience and a holistic approach—balancing internal health, stress levels, and scalp care.

What are the stages of hair loss, and can Ayurveda help regrow hair naturally? - #16868

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