For both men and women, hair is a strong part of a person's identity. We style our hair, color it, add accessories, or let it go wild in order to convey a message about ourselves to the world. This is why hair loss, while often innocuous, can feel absolutely devastating. It doesn't have to be. 

According to Mayo Clinic, hair loss is caused by the destruction of the hair follicle and its replacement with scar tissue.

The most common causes of hair loss are family history (thank bald uncle Bob for those genes!), hormonal changes (as in pregnancy and menopause), medical conditions like ringworm and lupus, and medications, such as those used to treat cancer, arthritis, depression, and heart problems.

To prevent or treat hair loss, try these home remedies:

1. Olive oil, cinnamon, honey. Begin by warming olive oil in the microwave or on the stove. Mix in 1- 3 teaspoons honey and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Massage the warm home remedy into your scalp and let it sit for 15- 20 minutes before rinsing with a mild shampoo. Home Remedies For Life recommends repeating the treatment 2- 3 times weekly.

2. Fenugreek seeds. Add ground fenugreek seeds to water to create a paste you can apply to your scalp. Rest for 1- 2 hours and then rinse with water. Home Remedies For Life says the seeds are effective because they have hormonal precursors that stimulate hair growth and proteins that strengthen hair shafts.

3. Castor oil. The minerals, vitamin E, and proteins in castor oil make it a potent agent against hair loss. It nourishes the scalp and heals infections that lead to impeded hair growth. Home Remedies for Life suggests massaging warm castor oil into the hair and scalp. Do this in the evening and then cover your hair with a shower cap. Wash out the castor oil using a mild shampoo the following morning. Alternatively, get in the habit of adding a few drops of castor oil to your regular conditioning regimen.

4. Aloe vera. You're probably familiar with aloe vera in the context of a sunburn. But according to Home Remedies for Life, the plant contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that stimulate hair growth, open clogged hair follicles, and cleanse infections of the scalp. Simply massage aloe vera gel into your scalp in the evening. Cover with a shower cap and then rinse with lukewarm water the next morning.

5. Onion. To benefit from the antioxidants present in onion, Home Remedies for Life recommends making a home remedy from equal parts onion juice and organic honey. Rub the solution into the scalp, let the solution soak in for a few minutes, and then rinse with water.

6. Coconut oil. The Health Site claims coconut to be one of the most effective solutions for hair loss. Massage your scalp with your favorite coconut oil and leave it in for 1 hour before rinsing.

7. Garlic. You may be hesitant to try this home remedy at the risk of smelling like garlic, but follow the directions as given by The Health Site and not only will you stimulate hair growth, but you will also smell nice and fresh. Boil crushed garlic cloves in coconut oil. Let the solution cool and then massage it into your scalp. Rest for 30 minutes before washing your hair with a mild shampoo. The high concentration of sulphur found in garlic will help regenerate hair growth, while the coconut oil moisturizes.

8. Egg. Like garlic, egg has a high concentration of sulphur. It is also rich in phosphorus, selenium, zinc, iodine, and protein, all of which promote hair growth. The Health Site recommends beating 1 egg white in 1 teaspoon olive oil until the solution reaches a paste-like consistency. Massage the home remedy into the scalp and let it soak in for 15- 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water and a mild shampoo.

What is YOUR secret to preventing hair loss? Tell us when you SHARE this article on social media!

RESOURCES HOME REMEDIES FOR LIFE, MAYO CLINIC, AND THE HEALTH SITE

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