Hair loss does not cause illness, but it can be distressing and have an impact on your mental health and self-esteem. Some herbs may aid hair development, according to research.

What Causes Hair Thinning or Loss?

Hair develops in phases. Active growth (anagen) is the first stage, which involves around 90% of your hair. Your hair begins to die in the second stage, known as catagen. The resting period, referred to as telogen, is when your hair sheds. Each of these phases affects around 5% to 10% of your hair. ‌

Hair loses 50 to 100 hairs every day on average. Hair loss is indicated by shedding more than this quantity, a widening portion, or regions with no hair.

Hair loss can occur for a variety of causes. It might be a sign of another ailment or a therapy adverse effect. A hair problem might sometimes be the direct reason. The following are some examples of hair loss causes:

• Thyroid dysfunction
• Patchy hair loss is caused by alopecia areata, an autoimmune illness.
• Hereditary hair thinning or female or male-pattern hair loss
• Insufficient iron
• Malnutrition
• Loss of weight
• Tinea cutis is a fungal infection that causes hair loss in the hair follicle.
• Trichotillomania is an impulse-control condition characterized by hair pulling.
• Hair loss caused by tight hairstyles or harsh hair treatments is known as trichorrhexis nodosa.
• Allopurinol, tamoxifen, and chemotherapy
• Gold, bismuth, and arsenic toxins
• Hormone changes, such as those seen in postpartum hair loss
• surgery
• high temperature
• High-stress situations

Are Herbs Beneficial for Hair Loss?

Herbs have long been utilized in many different beauty and hair care regimens. Some data suggest that some herbs can aid hair development in a variety of ways. ‌

Horsetail. Horsetail, also known as Equisetum arvense, is high in silica. Silica penetrates your hair follicle and hair matrix, where cells proliferate and strengthen your hair follicle, resulting in thicker hair. Hair with a higher silica content may help prevent hair loss. ‌

Clover, red. Inflammation and hormones, particularly a type of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone, have a role in male- and female-pattern hair loss. ‌

According to one research, red clover (Trifolium pratense) inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and reduces inflammation, both of which are beneficial to hair growth. ‌

Another study found that a lotion containing red clover and peptides (short sequences of amino acids) aided hair growth by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme and reducing inflammation

Nettle stings. Although there are high-quality research on stinging nettle, also known as Urtica dioica, for hair development, one study found that ingesting this herbal extract boosted dermal papilla cell proliferation. These cells govern hair development and are found in the hair follicle.

Another study found that stinging nettle is high in beta-sitosterol, a plant component that increases growth factors that encourage hair development.

Stinging nettle, for example, is high in vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and iron, which are good for your skin and hair. People suffering from malnutrition or other vitamin deficiencies may find this herb useful as a diet or dried herb.

Herbal Hair Treatments to Think About

Hair can sometimes reveal signals of hormonal and nutritional changes. Herbs may aid by influencing your hair follicles and enzymes, according to some studies, but further study is needed. Your doctor can advise you on whether or not herbal hair treatments are appropriate for you.