Although there are dozens of over-the-counter and prescription medications that claim to prevent and combat hair loss, some of them produce negative side effects. This guide provides information and instruction on how to treat hair loss naturally.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

• There nearly as many different reasons for hair loss as there are purported methods that will treat it. Regardless of why you're losing your hair, it can be worrisome and embarrassing if you're faced with increasingly large clumps of hair in the shower drain or your hairbrush each day. If you're not ready or willing to use drug-based methods to combat your hair loss, there are several natural methods that claim to either help prevent or reduce hair loss, and may even help stimulate new hair growth.

(Creative Commons photo by swanksalot)

• Before you begin treating your hair loss, you should speak to your doctor about the problem, especially if it has occurred suddenly. In some cases, your hair loss may be indicative of another underlying and potentially more serious health problem. Your doctor may perform some tests and then will be able to inform you why you're losing your hair and recommend a treatment to help stop the hair loss. You may be suffering from a scalp infection or vitamin deficiency, which can be easily treated with medications or supplements. In other cases, if you are losing your hair while pregnant or suffering from postpartum hair loss, you may simply have to wait a few months for your hair to grow back.

• When you're healthy, all aspects of your body, including your hair, are healthier. Although they may not be the only reasons behind hair loss, a poor diet, lack of exercise and improper sleep habits may be partly responsible for your hair loss. Improve your overall body health by:

1. Exercising regularly
2. Drinking plenty of water
3. Eating a diet that is low in fat, and high in fruits and vegetables
4. Reducing your caffeine intake
5. Getting plenty of sleep
6. Taking steps to reduce your stress level

• The following foods, vitamins and supplements may help encourage hair growth in some people. Especially if you are pregnant or on other medications, consult with your doctor about safety and dosage before being a supplement program that includes:

1. Omega Oils
2. Biotin
3. Saw palmetto
4. Green tea
5. Royal jelly
6. Ginko biloba

• Stimulating your scalp with daily gentle massages has been shown to help encourage hair growth. Use a basic massage oil and gently massage the scalp with the fingertips. Some aromatherapy oils, such as bay, thyme, lavender, rosemary and cedarwood oils may help relieve hair loss in some people, so try mixing a few drops of these with a base oil to create an aromatherapeutic massage oil.

• If you're losing your hair, your first step should be to consult your doctor to figure out why. Once you have done so, you can more effectively choose a natural hair loss remedy that will work best for you.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: See Your Doctor
• Step 2: Get Healthy
• Step 3: Take Supplements
• Step 4: Massage and Essential Oils
• Conclusion