Ancient Hair Secrets: 3 Natural Treatments to Reverse Hair Loss, Gray Hair, and Itchy Scalp

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Health Viewpoints

Hair quality today seems to be lacking compared to that of our forebears. I recall my grandparents at an advanced age. Like many of their peers, their hair was still dark and lustrous. Nowadays, however, it’s common to spot bald heads and thinning hair while walking down the street, with many individuals resorting to wearing wigs.

While this phenomenon has many causes, one significant factor may be our shampoo, which can have severe drawbacks due to chemicals and other irritating ingredients. While they may achieve desired results in the short term, many chemicals can create serious health issues. As a result, many people suffer from itchy scalp, dryness, oiliness, eczema, and severe hair loss after using shampoo.

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Many shampoos we use today can damage and irritate our hair roots and scalp. With long-term use, our hair may become permanently damaged, leading to hair loss, one of the biggest headaches of modern-day people.

3 Natural Shampoos for Hair Loss, Gray Hair, and Itchy Scalp

Hair held significant value during ancient times and was sometimes considered a status symbol, so it’s no wonder people were conscientious about how they cared for it. Some ancient shampoos had the effect of cleansing the hair and unique properties that may have prevented gray hair and hair loss by keeping the scalp healthy.

Here are a few natural shampoos from the past that use simple ingredients, are easy to use, and can nourish your hair and scalp.

1. Fermented Rice Water

Rice water is the best of all-natural shampoos because it effectively cleanses the hair while promoting hair growth, making hair hydrated and thick.

Rice water boasts an abundance of water-soluble vitamins and trace elements that aid in preventing hair loss and stimulating the production of melanin by pigment cells, resulting in color-fast and lustrous hair. Furthermore, when rice water undergoes fermentation, it becomes enriched with starch, protein, and amino acids readily absorbed by the hair, thus bolstering its ability to eradicate dirt and impurities.

Usage: Storing rice water in an airtight container after cooking is best to preserve its benefits. Once you have a sufficient amount, say after a couple of days, you can use this liquid to nourish your hair. The great news is that rice water has a long shelf life and can last a few weeks if stored correctly. To ensure freshness, periodically pour out some of the original rice water, and add new rice water to the container.

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To properly wash your hair, start by warming the rice water. Once warm, massage the rice water into your scalp and hair for about five to 10 minutes. Finally, rinse your head with warm water. This process will help you achieve clean and nourished hair.

Caution: If you find the scent of fermented rice water disagreeable, there’s a simple solution. You can incorporate the juice of aromatic plants such as lemon peel, rosemary, pineapple, passionfruit, lavender, wild chrysanthemum, or others into the rice water. This method enhances not only the rice water’s fragrance but also its hair-boosting properties. However, exercise caution with these additives if you have scalp irritation or allergies.

2. Egg Whites

Egg whites possess impressive cleansing abilities for removing hair dirt and contain a rich supply of essential nutrients highly beneficial for hair. This unique combination of nutrients has a remarkable effect on human hair by promoting hair growth, preventing hair loss, and imbuing it with a lustrous and vibrant sheen.

Usage: Separate yolks from egg whites. Typically, one to three eggs are sufficient, depending on the thickness and length of your hair. Before applying the egg whites, dampen your hair. Gently massage the egg whites into your scalp and hair for five to 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Caution: Maintaining a moderate water temperature while washing your hair is essential to prevent cooking the eggs. Excessive heat can make the protein bind to your hair, making it difficult to wash out. Additionally, it’s important to note that individuals with protein allergies should avoid using this treatment.

3. Rice Vinegar

Not only does rice vinegar effectively eliminate grease and dirt from the hair, but it also reduces swelling and improves blood flow to the scalp. Moreover, it alleviates itching, combats dandruff, and eradicates flakiness.

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Usage: To utilize vinegar for hair care, dilute it with water at a ratio of 2:3 (2 parts vinegar, 3 parts water). Apply the diluted rice vinegar to the hair and scalp and gently massage for five to 10 minutes, and rinse it with warm water.

Caution: Vinegar can irritate to some degree, so it’s essential to exercise caution or refrain from using it altogether if you have a sensitive scalp, allergies, or are experiencing respiratory issues. It’s always important to consider your body’s condition before proceeding with the use of vinegar.

Other Specialized Hair Treatments

Ancient hair-washing ingredients sourced from nature are eco-friendly and affordable. The beauty of these materials lies in their ability to cleanse and nourish hair, leading to healthier strands over time.

For those seeking to nourish their hair with a natural treatment after washing, consider turning to one of the following ancient remedies:

1. Egg yolk for dry hair: Beat an adequate amount of egg yolk and apply it evenly to freshly washed, damp hair. Cover the hair with plastic film or a shower cap and leave it on for five to 10 minutes before rinsing.
2. Vinegar for oily hair: Dilute fruit vinegar with water at a ratio of 3:5 (3 parts vinegar, 5 parts water). Apply the mixture throughout the hair and wrap it with a towel, plastic film, or a shower cap, leaving it on for five to 10 minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly with water.

To enhance the fragrance and texture of your hair, you can add a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil into either treatment. Not only does this smell great, but it also adds smoothness and shine to your hair.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.