There are two visible changes associated with aging a head of locks.

1. The number of hairs
2. The progressive alteration of its remaining color

Human hair is not alive and therefore it is not capable of growing. It is the cells inside each hair follicle that is responsible for the development and textured mass of your hair. Each follicle has its own blood vessels that nourish the hair shafts, creating hair strands by secreting long garlands of protein, at the root of the follicle. As more protein is produced it is added to the end of the extended strands and then mechanically pushed out through the pore. A typical hair strand in a follicle extends about half an inch, a month. Growth is regulated by cycles of growth phases, although science has yet to determine what triggers these growth and resting phases.

Thinning hair

The amount of hair a man has throughout his life is determined at conception and no new follicles are formed in later life. The delicate balance of natural hair loss and replacement decreases with natural aging. Although we can lose up to one hundred free falling hairs a day, some extent of the loss can be altered by changing to a whole food, macrobiotic diet, while at the same time drinking or applying effective, daily scalp stimulating, formulas. There are many herbal remedies available to corrects premature hair-loss.

Try these hair growth-stimulating formulas.

Formula 1:

6 peach pits

2 cups apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup aloe juice

Crack the peach pits open, and remove the seeds inside. Pour the cider vinegar into a small pan. Add the peach seeds and bring to the small conteiner. Remove from the heat and strain. Allow the mixture to cool, then add the aloe, and combine. On dry hair, massage the solution into your scalp and leave for 12 minutes. Rinse out with tepid water and leave to air dry. Repeat formula daily.

Formula2:

1 cup grape seed, jojoba or olive (cold pressed) oil

2 teaspoons, cayenne pods (freshly crushed)

Crush the cayenne pods into a fine powder, then place it in a small conteiner. Cover with the oil and combine well into a smooth paste. On dry hair massage the paste into areas of the scalp where you are losing hair. Keep massaging for 3-5 minutes. Cover and leave for 12 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Apply daily and keep it up, as best results are found with continual application.

Herbs such as Chamomile and Elderflower are naturally cleansing and conditioning to hair, and added to soapwort root it makes an excellent herbal shampoo and conditioner, in one. When choosing herbs for hair care, take time to consider the fact that different hair types require and respond to different cosmetic herbs. Dry hair responds well to emollient herbs such as Marshmallow while dandruff prone hair, is nourished and corrected by Burdock and Cleavers.Rosemary and Lavender are rich in natural oils and make excellent conditioners. The actual (natural) color of your hair makes a great difference, too. Fair hair responds well to the enriching and dyeing properties of Chamomile, Yarrow and Lime flowers. Brown hair responds well to Henna and Thyme. Graying hair can be nourished with Sage, Parsley, Nasturtium and Rosemary. To promote hair growth, try drinking Horsetail and Catnip, and rinsing with Southernwood.

Baldness

Why would one man bald at twenty and another at sixty? Men bald at different ages, and at different rates, and for different reasons. Illness, disease, drugs and diet can have hair loss influences, all of which can be prevented, or treated. Some balding conditions are inherited, and although the hair continues to grow, it looks like it’s stopped because its growth pattern has been reprogrammed.

If you don’t have pattern baldness (the type dictated by your genes), try one of the following daily formulas.

1.

1 cup rosemary infusion

1 cup finely chopped soapwort root, decoction (see instructions below)

To make the infusion, pour 2 cups of water over 2 tablespoons of dried (or 2 tablespoon fresh), rosemary leaves. Steep and cover for 24 hours.

To make the decoction, place the soapwort root into a saucepan, and cover with 2 cups distilled water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by one third. Strain and set aside to cool. Strain the rosemary infusion and pour the liquid into a bowl. Combine both liquids and gently mix. Dampen your hair and massage the shampoo into your scalp for 5 minutes. Cover and leave for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water. Allow your hair to air-dry and use this formula daily until a significant hair growth responds, and then use twice weekly.