There was a time when the only people worried about losing hair were…well, old people. Back then, hair fall was a slow, age-related change, not a panicked conversation among 20-somethings googling “bald spot remedies” at 2 AM.

So what’s going on? Why does it feel like everyone’s hair is on the verge of falling out? Simple answer: nutrition. Or rather, the lack of it.

Hair might seem like something superficial, but it grows from within. Each strand is rooted in a hair follicle that needs fuel (aka nutrients) to grow strong, shiny, and full of life. Without proper nutrition, hair becomes weak, brittle, and eventually falls out. And no, one multivitamin a week isn’t going to cut it.

Today, our diets are more about speed than nourishment. Processed food, erratic meal times, stress-snacking… and don’t even get us started on hydration. The result? Our bodies are running on empty, and our hair pays the price.

And here’s the catch: hair needs both internal and external nutrition. Feed your hair from the inside with the right foods and supplements, and from the outside with proper care and nourishment.

Let’s bust a big myth: hairfall isn’t just about weak strands or a bad shampoo. More often than not, it’s about your hair cells ageing faster than they should.

Hair cells are incredibly active, constantly dividing to grow new strands. But when these cells start to age early, something that was once only seen in older people, they slow down, shrink, or stop working altogether. The result? Thinner hair, slower growth, and excessive shedding.

So what’s speeding up this ageing process? Almost everything around us:

Stress & lack of sleep : Chronic stress and sleep deprivation increase cortisol levels, damaging hair follicles and accelerating cellular ageing.

Poor scalp health : Dandruff, buildup, or infections inflame the scalp, damaging follicles and disrupting the natural growth cycle.

Harsh haircare habits : Over-brushing, tight hairstyles, and frequent use of chemical shampoos or styling products can traumatize the roots and weaken hair cells.

Nutritional deficiencies : A lack of key vitamins, minerals, and proteins deprives hair cells of the building blocks they need to function.

Environmental damage : Pollution, hard water, and UV rays generate free radicals, unstable molecules that trigger oxidative stress, aging the scalp and follicles.

Heat and chemical exposure : Excessive heat styling or chemical treatments (like colouring or rebonding) break down the protective layer around hair strands and damage the cells beneath.

Let’s talk real solutions. Because no matter how fancy the bottle, your shampoo isn’t going to fix what a lack of nutrition broke. Hair needs fuel both inside the body and outside on the scalp.

Internal Nutrition - Fuel From Within

The foundation of healthy hair starts with a well-fed body. Here’s what your follicles crave:

Iron : Carries oxygen to hair follicles. Without enough, hair enters the “shedding” phase much earlier.

Zinc : Keeps oil glands around follicles healthy and regulates the scalp’s microbiome, vital for preventing hair thinning.

Biotin (Vitamin B7) : A star for keratin production, it helps strengthen strands and promotes faster regrowth.

Protein : Hair is made of keratin, a protein. If your diet lacks protein, your hair growth slows down or stops entirely.

Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids : These essential fats keep the scalp hydrated, reduce inflammation, and boost follicle activity.

Vitamin A : Supports sebum production to keep the scalp naturally moisturized.

Vitamin C : Helps with collagen production (which strengthens hair) and improves iron absorption.

If you want to stop hairfall the natural way, there’s a reason Ayurveda has been swearing by these herbs for centuries. They don't just mask the problem, they treat it from the root. Here are some of the best:

Bhringraj : Known as the “king of herbs” for hair, it improves blood circulation, stimulates hair follicles, and slows premature greying.

Amla (Indian Gooseberry) : Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, it strengthens hair roots, promotes regrowth, and boosts collagen production for thicker strands.

Curry Leaves : Packed with beta-carotene, amino acids, and antioxidants, curry leaves strengthen hair roots, prevent thinning, and naturally darken hair over time.

Hibiscus : Encourages thicker hair growth, reduces breakage, and naturally conditions and nourishes the hair shaft.

Fenugreek (Methi) : High in nicotinic acid, it strengthens hair shafts, prevents breakage, and fights dandruff.

Neem : Antibacterial and antifungal, and keeps the scalp clean and clear, preventing infections and flakiness that hinder growth.

Kalonji (Black Seed) : Loaded with thymoquinone, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, kalonji strengthens hair follicles, reduces inflammation, fights scalp infections, and promotes new hair growth.

Rosemary : A powerhouse for stimulating hair follicles, improving circulation, and reducing DHT, a hormone linked to hair thinning and pattern baldness.

Hairfall isn’t your shampoo’s fault alone (though that could be a factor). It’s your body telling you that your hair needs help, nourishment, care, and a whole lotta love. So start from within. Eat better. Sleep deeper. Stress less. And while you’re at it, don’t skip that champi. Because when you feed your roots, they return the favour with strong, healthy hair that’s here to stay.