Bondi Naturopath’s Guide to Healthier Hair, Naturally

1.Nurturing Your Hair Naturally – Understanding and Supporting Hair Health

Hair is often considered our “crowning glory”, not just a reflection of personal style but a visible sign of our overall health. If you’re noticing hair loss or thinning, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are many natural approaches to support healthier, fuller hair from the inside out. So lets explore this in a little more detail.

🧬 Hormones That Regulate Hair Health Hormones play a key role in the hair growth cycle. The main players include:

· DHT (Dihydrotestosterone): A by-product of testosterone, DHT can shrink hair follicles and shorten the growth phase—a major contributor to androgenic hair loss.

· Thyroid hormones (T3, T4): An underactive or overactive thyroid can lead to thinning or excessive shedding.

· Oestrogen and Progesterone: These hormones help keep hair in the growth (anagen) phase. Declines during perimenopause and menopause often contribute to hair loss.

· Cortisol: Ongoing stress elevates cortisol, which disrupts the hair growth cycle and can cause hair shedding.

· Insulin: Insulin resistance, common in PCOS, may increase androgen levels, contributing to hair loss in women.

🔍 Common Causes of Hair Loss

· Hormonal imbalances (e.g. PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, peri/menopause)

· Nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, protein, B12)

· Chronic stress and poor sleep

· Digestive issues and gut health

· Autoimmune conditions (e.g. alopecia areata)

· Genetic predisposition

· Medications (e.g. oral contraceptives, antidepressants, blood pressure meds)

· Hair care habits (tight hairstyles, excessive heat, chemical treatments)

🌱 Natural & Naturopathic Ways to Support Hair Health

✅ Balance Hormones & Block DHT Naturally

· Pumpkin seed oil: Rich in zinc and plant sterols; may inhibit 5-alpha-reductase (enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT).

· Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens): Research-supported natural DHT blocker; useful for androgenic hair thinning.

· Reishi mushroom: May reduce 5-alpha-reductase activity.

· Nettle root: May block DHT at the hair follicle receptor site.

· Green tea (EGCG): Supports follicle health by reducing DHT activity.

· Pygeum (African plum): Traditionally used for prostate support; may also block DHT.

· Licorice root: Can help lower testosterone in women (use under guidance).

· Rosemary extract/oil: Enhances circulation and may locally inhibit DHT on the scalp.

✅ Nutritional Support

· Protein: Vital for keratin production.

· Iron: Low ferritin can contribute to thinning; aim for ferritin >70 ng/mL.

· Zinc: Supports follicle strength and hormone balance.

· Biotin (B7) and Silica: Promotes stronger strands.

· Vitamin D: Supports immune and follicle function.

· Omega-3s: Anti-inflammatory and nourishing for scalp (found in flax, chia, fish oil).

· Collagen: Provides amino acids like glycine and proline that are vital for the structure of hair, skin, and nails. Collagen may help strengthen the dermis (the connective tissue layer of the scalp), promote hair follicle regeneration, and improve hair elasticity and moisture retention over time. Look for Verisol, this is the trademark name for the peptides specific to hair, skin and nail growth and strength.

Recommended Products (in store and practitioner only):

· Verisol Collagen Peptides - NutraOrganics Collagen Beauty and Designs for Health Whole Body Collagen contain this specific peptide.

· EPA/DHA - Nordic Naturals, Designs for Health, Orthoplex, Bioclinic, Eagle Clinical and Ethical Nutrients. You want to aim for at around 1.3g fish oil every day.

· Biotin/Silica- Herbs of Gold Biotin, Q Silica

· Complexes - Ethical Nutrients Healthy Hair Skin and Nails, Mediherb Saw Palmetto Complex , Orthoplex O balance, Bioclinic OestroSense.

· ECGC- Matcha (we stock many different types of matcha including ceremonial grade and organic)

· Reishi Extract – Superfeast Reishi powder

· There are also a variety of zinc and vitamin D options.

Chat to Nic our naturopath to work out which products will be suitable for you

✅ Scalp & Topical Therapies

· Rosemary oil: Stimulates blood flow and may support regrowth. Fresh rosemary simmered to make a strong tea is a cheap and easy solution . Put into a spray bottle and use as a leave in hair treatment or as an in shower hair rinse.

· Aloe vera / nettle rinses: Calm inflammation and promote scalp health. You can find aloe juice and nettle tea in store which are cheap and easy options.

· Pumpkin seed oil: Use topically or internally.

✅ Lifestyle Support

· Reduce stress with mindfulness, yoga or deep breathing.

· Prioritise 7–9 hours of quality sleep.

· Avoid harsh chemical treatments and over-washing hair. We stock a vast amount of natural and organic hair solutions.

· Stay well-hydrated (aim for 1.5–2.5 litres of water daily) to support circulation and detoxification.

· Consider gentle liver-supportive herbs like milk thistle or dandelion root to aid in hormonal balance and detox pathways.

🧪 Recommended Tests to Assess Hair Health (Functional testing can be done with Nic the Naturopath)

· Thyroid panel: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, anti-TPO antibodies

· Iron studies: Ferritin, serum iron, transferrin saturation

· Vitamin D

· Zinc and B12 levels

· Sex hormone panel: Testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone, SHBG, LH, FSH, DHEA-S

· Cortisol: Salivary or DUTCH test (Functional)

· Blood glucose & fasting insulin: To assess for insulin resistance or PCOS

· Hair Mineral Analysis: Via a qualified naturopath (Functional)

· DUTCH Hormone Test: Offers deeper insight into adrenal and sex hormone pathways (Functional)

· Metagenomic Gut Testing : Assesses gut microbiome and digestive health (Functional)

· Heavy Metal Testing: To identify toxic load that could impair hair growth and nutrient absorption (Functional)

· Mould Testing: To asses mould/ fungal load that impairs nutrient absorption (Functional)

⏳ Consistency Is Key Hair typically grows around 1 cm per month. Natural interventions require time—expect visible improvements within 3 to 6 months with consistent effort.

🚩 When to Seek Professional Help If you're unsure as to what is the best treatment, have bloods or functional testing that needs to be organised or professionally reviewed, experiencing sudden or patchy hair loss, scalp inflammation or discomfort, or signs of systemic deficiency (e.g. extreme fatigue, brittle nails), consult a qualified health practitioner or book an appointment with Nic . To organise a consult book at www.nicrevelman.com

or drop in on Mondays or Tuesdays for a chat to help decide which treatments or products might be right for you.

💡 Final Thoughts Hair loss is often a message from the body that something deeper is out of balance. With holistic support that addresses hormones, nutrition, stress, and scalp care, it is possible to restore vibrancy and growth. A personalised naturopathic approach can help you uncover the root causes and create a plan that nourishes your hair—and your whole health—from within.