Hair plays important roles, ranging from the conservation of body heat to the preservation of psychological well-being. Hair loss or alopecia affects millions worldwide, but methods that can be used to regrow hair are lacking.

There are different reasons for hair loss — genetics, hormone imbalances, fungal conditions of the scalp, stress, autoimmune diseases, and nutritional deficiencies — but there are some things you can do to regrow your hair.

How to Stimulate Your Hair Follicles

Do a Scalp Massage

Massaging the scalp, which can be used in conjunction with hair oils and masks, stimulates the scalp and may improve hair thicknessTrusted Source. It’s thought that stretching during the massage encourages hair growth and thickness in the dermal papilla cells, which are located in the bottom of the hair follicle.

Limit Heat Styling

You probably know this already, but any hair stylist will tell you the most obvious way to help your hair grow faster is to ditch your routine of hot tools. "Blow-dryers and styling irons can certainly damage your hair by making it dry and brittle, which can lead to breakage and shorter hair length," advises Doctor Manisha.

When should I see a doctor?

Most people lose about 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. This may seem like a lot, but it’s insignificant compared to the 100,000 hair follicles you have on your head.

If you’re noticing that you’re losing more hair than average, it’s worth discussing with your doctor, especially if hair loss is combined with other symptoms, like fatigue, anxiety, itching, and mood changes.

Can I use natural hair regrowth methods with other treatments?

Naturally regrowing your hair often requires a multidirectional approach, which means you may have to combine different approaches for the best results.

If you’re currently under a physician’s care for hair loss, and you want to combine natural methods with your medical treatment, talk with your doctor to make sure there are no concerns or possible contraindications.