Natural Hair Loss Treatments
It is a very few people who are aware that baldness can be cured the natural way. When nothing else works, it is mostly the natural cures of baldness that seem to work the best.
It is true that the natural cures of baldness are complete in themselves. These herbal techniques are enough to bring the crowning glory back to the head and do not require any further supplementation. You can do a research on some of the natural treatments available for baldness.
Many natural hair loss remedies, both traditional and contemporary, have shown their worth in reducing and reversing hair loss. They are also perceived as being free from side effects and even deliver additional health benefits.
Natural remedies to cure baldness are highly effective and there are no side effects of them on you. Other medical drugs use strong chemicals which harm our hair in more than one way but in the natural cure for baldness all the medicines given to you will be made from organic substances.
Hair loss has been a problem for many people for many years and as an effect of that, there is a huge industry of medical companies that are targeting that market with all kinds of products.
There are dozens of hair loss treatments on the market – and it can be very difficult to separate the hype from the effective hair loss products. Let’s bust common hair loss myths and introduce you to hair loss products that are proven to work!
If you’re suffering from hair loss, the last thing you need is to be taken advantage of by products and gimmicks that just don’t work. Going bald is nothing to take lightly – it can be humiliating and you want to take action before the situation gets worse!
Baldness involves the state of lacking hair where it often grows, especially on the head. The most common form of baldness is a progressive hair thinning condition called androgenic alopecia or ‘male pattern baldness’ that occurs in adult male humans and other species.
The severity and nature of baldness can vary greatly; it ranges from male and female pattern alopecia (androgenic alopecia, also called androgenetic alopecia or alopecia androgenetica), alopecia areata, which involves the loss of some of the hair from the head, and alopecia totalis, which involves the loss of all head hair, to the most extreme form, alopecia universalis, which involves the loss of all hair from the head and the body.
It has been firmly established that male pattern baldness is initiated by DHT attaching to the receptor sites on the hair follicles. Genetically, only the follicles on the top of the head are encoded with the receptor sites, which explains why hair along the side of the head and in the back of the head is not lost with age. The attached DHT on the receptor site is perceived as a foreign body and the immune system begins to destroy the hair follicle, shortening the growth phase and causing the hair shaft to become progressively finer in texture. In extreme cases, only a vellus hair remains. The good news is that the follicles have the inherent capacity to mature to their former size.
It is the effect of hormones on the hair follicle that produces male pattern baldness. Testosterone, a hormone that is present in high levels in males after puberty, is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT has an adverse affect on the hair follicles. Acting on a hormone receptor on the hair follicle it slows down hair production and produces weak, shorter hair, sometimes it stops hair growth from the follicle completely. This process gradually depletes the stock of hair.
Once hair loss begins making its appearance, people fear that with the speed they are losing their hair, they might soon become bald. This does lead to depression and even self-guilt for not taking proper care of hair at the right time. Most people think that once anyone becomes bald, nothing can be done. They all try using various shampoos, hair oils, medications; and when no positive results are seen, they accept baldness as something given by Providence and comfort themselves.
Hair Loss Treatments
Treatments for the various forms of alopecia have limited success. Some hair loss sufferers make use of so-called "clinically proven treatments" such as finasteride and topically applied minoxidil (in solution) in an attempt to prevent further loss and re-grow hair.
As a general rule, it is easier to maintain remaining hair than it is to regrow; however, the treatments mentioned will help some of the users suffering from Androgenetic alopecia, and there are new technologies in cosmetic transplant surgery and hair replacement systems that can be completely undetectable. The effectiveness of finasteride and minoxidil is not universally accepted.
In the USA, there are only two drug-based treatments that have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and one product that has been cleared by the FDA for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, otherwise known as male or female pattern hair loss. The two FDA approved treatments are finasteride (marketed for hair loss as Propecia) and minoxidil.
If you have tried any of the above mentioned "guaranteed" hair loss products then I would assume that you had only very limited success with these products. I personally have tried a handful of hair loss products in the past with the results varying from no growth at all, very little and patchy growth and even burning of the scalp, I lost faith in these so called hair growth products.
As it has always been with medicine it is commonly produced in laboratories and often it is therefore a recipe put together by a variety of chemicals. To avoid all those chemicals that our world is full of people are turning to natural hair loss remedies.
The most popular drug for hair loss treatment is Propecia. The problem is that, Propecia is a drug plain and simple! and therefore can have side effects like any other drug.
The side effects of using Propecia include sexual side effects (mainly libido loss), severe head aches, head pressure and dizziness.
The following information which speaks for itself, is taken from the official Propecia website.
"The dose of propecia for male pattern baldness is 1mg tablet (as per prescribed) once per day. Daily use of Propecia (finasteride) for a three month period is normal before an increase in hair growth or prevention of further hair loss is noticed. Propecia must be continued to maintain any beneficial results achieved while taking Propecia. If you stop, you will most likely lose the hair that has been grown within 12 months of stopping treatment. Although results will vary, generally you will not be able to grow back all the hair you have lost."
Natural Hair Loss Treatments – Topical Applications
1. Omega 3 oils
Researchers at the International Oceanic Association of Aquatics and Marine Life, have made a groundbreaking discovery; topical application of omega-3 rich fish oils causes dormant hair follicles to reinvigorate, producing lush locks, in some cases within days.
The groundbreaking study, published in the International Journal of Biology, shows an impressive 85 percent success rate using this refreshingly low-tech solution to a common, growing problem.
“The technique appears to be equally effective in both men and women, regardless of their current level of hair loss,” said April Meade in a press conference on March 31. Several hair restoration companies have already expressed interest.
Researchers are still trying to figure out why omega-3 supplement capsules or liquid fish oil doesn’t work when applied in a similar fashion. So far the only application technique found effective is to rub the interior of fresh fish on the head directly.
An excellent highly effective omega-3 hair loss product is Emu Oil.
Emu oil is a natural oil which includes the properties: essential fatty acids Omega-3 & Omega-6. Emu oil is an all natural tissue nutrient that penetrates the skin, promoting cell regeneration. Emu oil and hair loss prove to be the most successful combination in modern alternative treatment breakthroughs. Emu oil “awakens” hair follicles that seem to be sleeping, retired, or dead
Research has shown that emu oil contains a high level of linolenic acid which further research has shown to be an efficient antiandrogen. Linolenic acid is a potent 5 alpha reductase inhibitor and may be useful in the treatment of disorders related to the hormone Dihydrotestosterone. Linolenic Acid has been suggested to be of use in the disorders such as benign prostratic hyperplasma, acne androgenetic alopecia and hirsuitism.
Topical applications of emu oil show particularly incredible results in treating frontal baldness – the most difficult type of hair loss to cure. Many people who suffered from hair thinning on the frontal areas of their scalp have reported dramatic results after just several weeks of treatment. In most cases, regular scalp massages with emu fat result in the growth of new fuzz on the frontal parts of the scalp, even in people who were completely bald on those
Extensive research has been conducted on emu oil and hair loss. The results have been conclusive: emu oil does have healing properties that benefit men and women experiencing hair loss. Take for instance several studies at the Boston University School of Medicine on emu oil and hair loss.
Michael Hollick, MD, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine conducted a study involving emu oil and hair growth. His study found that there was a 20% increase in growth activity of skin that received emu oil, compared to skin that received corn oil. Looking at the hair follicles, Dr. Hollick realized they were much more robust, the skin thickness was remarkably increased, suggesting that emu oil stimulated skin growth and hair growth. Additionally, the study showed that over 80% of hair follicles that had been "asleep" were woken up, and began growing. This is what emu oil may do for you!
Another medicinal effect of emu oil is its ability to inhibit 5 alpha reductase – a body chemical that is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DHT. It is known that DHT is strongly implicated in the onset and progression of male-pattern baldness. When emu oil is applied onto balding parts of the scalp, it works to desterilize the DHT-producing components
According to clinical studies in Australia and the U.S, Emu Oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent that can rejuvenate skin cells and produce up to 80% in healthy hair growth
Although further studies need to be carried out to support the findings from this latest study the results are further evidence that emu oil may have a role to play in encouraging hair re-growth.
Several theories have been put forward as to how, if it does, emu oil might help with hair loss. Emu oil application may encourage cell division by supplying some of the fatty acids that are needed for the process to occur. It has been proposed that the suggested anti-inflammatory nature of the oil may help with some forms of hair loss linked to inflammation of the skin surrounding the hair follicles. The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into the hormone DHT (claimed to be one of the main culprits to cause hereditary balding) is known to be inhibited by several of the fatty acids that are present in emu oil.
Suggested Use:
Rub emu oil directly onto the affected part of the scalp. The organic properties in emu oil, such as essential fatty acids, stimulate hair re-growth naturally. Other forms of natural hair loss can also be treated with emu oil. Because emu oil is so close in composition to human skin, it absorbs quickly and deeply into the scalp, infusing your scalp to the roots. Emu oil is a safe, natural hair re-growth solution.
Massage a small amount of emu oil into the hairless or thinning area of the scalp three times per day, if possible. In the evening or on weekends, apply a greater amount of emu oil to the scalp and leave on for 20-30 minutes, then wash hair with a mild shampoo. If your hair follicles were in a sleep state, you should notice signs of regrowth in 30-90 days.
In the most recent trial, in which participants saw an average of 8.1% re-growth per month, emu oil applications were made every day before going to sleep. A few drops were applied to the balding area and thoroughly massaged in.
2. MSM -Sulphur
Sulfur is a mineral present in every cell in the human body, with its greatest concentration in hair, skin and nails. It has often been called the “beauty mineral” and the “healing mineral” because of its ability to promote circulation and decrease inflammation. These qualities also lend to the theory that adequate amounts of sulphur can jump-start hair growth in people with deficiencies.
Scientists have found that eating sulphur-rich foods and applying sulphur creams to the scalp may help promote hair growth. Sulphur is present in protein-rich foods containing high levels of the amino acids methionine and cysteine. These foods include meat, fish, legumes, nuts, eggs, and vegetables.
In the book The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain
The doctors treated more than 1,000 patients with MSM for everything from osteoarthritis to allergies. When it came to hair, they reported that 100% of their patients taking MSM experienced increased growth.
Two good sources of topical sulphur are:
1. Onion juice
Onions contain a number of important minerals and vitamins, such as vitamins C and B6, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and germanium. Onion also has a high Sulfur content. Sulphur is a mineral present in every cell in our body, with its greatest concentration in hair, skin and nails. It has often been called the “beauty mineral” and the “healing mineral” because of its ability to promote circulation and decrease inflammation. These qualities also lend to the theory that adequate amounts of sulphur can jump-start hair growth in people with deficiencies. High amounts of sulphur in onions make them particularly effective in regenerating hair follicles and stimulating hair regrowth. In addition, naturally-concentrated sulphur compounds have been proven to show additional hair-restoring.
A study published in the Journal of Dermatology examined the effectiveness of onion juice or placebo in people with alopecia areata. Twenty-three people with alopecia areata applied the onion juice twice daily for two months, and 15 people applied tap water twice daily for two months.
People in the onion group began to experience regrowth of hair after two weeks of treatment. At four weeks, hair regrowth was seen in 17 (73.9%) people and at six weeks, hair regrowth was observed in 20 (86.9%) people. Improvement was significantly higher among males. In the tap water control group, hair regrowth was apparent in only 2 people at 8 weeks.
Apply freshly-squeezed, raw onion juice directly onto the scalp, massage deep into the scalp and hair roots. Left on the scalp for about half-an-hour before shampooing. Do these treatments everyday. In most cases, regular onion treatments will result in dramatic improvement of hair thickness within just several months. Since onion juice restores hair follicles and improves scalp circulation, it will help to promote the strong-hair growth.
2. Garlic
Garlic contains 33 sulfur compounds, 17 amino acids, and many other vitamins and minerals. Depending on how garlic is handled depicts which compound is released.
Garlic, as well as being good for our body, can be really good for our scalp and hair. Garlic can stimulate the flow of blood to the scalp, thereby nourishing the hair, and thus encouraging hair to grow and strengthen, rather than falling out, breaking off, and leaving us bald or balding.
An hour before bedtime, slice open a clove of garlic and rub it on the hair loss area. Wait for an hour then massage the scalp with olive oil. Put on a cap and go to bed. In the morning, shampoo your hair. Repeat this remedy for a few weeks, and hopefully hair will stop falling out and re-grow.
Licorice Root
Since licorice is recommended the natural health care product for most post menopausal issues due to its ability to regulate estrogen hormone level, it has also been found to be helpful in hair loss restoration. Licorice is generally included in most of the hair loss restoration formulas.
Homeopathy
In homeopathy, some of the options given for natural cure for baldness are fluoric acid, selenium, tissue salts, phosphorus, lycopodium, etc. But do not try taking these medicines without the help of a qualified homeopath. As not only the medicines but their dilution ratios are also important. Also these methods might take some time. You are wrong if you think that the results will show up overnight. Treatments are lengthy, and might go on for several months. Having said that, it can be safely said that homeopathy is one of the safest and surest ways to bring the crop of hair back on your head once it is lost.
Essential Oils – Aromatherapy
Another natural cure for baldness is by Aromatherapy. The oils in this method are obtained from cedar wood, bay, lemon, jojoba, lavender, grapefruit, and rosemary. The massage of these oils into the scalp is the basic step of aromatherapy cure. When the oils are absorbed in the scalp, it helps in re-growth of the hair.
A revolutionary aromatherapy study was recently published in the Archives of Dermatology. Isabelle C.Hay and co-researchers from the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Scotland studied 86 people with diagnosed alopecia areata. The trial lasted seven months and while the trial took place, the participants stopped using topical (skin) and oral alopecia medications.
Patients were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. One group received the following recipe:
- Thyme vulgaris (2 drops, 88 mg),
- Lavandula angustifolia (3 drops, 108 mg),
- Rosmarinus officinalis (3 drops, 114 mg),
- Cedrus atlantica (2 drops, 94 mg).
These oils were mixed in a carrier oil, which was a combination of jojoba, 3 ml, and grapeseed, 20 ml, oils … The oils were massaged into the scalp for a minimum of 2 minutes.
Patients were taught to massage the oil into the bare areas of their scalp for two minutes each evening and then wrap a warm towel around their head to enhance absorption.
The placebo group used just the carrier oils.
There are even certain herbal solutions like honey, aloe, mulberries, and brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) which are believed to be the best natural cures for baldness. These treatments are effective only if they are taken under the guidance of a professional. In Ayurveda, all these herbal solutions are used along with the massage therapy.
How To Use Essential Oils for Hair Loss:
Add 2 drops of the essential oil either to the rinse water or to a good vegetable oil. Massage it well into the scalp. Wrap the hair in plastic wrap; place a warm towel around it. Leave it for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight. Shampoo the hair as usual, using a mild shampoo (avoid medicated shampoo), so that you do not damage the sebum balance.
Hypnosis
A study was conducted in Brussels to determine psychological effects and clinical outcome of hypnotherapy on alopecia areata patients. Twenty one patients with extensive alopecia areata (that was unresponsive to previous conventional treatments) were evaluated. After three to eight hypnotherapy sessions, all of the 21 participants improved psychologically with significantly lowered levels of anxiety and depression. Twelve patients dramatically improved their hair growth. The conclusion was that hypnotherapy may enhance the mental well-being of patients with alopecia areata, and it may improve clinical outcome. This was reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, August 2006.
Massage
Oiling and massaging of scalp is very beneficial for stopping the hair loss. Massage is necessary to improve the blood circulation of the scalp.By massaging the scalp the hair follicles are stimulated and the texture of the hair is also enhanced. Massaging activates the nerves and a sense of calmness in the mind ensues. This therapy is useful for people who have routine stress.
Everyday, spend about 5-10 minutes massaging your hair with your fingers. Move your fingers circularly all over the head starting from the temporal parts to the occipital area. Apply the necessary pressure to the areas. Even Yoga exercises such as the headstand are recommended for proper circulation to all the parts, especially the hair follicles to stimulate growth.
