Hair, often referred to as a person’s “crown and glory,” becomes a source of stress, distress, and confusion when hair loss begins. The American Academy of Dermatology Association notes a wide range of causes for hair loss, including factors such as age, poor diet, significant weight loss, chronic iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, childbirth, and more.
In the United States, the most prevalent form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern hair loss, impacting over 50 million men and 30 million women, as reported by the National Institutes of Health.
Given the widespread occurrence of hair loss, the market is flooded with products promising solutions. However, the crucial first step in addressing hair loss is to collaborate with a healthcare provider to pinpoint the underlying cause, as emphasized by Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News chief medical correspondent and board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist.
After identifying the root cause, there are natural and cost-effective remedies that may aid in halting hair loss and promoting hair growth.
Below, Ashton provides an in-depth exploration of six scientifically proven natural remedies for hair loss.
Considerations before attempting a natural remedy:
Ashton emphasizes that the natural remedies are intended for topical use, meaning they should be applied to the skin and scalp rather than ingested. Due to the potential for scalp irritation, Ashton recommends conducting a patch test on a small area of skin for a day or two and observing the results before applying it to the scalp.
She also advises that each remedy should be used every other night or every two to three days, not on a daily basis. Additionally, patience is necessary, as it may take as long as three to six months to observe any results. FDA-approved medications for hair loss are also available, and individuals are encouraged to consult with their doctor to determine eligibility.
1. Coconut oil
Research indicates that coconut oil may have potential in preventing hair loss.
Though it is considered more of a preventive measure than a solution for regrowing hair, Dr. Ashton mentioned that coconut oil, available in both liquid and solid forms, is a favored low-risk option.
“There is minimal data demonstrating a significant enhancement in hair growth or thickness with coconut oil,” Ashton stated. “However, you always need to weigh the risk versus the benefit. The risk associated with coconut oil is incredibly low. While the potential benefits may not be definitive, it certainly poses no harm.”
Expert advice: Ashton recommends incorporating coconut oil as a moisturizer, highlighting its safety for absorption into the bloodstream, making it suitable for use “from head to toe.”
2. Rosemary oil
A study has revealed that rosemary oil exhibits comparable effectiveness to the over-the-counter hair growth medication minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine. This oil, derived from the rosemary plant, can be applied directly to the scalp and massaged, as per Ashton’s recommendation.
Expert advice: Ashton recommends performing a thorough massage with rosemary oil on the scalp to enhance absorption and promote increased blood flow.
3. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil has demonstrated the ability to stimulate hair growth in animal studies by enhancing blood flow to the scalp.
“Peppermint oil vasodilates,” explained Ashton. “That means it takes the blood vessels and makes them larger. When you make a tube larger, especially a blood vessel, that increases blood flow. Menthol, eucalyptus, peppermint absolutely can do that.” Ashton suggests diluting peppermint oil with another oil before applying and massaging it directly into the scalp.
Expert advice: After using peppermint oil, Ashton recommends thorough handwashing to prevent skin irritation.
4. Red ginseng
Red ginseng, a commonly employed herbal remedy, has demonstrated positive effects on hair growth in mice according to studies.
“When using red ginseng, there is some improvement in thickening [hair], in transitioning the hair follicle from the resting phase to the more active phase,” noted Ashton. “Again, pretty low risk, and may have some benefit.”
Expert advice: Ashton recommends diluting red ginseng with another oil or using it sparingly in droplet form when applying it to the scalp.
5. Onion juice
Research has demonstrated that onion juice can effectively stimulate hair growth in individuals.
This is believed to be attributed to its sulfur content, which is said to strengthen hair, alleviate inflammation, and moisturize the scalp. Onion juice can be directly applied to the scalp.
Expert advice: Keep in mind that onion juice has a strong odor, and Ashton suggests washing hands thoroughly after use.
6. Massage of the scalp
Research indicates that engaging in a scalp massage can contribute to enhancing the thickness of your hair. The technique operates by promoting increased blood circulation to the scalp, as explained by Ashton.
“There are various tools available,” Ashton noted regarding scalp massagers. “They’re cost-effective. You can purchase them online or find them in certain drugstores.”
Expert advice: Despite the array of scalp massager products, Ashton suggests that utilizing your own fingers for scalp massage is just as effective.
EXTRA: Key components to seek in hair products
Similar to how packaged foods have nutrition labels detailing their ingredients, hair-care products follow suit.
While these ingredients in hair-care products may be designed to support hair growth or address hair loss, they also have the potential to cause hair loss and impact overall health, according to Ashton.
“Anything you put on your skin, including your scalp, will be absorbed into your bloodstream,” she noted. “So it really is a good idea to make sure that those ingredients are as clean and low in chemicals as possible.”
The primary ingredient to be cautious of in a hair-care product, as per Ashton, is alcohol.
“Often one of the first three ingredients, but it does real damage to your hair,” Ashton cautioned about alcohol. “It literally dries out the hair, makes it subject to breakage, and, ultimately, it can also dry out your scalp, depending on where you’re applying it.” She continued, “So that’s something that’s in almost every hair product, but you want to try to pick one that either doesn’t have it at all or doesn’t have it in the first three ingredients.”
Conversely, Ashton recommends seeking beneficial ingredients in hair-care products such as caffeine, menthol, or mint. She pointed out that these ingredients increase blood flow when applied to the scalp, contributing to overall scalp health.
