Hair loss and male-pattern baldness are common problems that affect millions of men all over the world. Fortunately, there are multiple medical treatments as well as home remedies you can try to regrow your hair.
This article presents the most popular natural remedies that can help control hair loss in men.
Home Remedies for Hair Growth in Men
Natural products encompass a variety of subgroups including vitamins and minerals, herbs/botanicals, and probiotics, all of which are globally marketed as dietary supplements and do not require the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The 2012 National Health Interview Survey reports natural products to be the most popular complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approach for dermatologic conditions, used by 17.7% of Americans.
Nutritional supplementation can go a long way in improving the rate of hair growth and strength.
Several natural products can help provide the nutrients needed by the hair follicles to regrow hair in men. (1)(2)
1. Use caffeine topically
The topical use of caffeine in cream and gel forms has been shown to be an effective cure for hair loss.
Caffeine works as a natural blocker of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen hormone that is linked to hair loss. It also increases hair thickness.
2. Use turmeric/curcumin on the scalp
Turmeric is filled with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and antimicrobial compounds that can improve scalp health when applied topically.
Recent studies indicated that turmeric may help reverse hair loss in some cases. (3)
3. Apply onion juice to hair
Raw onion juice is a traditional remedy for hair growth in many cultures. Onions are rich in sulfur and antioxidants that help promote hair growth and proliferation.
A recent study carried out in 8 weeks demonstrated the efficiency of topical application of onion juice in increasing hair growth in patients with alopecia. (4)
Usage: Onion juice is easy to use and effective. You can mix 1/2 cup of onion juice with any carrier oil (coconut/olive/almond) of your choice and apply it to your hair. Wash it off with a mild shampoo after an hour.
4. Give rosemary oil a try
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a medicinal plant credited with significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties along with other health benefits. Not just that, research has shown that the therapeutic effects of this plant oil can help promote hair growth.
According to recent studies, the hair-growing abilities of rosemary oil were comparable to those of minoxidil, which is the standard medication for alopecia. Moreover, the subjects who used rosemary oil reported lesser scalp itching than those who used minoxidil. (5)
Thus, rosemary oil offers a safe and natural option for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
5. Apply pumpkin seed oil on hair
The pumpkin seed oil contains biologically active compounds known as phytosterols that can have a positive effect on hair growth. (6)(5)
ALSO READ: Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair: Benefits, Side Effects, and Ways to Use
6. Get a scalp massage
Scalp massages help increase blood flow to the scalp and rejuvenate the hair follicles. Multiple pieces of research suggested that scalp massages improve hair growth significantly. (7)
7. Aromatherapy/massage using oil
Aromatherapy revolves around the use of essential oils to increase hair growth by massaging these oils on the scalp.
A research study conducted on 84 patients suffering from alopecia areata suggested that jojoba and grape seed essential oil massages significantly increased hair growth in these patients. (8)
8. Get stress relief treatments
Stress can be a huge contributing factor to hair loss. Here are some treatments that can help reduce stress:
a. Hypnotherapy
Some research studies suggest that hypnotherapy may indirectly reduce hair loss by alleviating stress levels in patients.
b. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is very beneficial for your mental health and can also indirectly improve your physical health. Improved sleep, reduced hair fall, and better cardiac function are all associated with psychotherapy.
Inversion Method for Faster Hair Growth: Does It Really Work or Not?
The inversion method involves tilting your head in a downward position or maybe even doing a handstand to increase blood flow to the head.
Some scientists believe that this method may help nourish the hair follicles and increase hair growth. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may help increase the length of your hair by one or two inches.
DIY Remedy Using the Inversion Method for Faster Hair Growth
You can apply onion juice or any oil along with rosemary oil on your scalp and massage it before trying the inversion method.
Steps:
- Mix a few drops of rosemary oil and a carrier oil, and apply this oil blend to your scalp.
- Massage gently using your fingers for 5 minutes.
- Tilt your head downwards in front of you, and stay in this position for 5 minutes.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo after half an hour.
Note: Do not perform the inversion method if you have vertigo, ear infection, or spinal injury.
Role of DHT Blockers in Hair Loss and Baldness in Men
DHT is a more potent form of the hormone testosterone. It can act on the hair follicles, causing them to shrink, leading to weaker hair and eventually male- or female-pattern baldness.
DHT blockers help reduce or stop the effect of DHT on the scalp and reduce hair loss. They can be found in topical formulations as well as oral medications (such as Finasteride)
Can Male-Pattern Baldness Be Reversed?
Once male-pattern baldness has started, it cannot be reversed. There is no way to get the hair follicles to resume the normal growth cycle, and unfortunately, the hair will not naturally return.
There is currently no cure to completely stop male-pattern baldness, only hair loss medication, and supplementation of nutrients such as vitamin D and iron that can slow the process or stop it for a period of time.
However, most hair loss medications are very effective and can completely reduce or stop the rate of hair loss.
Final Word
Male-pattern baldness is a very common condition and affects many men around the world. If you are losing hair, it is important not to stress over it as stress only exacerbates hair loss.
Men may try the home remedies given above to grow their hair.
If your hair loss persists, consult a dermatologist for advice.
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Hair Loss in Men: Tips and Treatments to Make Hair Grow Faster
