Home Remedies For Male Thinning Hair

Male-pattern baldness begins with thinning hair at the hairline or top of the head. It usually affects the thinner, shorter, less pigmented hairs of the scalp. Genetic predisposition and aging commonly determine the time of onset, degree and pattern of hair loss and the speed at which it occurs. Short of surgery, hair transplants, scalp reduction and strip grafts, very few remedies can alleviate the problem. While only anecdotal evidence exists concerning the efficacy of home remedies for the condition, an interest in alternative remedies for the treatment of male hair loss has increased.

Saw Palmetto

Recent studies indicate that saw palmetto coupled with beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol with a chemical structure similar to cholesterol, may support hair growth in men. Research conducted in France, Germany and Italy shows that the duo helps to boost male sex hormones related to hair growth. According to a study in a 2002 issue of "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," internal use of saw palmetto shares similar benefits offered by the medication finasteride, inhibiting certain aspects of testosterone and aiding in the reduction of male-pattern hair loss. As reported by the Hair Loss Learning Center, 60 percent of participants who ingested saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol had improved hair growth. While initial indicators prove hopeful, further scientific study and clinical analysis are needed to confirm this claim.

The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 200 mg a day and 50 mg of beta-sitosterol twice daily.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary has a reputation as a hair strengthener and may promote hair re-growth after chemotherapy. According to a study reported by the "Archives of Dermatology" of the National Center of Biotechnology Information, 44 percent of subjects receiving rosemary essential oil treatments to the scalp showed improved hair re-growth. However, while practitioners of alternative medicine point to rosemary's long history as an herbal treatment to stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, further comprehensive research is necessary to form definitive proof of its efficacy.

Use three drops of rosemary essential oil per one ounce of shampoo. For men who suffer hair loss due to stress, herbalists suggest adding dried horsetail to the mixture to prevent thinning hair.

Massage Therapy

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, massage therapy may yield significant benefits when used as a home remedy for male-pattern baldness. In addition, Dr. Robert D. Milne, in the book "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide," says that therapeutic massage can stimulate blood circulation to the scalp and relieve stress, which may be a factor in some cases of thinning hair.