Distressing as it may be baldness is not caused by a disease. Men and women alike tend to lose hair as they get older. Heredity is also a contributing factor to hair loss, which is medically defined as alopecia, Temporary hair loss can result from stress, hormonal imbalances, trauma due to surgery and certain blood pressure and blood thinning medications, reports the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). A few over-the-counter treatments may help slow hair loss and encourage regrowth. Always discuss herbal remedies with your health care provider as these remedies are typically not FDA regulated.
Aloe Vera
Gel derived from the aloe vera plant may slow hair loss while fueling hair production, notes Herbs for Hair Loss, a website dedicated to remedies for hair growth and loss. Massaging aloe vera gel into the scalp may also help balance pH levels and condition existing hair as it locks in moisture.
Essential Oils
Rubbing certain essential oils into the scalp may promote hair growth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center or UMMC. Oils such as lavender, rosemary and cedarwood may also step up circulation to the scalp and diminish stress.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil or Rogaine is an over-the-counter topical medication approved by the FDA to treat hair loss. Minoxidil may slow the rate of hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth. Minoxidil is sold as a liquid or foam in both 2 and 5 percent strengths.
Rogaine is massaged into the scalp two times per day. New hair may appear in several weeks although it may not be as thick as previous hair. Minoxidil must be used continuously or new hair growth will stop. Some people will experience scalp irritation when using minoxidil.
Onion and Red Pepper
Two common items found in the produce section of your supermarket are purported to reverse hair loss. Onion and a type of red pepper called capsicum may promote hair regrowth, according to Herbs for Hair Loss. Massaging half an onion or capsicum into the scalp prior to shampooing may push blood to the scalp and thereby stimulate growth. Capsicum in particular is believed to contain histamines that may help hair grow due to their touted ability to improve blood flow and nutrition to the hair follicles.
Seaweed
Seaweeds such as Atlantic kelp, elongata and himanthalia contain vitamins and amino acids that may help hair to grow, according to Herbs for Hair Loss. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking blue-green algae supplements to help stimulate hair growth.
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