Thinning hair is an inevitable part of the aging process for most people. Medical News Today details that there are many causes for people suffering from hair loss early in life. Sometimes it's due to genetics, such as male-pattern baldness; other times it may be due to stress, depression, hormonal changes or infection. For genetic and hereditary hair loss, clinical treatments are advisable. For the other, more temporary forms, natural remedies may prove effective.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an arid plant found in the dry conditions of the Canary Islands and Northern Africa. There are more than 400 species of aloe vera, but Aloe Barbedensis is commonly associated with natural remedies. The most used component of this plant as a herbal treatment is the thick gel contained within its leaves. Many over-the-counter skin cosmetics contain aloe vera extract. It's also present in some organic mouthwashes and toothpastes.
Benefits
The effectiveness of aloe vera natural treatment for any human condition is extremely questionable, and its benefits for hair loss are no different. Granny Med notes that it can stimulate skin growth via its components of glycoprotiens and polysaccharides, but there is no mention of preventing hair loss or helping with regrowth.
Application
Apply pure aloe vera gel to the scalp directly after shampooing. Massage it into the scalp for several minutes and then rinse it off. Pure aloe vera gel can be bough from drugstores or, if you have your own aloe vera plant, the gel can be extracted directly from the leaves. Drain the yellow latex juice from the leaf first; this can cause skin irritation. Rinse this thick piece of gel under cold water before use.
Considerations
MayoClinic.com says that other than its yellow latex juices being a proven natural laxative, there is very little scientific evidence to back up claims that aloe vera is a sufficient treatment for any dermatological condition--including hair loss. However, it says that current studies look promising in the support of such topical uses of aloe gel, so this natural remedy can't be completely ruled out.
Alternatives
The Mayo Clinic details a series of prescription drugs and clinical treatments for hair loss. An over-the-counter lotion or foam called Minoxidil can be used daily to help prevent further hair loss and can produce some regrowth. Pills such as Propecia are available on prescription from your doctor and can provide some hair re-growth and, more commonly, the stoppage of further hair loss. For more severe cases, surgeons can perform hair transplant surgeries.
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