Hair loss is a problem usually associated with men, but can also occur to women and children. Natural treatments for hair loss vary in type and effectiveness. If you're losing or have lost your hair, there are natural remedies you can try that might help to regrow hair or prevent further hair loss.
Types of Hair Loss Disorders
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, several disorders result in hair loss. Some forms of hair loss are permanent, while others are temporary. In many cases of temporary hair loss, the hair will grow back on its own once the underlying cause is resolved.
Alopecia areata causes temporary hair loss and is thought to be caused by an autoimmune disease where the body makes antibodies against its own hair. Telogen effluvium is another temporary hair loss disorder, generally caused by stress, illness or other reasons. In this disorder, hair enters the resting phase of growth and results in an unusual amount of hair shed. Tinea capitis causes hair loss due to a fungal infection and is curable with medication. Trichotillomania is usually thought of as a psychological disorder where people, usually children, pull out their own hair due to stress and other unpleasant emotions. Cicatricial alopecia is a rare hair loss disorder that causes hair loss due to inflammation. Medical treatment is focused on relieving the inflammation so the hair will grow back. Hereditary balding is a genetic condition usually resulting in permanent hair loss where men and women lose their hair in spots or completely.
Conventional Medical Treatments
Medical treatments for hair loss disorders include topical lotions such as the over-the-counter medication minoxidil, cortisone injections, the prescription drug finasteride and hair restoration surgery, usually only recommended for those who have noticeable baldness, thinning hair or hair loss due to injury or burns, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Types of Natural Treatments
Various methods of natural treatments for hair loss are used by natural and herbal medicine practitioners. Certain essential oils may have the ability to stimulate new hair growth and minimize hair loss. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, scalp massage with rosemary, sage and peppermint oils may help to encourage new hair growth.
Some herbs, such as saw palmetto, are used in herbal medicine to treat hair loss, according to herbalist Robert Ritser in his book, "Healing Without Medication: A Comprehensive Guide to the Complementary Techniques Anyone Can Use to Achieve Real Healing." Relaxation techniques and acupuncture may be effective in preventing or alleviating certain forms of stress-related hair loss by improving the functioning of your immune system and focusing on the underlying causes of these types of hair loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dietary changes may also help to reduce the symptoms of hair loss, such as including more antioxidant and vitamin B-complex foods, such as green leafy vegetables, berries and legumes, in your diet.
Benefits and Disadvantages
Natural treatments are recommended for people who want to avoid medication or prefer using natural and holistic health remedies. Certain remedies have been shown to be effective in herbal and natural healing, but may not be accepted as viable treatment options by the medical community. The downside to using natural remedies is that most have not been scientifically proven to work.
Warning
Natural remedies are not effective for everyone. In some cases of hair loss, there may be no cure or medical treatment may be the only option. Consult your dermatologist or physician to discuss the best option for you.
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