People of all ages shed between 50 and 100 hairs per day and gradual thinning of the hair as a person ages is completely normal, notes MayoClinic.com. However, there are factors which can cause accelerated hair loss. Some of these are permanent, like male pattern baldness; while others can be temporary, like those from stress or poor nutrition. For the less temporary forms, botanical hair loss treatments may offer some help.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular herbal remedy for several skin conditions and can be found as extracts in many cosmetic products. Although originating from North Africa, aloe vera can be kept as a house plant. The GrannyMed website notes that the species of aloe known as aloe barbadensis is the plant most commonly associated with remedies; it is the pure thick gel in its leaves which provides many of the medicinal benefits.
Benefits
Glycoproteins and polysaccharides are two key components with aloe vera gel which are thought to help sooth and replenish the skin, notes GrannyMed. Improvements in the condition of skin at the scalp may have a positive effect on hair regrowth. There is little evidence to support the connection between aloe vera and any hair regrowth benefits.
Application
Shampoo hair with a regular product and then massage in aloe vera gel. After leaving for several minutes, rinse off. If you have an aloe house plant, using the gel directly from its leaves will provide superior results to the gels available in health stores due to the fact that fresh gel has not been oxidized and thus lost some of its properties.
Considerations
Although MayoClinic.com cites a number of positive medicinal uses for aloe vera including, dry skin, burns and dandruff treatments, there is no mention on the website of aloe vera being a possible treatment for hair loss. Indeed, even where aloe vera is cited as having positive effects, these are still rather speculative and require clinical evidence.
Alternatives
MayoClinic.com notes that the over-the-counter foam minoxidil and the prescription pills Propecia can have positive effects on the earlier stages of male patten baldness. For more severe advanced cases of hair loss clinical treatments may be an option. Consult your doctor concerning these treatments or for other strategies if you think your hair loss might be due to temporary factors.
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