According to a recent study, 85% of men are affected by hair loss at some point in their life. Hair loss can impact men’s self-confidence, often leading to self-doubt and psychological problems. Once the hair loss starts, the first question asked is ‘can hair grow back after balding naturally’?
For a short answer, hair can regrow back after balding naturally if the hair follicles are still active and functioning. It also depends on whether the balding is temporary or permanent. Natural remedies, herbal treatments, and lifestyle changes can also support growing new hair by improving scalp health and stimulating hair follicles.
We explain how hair growth functions in the body and what natural and medical treatments can support hair regrowth in this article.
Can Hair Grow Back After Balding Naturally: Understanding the Basics
Hair loss and regrowth are closely linked with the function of hair follicles. By understanding what role hair follicles play in the hair growth cycle and balding, you can understand how to regain hair growth.
At its basic, the hair follicles are an opening through which hair grows. The hair follicles contain tiny blood vessels that provide nutrients for cell growth, also known as the dermal papilla. The hair cells divide and grow in the bulb that surrounds the dermal papilla. The root sheath ensures that the hair is strongly rooted in the skin.
What is the Hair Growth Cycle
The hair growth cycle is made up of three phases: anagen (active), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting).
- Anagen is the most important of the three as the hair cells that grow and multiply in this phase add to the hair shaft. Hair length is also dependent on the anagen phase and how long it lasts.
- Catagen is the second phase in the hair growth cycle where the hair growth activity subsides. It only lasts a couple of weeks, shrinking the hair follicles in the process.
- The last phase is called telogen in which the existing hair goes into a resting phase while new hair slowly grows underneath. The resting phase lasts up to three months at the end of which the old hair sheds and is replaced by the new hair, triggering the start of the hair growth cycle again.
Can You Regrow Hair If You Are Bald?
The question “Can you regrow hair if you are bald?’’ has been asked numerous times with varying answers. The answer simply depends on the hair follicle condition. According to one expert, if the hair follicles have simply disappeared and become dormant, the chance of growing hair back is quite low.
However, if the hair follicle is still present, the chances are relatively better. Medical research and scientific literature are full of studies that indicate promising results in growing back hair follicles.
Causes and Types of Hair Loss
Understanding can hair grow back after balding naturally also depends on causes and types of hair loss. Androgenetic Alopecia (pattern baldness) and Alopecia Areata are more permanent and caused by hormonal imbalance and autoimmune problems disorders. Other types of hair loss like Telogen Effluvium are temporary and triggered by stress or a side effect of medicine, leading to growing new hair. There can also be various reasons that cause hair loss including genetics, unhealthy lifestyle, lack of essential nutrients, and underlying medical conditions.
Natural Methods to Regrow New Hair After Going Bald
Many natural methods including herbal remedies, natural supplements, and lifestyle adjustments can also help in growing new hair. These natural methods may need to be applied consistently but do not contain any side effects, unlike hair loss medication.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be used effectively to address balding. In aromatherapy, different essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, and peppermint, are used to stimulate hair follicles to grow hair back.
- Lavender Oil: Lavender oil is commonly used to address dryness and other hair-related issues around the world. It is known for its antimicrobial properties that ensure a clean scalp and protects it from damaging elements.
- Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil which is rich in menthol, is popular for its cooling and stress-reducing properties. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it improves scalp health, energizes hair follicles, and promotes hair growth.
- Rosemary Oil: Rosemary oil improves the flow of nutrients to the scalp, which helps to promote hair growth. More of these nutrients can therefore be readily absorbed by the scalp’s hair follicles, strengthening them and promoting regrowth.
- Coconut Oil: Being a carrier oil, coconut oil is commonly used alongside other essential oils to increase hair growth. On its own, coconut oil contains fatty acids (like lauric acid) that protect hair shafts from damage and control protein loss.
- Black Seed Oil: Black seed oil can also improve hair health and prevent hair loss in men. It is derived from the nigella sativa plan which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which improve scalp health and stimulate hair follicles. According to one study, hair fallout was reduced by 76% in the participants after using black seed oil, showing promising results.
How to use essential oils for hair regrowth?
To begin, combine a few drops of your preferred essential oil with a few drops of carrier oil (such as coconut). Next, apply the mixture gently to your scalp and massage for several minutes to ensure maximum absorption.
After that, let the mixture stay on your scalp for at least 15 minutes and up to overnight. Finally, wash your hair with a shampoo (preferably herbal) to rinse off the mixture and benefit from its properties. Repeat at least twice a week for optimal results and a head full of hair!
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Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies are another useful and non-intrusive method to regain hair growth. Being natural extracts from leaves and plants, these remedies have no potential side effects.
- Saw Palmetto: Saw Palmetto is extracted from the fruits of the Serenoa tree, found in the southeastern United States. It is known for blocking the reducing the level of DHT by controlling the alpha-5 reductase enzyme in the body. Increased levels of DHT are correlated with hair loss and pattern baldness in men and women damaging hair follicles and impacting regrowth.
- Green Tea: Green tea and its extract are also popular herbal treatments for hair growth. Green tea leaves contain epigallocatechin-3-gallate (ECGC) and other polyphenols that are powerful antioxidants. These components can improve scalp health, stimulate hair follicles, and increase hair growth on the scalp.
- Stinging Nettle: Stinging nettle, derived from the nettle plant, can also help in hair regrowth by blocking DHT and reducing hair follicle damage. It also has inherent anti-inflammatory properties that can protect the scalp from damage and improve hair follicle growth.
- Amla: Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry is another herbal remedy that is used to encourage hair growth. Amla contains phytonutrients that improve hair regrowth by improving blood circulation to the scalp, increasing the flow of nutrient absorption by hair follicles. Amla is also rich in vitamin C and flavonoids and contains antioxidant properties that improve scalp health.
- Ginseng: Ginseng, a plant native to China and Vietnam, also controls DHT levels, protecting the hair follicles from damage. It also contains phytonutrients and ginsenosides that can energize the hair follicles and improve the nutrient absorption rate in the scalp.
How to use herbal remedies for hair regrowth?
Different herbal remedies are used in different ways. While Saw Palmetto is only consumed orally, other herbal remedies like green tea, ginseng, amla, and stinging nettle can be applied on the scalp or taken orally. It is also important to only consume the recommended amount of the herbal remedy.
Like with any other method, the key is consistency, as it can take some time for any conclusive results to appear. In case, you suffer from any side effects, you should consult your doctor.
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Regaining Hair Growth with Diet and Lifestyle Changes After Going Bald
Hair loss and balding are linked to lack to an unhealthy diet with a lack of essential nutrients like iron and zinc. Similarly, if you have a stressful and improper lifestyle, it can also cause hair loss such as Telogen Effluvium.
Healthy Diet
A healthy and balanced diet with ample vitamins, proteins, good fatty acids, and minerals can increase hair growth by strengthening hair follicles and improving scalp health.
Vitamins
Different types of vitamins, including A, B, C, D, and E are needed for strong hair. Vitamin B (also known as biotin or B7) is essential for hair growth by producing keratin, a protein that is essential for hair structure and growth.
Vitamin B12 also plays an important role in delivering oxygen to hair follicles in the scalp. Vitamin D deficiency is found to impact the severity of pattern baldness and contribute to hair thinning. Also, vitamins A and C are essential for the production of collagen and sebum, respectively, which are necessary for hair regeneration. Foods that are rich in these vitamins are summarized in the table below.
Vitamin A | Vitamin B | Vitamin C | Vitamin D |
Leafy green vegetables | Meat (lamb, beef, veal) | Citrus fruits | Salmon |
Tomatoes | Fish | Bell peppers | Mushrooms |
Red bell pepper | Milk & Cheese | Tomatoes | Milk and eggs |
Dairy products | Oysters | Strawberries | Cod Liver Oil |
Fish oil | Eggs | White potatoes | Spinach |
Minerals
Minerals can also help you to regain hair growth, especially iron, magnesium, and zinc. Iron plays an important role in carrying a sufficient amount of oxygen to hair follicles which is required for active hair growth. Similarly, zinc is responsible for producing proteins like keratin, an essential part of the hair structure.
It also makes the hair growth structure stronger and thicker. Lastly, magnesium also supports hair follicle health by controlling calcium levels in the scalp. Foods that are rich in these minerals are summarized in the table below.
Iron | Zinc | Magnesium |
Spinach | Meat (lamb, beef, veal) | Nuts and seeds (pumpkin, chia seed, walnuts) |
Fish | Dairy Products | Nuts |
Lentils | Wholegrains | Spinach |
Beef | Oysters | Black beans |
Beans | Cereals | Grains |
Proteins and Amino Acids
Hair follicles are mostly made from protein. Not having enough protein can cause brittle and weak hair, impacting hair growth. Amino acids also play a crucial role in hair growth as several of them are needed to produce keratin, which is the main building block in hair.
One such amino acid is glycine, which contributes to collagen production, a protein required in the hair shaft.
Proteins | Amino Acids | Omega-3 Fatty Acids |
Lean meats (lamb, beef, veal) | Quinoa | Seafood (fish, prawns, crab, lobster) |
Poultry (chicken, turkey, goose) | Legumes and Beans | Nuts and seeds (flaxseed, chia seed, walnuts) |
Seafood (fish, prawns, crab, lobster) | Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) | Plant oils (flaxseed, soybean, canola) |
Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) | Mushrooms | |
Fish oil | Seafood (fish, prawns, crab, lobster) |
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Stress Reduction
Stress can lead to hair loss by increasing the number of hair follicles in the resting phase. This can make the hair dormant, inactive, and weak, eventually thinning out and falling. To counter stress, you can adopt healthy stress-reduction activities, such as yoga. Similarly, you can also start a sporting activity like biking, swimming, or running.
Adequate Sleep
Adequate and comfortable sleeping cycle is essential for hair growth and overall health. Most growth hormones are released during sleep that improve cell growth, including the growth of hair cells. Many cell regeneration and recovery activities also take place in deep sleep which also include recovery of hair follicles. A sufficient amount of sleep also maintains stress hormones such as cortisol, an excess of which can also lead to hair thinning and damage to hair follicles.
Medical Treatments for Hair Loss & When to Consider Them
While natural remedies have their place, they may not prove to be effective for hair regrowth due to various underlying reasons. If this is the case, you should consult your healthcare provider to assess your situation and ask for medical suggestions (if needed).
Signs That Natural Remedies May Not Suffice
The following signs can help you understand whether the natural remedies are working or not for hair regrowth.
- Scalp damage: If you feel like your scalp is damaged, it can suggest scarred hair follicles leading to challenges in hair regrowth from natural remedies. Usually, itching, scarring, or skin problems can lead to a damaged scalp.
- No potential benefit: If you are using natural remedies like herbs, plants, supplements, or lifestyle changes for a long time without any considerable improvement, this can indicate that it may not be the best solution for you.
- Check family history: If your family history suggests a strong line of hair loss or pattern baldness, it may indicate that the hair loss is due to genetic reasons. If this is the case, natural remedies may not be as effective, and you may require medical intervention.
- Abnormal hair loss: Abnormal and sudden hair loss, hair shedding, or hair thinning can indicate that there may be an underlying condition at play. In this case, it is best to consult a doctor and not solely rely on natural remedies.
Available Medical Treatments
Several medical treatments are available to address balding and help in growing new hair. These include medicines (Finasteride and Minoxidil) and treatments (PRP and stem cell therapy).
- Finasteride: Finasteride is an FDA-approved, prescription-only drug that belongs to a class of medicines called DHT inhibitors. It stops the conversion of testosterone to DHT which is responsible for damaging hair follicles. It is typically only recommended for men aged above 18 and consumed in tabular form.
- Minoxidil: Minoxidil is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug that acts as a vasodilator to grow hair. Studies find it to be effective against pattern baldness by extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle. It also increases the blood circulation to the scalp, increasing the nutrient absorption rate by the hair follicles.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: In PRP therapy, platelets are extracted from a healthy area of the scalp (or body), enriched in a lab, and then injected into the balding area. This stimulates the hair follicles in the balding area, increasing its nutrient absorption rate and potentially improving hair regrowth.
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT): This therapy uses light particles to energize the hair follicles and contribute to hair growth. It is a non-invasive, easy-to-administer therapy that can also improve oxygen absorption by hair follicles and increase hair growth phase. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the scalp, improving its health and supporting hair regrowth.
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Key Takeaways
- The short answer to can hair grow back after balding naturally depends on whether the hair follicles are temporarily inactive or permanently scarred. If it’s the former, hair regrowth may be possible but if it’s the latter, the chances are quite thin.
- Herbal treatments such as green tea, stinging nettle, ginseng, and saw palmetto can support hair growth by improving scalp health and controlling DHT.
- Essential oils such as rosemary, peppermint, and lavender can also support hair regrowth by increasing the nutrient absorption rate by hair follicles in the scalp.
- Eating a balanced diet that consists of proteins, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids ensures your hair structure remains strong and healthy. Having a stress-free routine with adequate sleep can also aid in hair regrowth.
- If natural remedies do not work, medication including Finasteride, Minoxidil, and therapies like platelet-rich plasma therapy and low-level laser therapy can also support hair regrowth and control hair loss.
- Going bald to regrow hair is a myth that is not scientifically proven as it doesn’t impact the hair follicles on the scalp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you regrow hair follicles?
Even though hair follicles cannot be regrown, they can be activated if they have stopped producing hair and become dormant. To stimulate these dormant follicles, treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and balance hormone levels that impact hair development.
Is it possible to grow hair back?
Yes, it is possible to grow hair back depending on the type of hair loss. For pattern baldness, which happens due to hormonal imbalances hair regrowth may be possible by using DHT blockers which include natural ones (saw palmetto) and medication (finasteride). For other types of hair loss that are more temporary and may caused by stress, hairs may grow back naturally after the condition neutralizes.
Can you regrow hair if you are bald?
If the hair follicles are permanently damaged and have become dormant, regrowing hair may not be possible. However, if they are temporarily inactive, it may be possible to stimulate them and cause hair regrowth using natural remedies, medical interventions, or a combination of both.
Can you regrow hair follicles?
It is not possible to grow new hair follicles as they are determined at birth. On average, people have a hair follicle count of 5 million when they are born. However, some studies have shown promising results about reproducing hair follicles with more advancements expected in the future.
Does going bald help regrow hair?
Going bald to regrow hair is a common myth where people assume hair will grow back after shaving it completely. Hair growth is largely dependent on your genetic makeup, hormonal cycle, diet intake, and daily routine. If you don’t have a family history of hair loss and follow a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise, your hair should be in good shape. However, specifically going bald to regrow hair doesn’t lead to improved hair growth as it simply doesn’t affect the hair follicles in any way.
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