Alopecia is a common hair loss condition experienced by people, however, there are several natural treatments for Alopecia. The underlying causes for it can range from genetic contributions to hormonal imbalance, anxiety, and medical reasons. This directly impacts the hair follicles and leads to hair falling out.
If you are experiencing unusual hair loss and worsening health of the scalp, consulting a dermatologist and utilizing home remedies to prevent hair loss are important steps. A medical expert can help you get to the root of your condition and prescribe the correct diagnosis and treatment. Natural remedies are also effective in preventing hair loss and treating Alopecia.
This article will give an overview of the best ways to treat Alopecia naturally, and its effectiveness, backed by research studies.
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia refers to hair loss that can either happen naturally over time or be an aftermath of illness or medications. However, the good news is that natural treatments for Alopecia have proven effective. If you are struggling with hair loss, it is important to understand Alopecia. This includes knowing that the symptoms can vary in severity and can differ from person to person.
Alopecia comes in different types with various underlying causes:
- Androgenetic Alopecia: This is the most common type of hair loss which is often hereditary. It can also be associated with excess of certain hormones which impact the strength of hair follicles. Androgenetic Alopecia can vary in males and females, resulting in different patterns of baldness and hair loss.
- Scarring Alopecia: Caused by medical conditions like scleroderma and discoid lupus, this form of Alopecia can result in permanent hair loss.
- Telogen Effluvium: Extreme stress, hormonal changes, and drastic changes in diet can trigger Telogen Effluvium. It can lead to unusually high amounts of hair loss followed by hair thinning. However, it is rare for this type of Alopecia to result in complete hair loss. Usually, hair starts regrowing in approximately six months, and home remedies for hair fall can speed up this process.
- Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune disorder and can be a result of hereditary influence. This type of Alopecia results in scattered bald patches across the scalp and can happen to men and women.
Common Symptoms of Alopecia
Early diagnosis of Alopecia and its type can make it easier for you to get on the road to recovery and find effective natural ways to treat Alopecia.
Here is a quick rundown of common symptoms of this condition so you can consult a doctor in time:
- Hair Loss: Sudden hair loss coupled with hair shed are common symptoms of Alopecia. You might find a handful of your strands falling out during combing and hair washing.
- Thin Hair: Since Alopecia interrupts the hair growth cycle, the hair follicles get weak thus leading to hair thinning. This can start gradually with a visible widening part line, receding hairline, and lighter hair volume.
- Balding Patches: During Alopecia, your hair might shed in patches across the scalp, however, there are types of Alopecia that can stimulate severe balding. During Alopecia Areata, sudden hair loss can create small and round balding patches on your scalp. In rare cases, balding can also be visible in eyebrows and beard for men.
- Hair Loss on Other Body Parts: Although not very common, hair loss due to Alopecia can also impact other parts of the body. If you notice unusual hair loss of eyelashes, eyebrows, or nose hair, consult a dermatologist.
Alopecia in Men Vs. Women: The Differences
Alopecia is a condition affecting everyone, regardless of gender and race. However, there are differences in the way women and men experience hair loss due to Alopecia. It differs in terms of the parts of the scalp that get impacted, the pattern of hair shedding, the age when hair loss begins, and other medical histories that are linked with Alopecia.
If you want to know how to cure Alopecia naturally, understanding what sets Alopecia apart in men and women is an important step.
Age When Hairloss Happens
- While the probability of hair loss increases with age, men experience it earlier than women. As reported by the American Hair Loss Association, Alopecia shows visible results in men by the time they enter their thirties.
- On the other hand, hair loss is relatively delayed in women and primarily shows as a side effect of menopause.
Health Conditions Related to Alopecia
Different health conditions can be associated with Alopecia and can differ for men and women.
- Anything that stimulates high levels of androgen in the body can impact Alopecia. Research suggests that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women is one of the conditions that can promote androgenetic Alopecia.
- For men, prostate cancer can cause baldness and has a close association with stimulating Alopecia. Similarly, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men comes with a common side effect of androgenetic Alopecia. This increases testosterone levels in the body, leading to short hair growth cycles, and eventually hair loss.
Affected Parts of the Scalp
- Androgenetic Alopecia acts on some of your hair follicles, which means that the pattern of baldness or hair loss is not fixed. For women, thinning of hair at the top of the scalp is a common symptom. This often creates a wide center part.
- On the contrary, men tend to lose hair from the front of their hairline, and the crown. This results in balding patches and receding hairline.
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22 Natural Treatments for Alopecia
Chemical ways of treating hair loss can bring multiple side effects. To protect yourself from harm and maintain the health of your hair, you can implement different natural ways to treat Alopecia.
Here’s how you can start the journey of recovery from your home:
- Peppermint Oil: Deeply massaging peppermint oil in your scalp can recover hair loss. It stimulates hair follicles and strengthens them. According to studies, peppermint oil can conserve hair vascularization, thereby helping with hair loss and hair thinning.
- Saw palmetto: This is a type of palm found in the Southeastern United States. It is considered to be a natural DHT blocker. This allows it to regulate hormones, and prevent excess DHT from interfering with the hair follicles. This makes Saw Palmetto a great home remedy to stop hair loss.
- Ginseng: As a renowned herbal supplement, Ginseng extract can promote hair growth and improve the volume as well.
- Spikenard Oil: Essential oils, including Spikenard oil, can delay the graying of hair, and encourage healthy hair. Massaging it onto the scalp is found to speed up the hair growth process, making it an effective home remedy for hair loss.
- Licorice Root: This home remedy for hair fall is beneficial for treating dry and scaly scalp. It dilates the pores in the scalp, ensuring a better supply of oxygen. You can apply it topically or drink licorice root tea for results to show in approximately one week.
- Apply Cider Vinegar: Deposits over the scalp can clog the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. This cuts down the nutrient supply to the roots, leading to worsening health of the hair. You can rinse your hair with a diluted solution of water and apple cider vinegar. This will unclog your pores and stimulate hair growth.
- Garlic Gel: Garlic is full of nutrients and vitamins that can be advantageous for the hair and reverse natural hair thinning. You can blend garlic cloves and apply the paste to affected areas of the scalp for best results.
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Mental Well-Being As a Natural Way to Treat Alopecia
Telogen Effluvium is a common type of hair loss that results from extreme stress. Research suggests that psychological stress can be an underlying cause of hair loss conditions as it interrupts the hair growth cycle.
As mentioned by Dr. Lamb, a subject matter expert, “You’ll go through that shedding phase, usually for several weeks, maybe a few months, and then it will slow down”.
While trauma-induced hair loss is usually temporary, you can utilize mind-body techniques to regain healthy hair and a voluminous scalp:
Meditation and Breath Work
Mindfulness and breathing exercises can help relieve stress. It also boosts the oxygenation of the scalp, providing strength to weakening follicles. You can also try these Yoga asanas that might prove effective:
- Wind-relieving Pose
- Diamond Pose
- Shoulder Stand
- Bellows breath
- Breath of fire
- Alternate Nostril Breathing.
Scalp Massages
Adopting massages that can stimulate the scalp will help you maintain good hair health. With enhanced blood circulation, hair follicles get a better supply of oxygen and nutrients which provides strength. You can use any natural oil that stimulates hair growth and massage it onto your scalp every day.
Live in Positive Spaces
Your environment can seriously affect your stress levels and emotional well-being. For a relaxed lifestyle, invest in creating a positive space that gives you some sense of peace and is free from pollution and excessive chaos. This will reduce your anxiety and thereby improve the health of your hair as well.
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Herbal Natural Treatment for Alopecia
Herbal remedies for treating hair loss have shown promising results. Some herbs have hair-strengthening properties that improve hair volume and increase hair strands’ thickness. Since they positively impact the hair growth cycle, Chinese and Ayurveda herbal remedies can benefit you if you are dealing with natural hair thinning:
- Chinese Hibiscus: This is a commonly used Chinese herb for treating hair loss. Hibiscus flowers are also utilized in making hibiscus tea which can increase follicle size, and boost hair growth.
- Tuber Fleeceflower: As a traditional Chinese herb, Tuber Fleeceflower is a natural DHT inhibitor. It also has stimulating properties that help the hair grow during its growth cycle.
- Brahmi: Also known as bacopa, this is commonly used in Ayurveda medicine. It includes alkaloids that can activate proteins, thus improving hair growth.
- Goji Berry: This is a shrub popular in Chinese medicine for its hair growth properties. It is loaded with zinc which is beneficial for the scalp, especially in treating dandruff conditions.
- Coat Buttons: With an antioxidant nature, Coat Buttons is a commonly used herb in Ayurveda medicine. When combined with other herbs, it can promote healthy hair.
- Holy Basil: If you are dealing with a dry and itchy scalp with dandruff, Holy Basil can help cure the condition. It is an adaptogenic herb and is known for its healing properties.
- Giant Dodder: This is a popular Ayurvedic plant and research suggests that it can provide a natural way to treat Alopecia by limiting DHT production.
Home Remedies to Prevent Hair Loss
Something better than natural treatment for Alopecia is home treatments that can help you prevent hair loss conditions. While these prevention tips do not give a complete guarantee of avoiding hair loss, they can aid in maintaining the health of your hair, and avoid the anxiety of dealing with Alopecia:
- Fenugreek: By making Fenugreek a part of your diet, you can prevent or delay hair loss. Since fenugreek seeds have hormone antecedents, they can aid in repairing damaged hair follicles. These seeds also contain nicotinic acid which helps in sustaining healthy hair and avoid sudden hair loss.
- Oil: Massaging your scalp with warm oil can regulate the blood and nutrient supply to your hair. This can strengthen your hair follicles, and help avoid hair loss due to weakening hair. One study found
- Black Seed Oil and Coconut Oil: A study found that a blend of black seed oil and coconut oil effectively promotes hair growth, with significant results observed in the reduction of hair fallout.
- Nigella Sativa: Nigella sativa has been researched for its major constituent, thymoquinone, which exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This is achieved by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin D2. A 2013 study also noted improvements in women suffering from sudden hair fallout or thinning when using products containing Nigella sativa topically.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe Vera comes with different health and hair benefits. Its slightly alkaline nature helps in maintaining an optimal pH of the scalp, thereby reducing chances of fungal infections and following hair loss.
- Coconut Milk: You can take the coconut pulp and grind it until it turns milky. By applying this to your scalp and hair, you can boost your hair growth and prevent hair loss. This is because coconut milk is loaded with fats and proteins which are essential for healthy hair.
- Multivitamins: Using multivitamin supplements for your hair can help you retain the health of your hair and boost hair growth. Some of the important minerals and vitamins are, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, B C, and D.
Things to Avoid When You Are Dealing With Hair Loss
If you are wondering how to cure Alopecia naturally, there are certain things that you should avoid for best results. Hair loss can be emotionally tolling for many, so it is better to stay away from producing additional harm to the hair.
Here is a list of things to avoid if you want to recover your hair:
- Don’t Traumatize Your Hair: When hair loss occurs, hair can get weak and brittle. Thus, it is important to wash and condition them without tugging at the hair and causing extra breakage.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking causes harm to your body and can also lead to inflammation. It can also negatively impact your scalp, causing scarring of hair follicles This poses harm to your already unhealthy scalp and hair.
- Avoid Harsh Products: Do not apply harsh shampoos and products on your hair when dealing with hair loss conditions. Some shampoos can cause dryness and suck away all hydration from your hair.
- Leave Any Hot-Oil Treatments: Warmed-up oils can heat up your hair. This can cause further damage to your already brittle and weak strands
- Do Not Rub Your Hair: After taking a shower, or washing your hair, do not rub your scalp with a towel. Instead, investing in a microfibre towel will prevent damage. It has ultra-thin fibers which produce less friction compared to usual towels. You can wrap it around your wet hair, and leave it for drying without causing hair loss.
- Limit Heating Your Hair: Straightening irons and curling rods generate a lot of heat which can be harmful to your hair. If you do end up using these, ensure a thorough application of heat protectants before.
- Stay Away From Tight Hair Styles: Since your hair follicles are already frail during Alopecia, avoid pulling your hair in tight pigtails, braids, and fun. This not only traumatizes your hair but can also stimulate traction Alopecia or lead to permanent hair loss.
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Key Takeaways
- There are different types of Alopecia including Androgenetic Alopecia, Scarring Alopecia, Telogen Effluvium, and Alopecia Areata.
- Natural treatments for Alopecia provide a safe and risk-free method of dealing with hair loss.
- Alopecia is experienced differently by men and women, especially in terms of areas affected, and the age when hair loss occurs.
- Symptoms of Alopecia can vary according to the type and severity. Some of the commonly experienced signs of Alopecia include unusual hair loss, hair thinning, balding patching, and hair loss on other parts of the body.
- Different home remedies can help prevent hair loss. These include fenugreek seeks, oils, aloe vera gel, coconut milk, and multivitamins.
- You can utilize mind-body techniques and exercises to relieve stress, which can prevent excessive hair loss.
- Several Chinese and Ayurveda herbal remedies are effective in treating hair loss and hair thinning.
- Traumatizing your hair through habits like tight hair styling, rubbing your hair, and using harsh products can slow down your hair regrowth journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I regrow my thinning hair?
You can utilize medical and natural treatments for thinning hair. Medical treatments include taking Finasteride, doing PRP, or hair transplant. Natural treatments can include using Rosemary oil, fenugreek seeks, aloe vera gel, coconut milk, and multivitamins. However, it might take approximately six months for visible results to appear.
How can I stop hair loss?
You cannot stop hair loss overnight, but starting early treatments can help reduce it over time. You should always consult a dermatologist for timely diagnosis and the best way forward.
Can Alopecia Areata get naturally cured?
A complete cure of Alopecia Areata through home remedies is not possible. However, natural treatments can provide support during recovery and act as supplements for better hair health.
Can Alopecia stop itself?
The duration and severity of Alopecia depend on several factors. Some types of Alopecia are short-lived and hair can naturally regrow, however, some conditions require proper treatment for cure.
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