Hair loss is a tricky riddle to solve because it can be attributed to a wide range of causes. Identifying the underlying cause is essential if you are looking to correct it, however. Natural remedies will only prove effective if you find one that is tailored to your trigger.
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Hair loss treatment: Apply this to your head and scalp
One natural remedy that has shown promise in treating hair loss caused by alopecia areata is garlic gel.
“Alopecia areata is a common cause of non-scarring (does not cause scarring to the scalp) hair loss that can occur at any age,” explains the British Skin Foundation (BSF).
According to the BSF, it usually causes small, coin-sized, round patches of baldness on the scalp, although hair elsewhere such as the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, body and limbs can be affected.
If this describes the characteristics of your hair loss, evidence suggests working garlic gel into your scalp may help.
In a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, dermatological researchers found anecdotal evidence that participants with alopecia areata who applied garlic gel to bald spots on the scalp may have improved their hair regrowth.
The researchers specifically found that applying garlic gel to areas that have experienced hair loss along with a steroid treatment lead to more hair regrowth than using a placebo treatment with the steroid drug, and worked to strengthen any existing hair it came into contact with.
How does garlic promote hair growth?
More research is needed to understand the connection between garlic and hair loss but one study found that garlic protected keratinocytes from UV damage and showed promise as an anti-aging material.
Keratinocytes are skin cells that produce keratin.
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These cells are on the outer layer of your skin, including the skin on your scalp, and in your hair follicles.
Other natural remedies
One small study published in the Journal of Dermatology indicated that applying onion juice to the scalp might help hair regrow in some people.
The study involved participants who had alopecia areata, which is a non-scarring, patchy form of hair loss.
Researchers found that hair growth started after 2 weeks of using onion juice, which was applied to the scalp twice daily.
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Almost 74 percent of participants had some hair regrowth after four weeks, and at six weeks about 87 percent experienced hair regrowth.
Both males and females participated in the study and the hair regrowth was higher among males.
Other ways to treat hair loss
According to the NHS, finasteride and minoxidil are the main over-the-counter treatments for male pattern baldness.
Male pattern baldness is a permanent type of hair loss that runs in the family.
As the health site explains, minoxidil can also be used to treat female pattern baldness but women shouldn’t use finasteride.
As is the case with many hair loss treatments, these treatments:
- Don’t work for everyone
- Only work for as long as they’re used
- Aren’t available on the NHS
- Can be expensive.
An alternative option is to wear a wig, although they may not be covered by the NHS so can be pricey.
If your hair loss is causing you distress, your GP may be able to help you get some counselling, notes the NHS.
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