Hair has been called a person’s “crown and glory,” so when it starts to fall out, it can cause stress, pain, and confusion.
According to , the causes of hair loss are wide-ranging. American Academy of Dermatology Associationdue to aging and poor diet, significant weight loss, chronic iron deficiency, thyroid disease, childbirth, etc.
In the United States, the most common type of hair loss, androgenic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness, is hereditary and affects more than 50 million men and 30 million women. A woman is affected. According to the National Institutes of Health.
Considering hair loss is so common, the market appears to be full of products that can help.
But the first step to treating hair loss is working with your health care provider to determine the cause, according to Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News’ chief medical correspondent and board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. That’s what it means.
Once the root cause is identified, natural, cost-effective treatments exist that may stop hair loss and even promote hair growth.
Here, Ashton details six scientifically proven natural remedies for hair loss.
ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton tells us what you need to know about natural remedies for hair loss.
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What you need to know before trying natural remedies: Ashton points out that natural remedies are topical solutions, meaning they are applied to the skin or scalp and not ingested. Because applying this treatment can cause scalp irritation, Ashton suggests testing the solution on a small patch of skin for 1-2 days and observing the results before applying it to your scalp. doing.
She also says that each of the treatments below should be used every other night or every 2-3 days, not every day. You also need to be patient, as it can take up to 3 to 6 months to see results. There are also FDA-approved hair loss treatments. Talk to your doctor about whether you qualify.
1. Coconut oil
Coconut oil in a glass bottle.
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Research shows that coconut oil potentially has the following benefits: Helps prevent hair loss.
Ashton said she likes coconut oil, which comes in both liquid and solid form, as a low-risk option, although it’s more of a preventative option than a hair-regrowth treatment.
“There is very limited data showing that coconut oil dramatically improves hair growth and thickening,” Ashton says. “But… you always have to remind yourself: risk versus benefit. This is an incredibly low risk. There may be no benefit, but it will never hurt.”
Pro tip: Ashton also suggests using coconut oil as a moisturizer. It says coconut oil is safely absorbed into the bloodstream and can be used “from head to toe.”
2. Rosemary oil
Bottle of rosemary oil on a white background.
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at least What a study found Rosemary oil is said to be effective in promoting hair growth, similar to the over-the-counter hair growth drug minoxidil, commonly sold under the brand name Rogaine.
The oil, extracted from the rosemary plant, can be applied or massaged directly onto the scalp, Ashton said.
Pro tip: Ashton suggests vigorously massaging rosemary oil into your scalp to increase absorption and blood flow.
3. Peppermint oil
Peppermint essential oil in a small bottle.
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peppermint oil is Shown to stimulate hair growth In animal studies, it works by increasing blood flow to the scalp.
“Peppermint oil dilates blood vessels,” says Ashton. ”[That] It means taking away blood vessels and making them bigger. Enlarging blood vessels increases blood flow. Menthol, eucalyptus, and peppermint definitely do that. ”
Ashton said peppermint oil must be diluted with another oil and then can be applied directly to the scalp and massaged.
Pro tip: Ashton recommends washing your hands thoroughly after using peppermint oil to avoid skin irritation.
4.Red ginseng
Bottle of herbal medicine and herbal medicine.
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Red ginseng is a widely used herbal medicine, research has shown Improves hair growth in mice.
“Thickness has improved slightly. [hair]”It helps move the hair follicles from the telogen phase to the active phase,” Ashton said of using red ginseng. “Again, the risk is pretty low and it may have some benefit.”
Pro tip: Ashton says red ginseng should also be used sparingly, either diluted with another oil or in the form of droplets on the scalp.
5. Onion juice
Studies have shown that onion juice promotes hair growth in humans.
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Studies have also shown that onion juice can: promote hair growth Among the people.
Its sulfur content is said to help strengthen hair, reduce inflammation, and moisturize the scalp.
Onion juice can be applied directly to the scalp.
Pro tip: Be aware that onion juice has a strong odor and always wash your hands thoroughly after using it, Ashton recommends.
6. Scalp massage
Pink scalp massager on green table on pink background.
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According to research Just massage your scalp to thicken your hair.
According to Ashton, the technique works by increasing blood flow to the scalp.
“There are a lot of different devices out there,” Ashton said of scalp massager options. “It’s cheap. You can order it online or find it at the drugstore.”
Pro tip: There are many scalp massage products on the market, but Ashton says using your fingers to massage your scalp is just as effective.
Bonus: What ingredients are in your hair products?
Just as processed foods have nutrition labels that list their ingredients, hair care products also have nutrition labels.
Ashton says that while the ingredients in these hair care products may be intended to support hair growth or treat hair loss, they can potentially cause hair loss or have a negative impact on your overall health. It may also have an impact.
“Anything that gets on your skin, including your scalp, gets absorbed into your bloodstream,” she said. “So it’s a really good idea to make sure those materials are as clean and low in chemicals as possible.”
According to Ashton, the first ingredient to look for in hair care products is alcohol.
“It’s often one of the first three ingredients, but it can be very damaging to your hair,” Ashton said of alcohol. “It literally dries out your hair, makes it more prone to breakage, and ultimately, depending on where you apply it, it can also dry out your scalp.”
“I mean, it’s something that’s in almost every hair product, but try to choose one that doesn’t have it at all or isn’t in the first three ingredients,” she says. I continued.
Meanwhile, beneficial ingredients to look for in hair care products include caffeine, menthol, and mint, according to Ashton. She noted that when these ingredients are applied to the scalp, they increase blood flow, which in turn benefits the overall health of the scalp.
