Home Remedies for Baldness

Baldness results from one of two conditions. Androgenetic alopecia is an inherited condition better known as male pattern baldness or female diffuse hair loss. This only affects the hair on the head, causing it to thin or fall out. Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles and can occur anywhere on the body. Certain home-based treatments might be of assistance to you. They cannot cure your hair loss but can be a useful complement to more effective, standard therapies. Talking with your doctor can provide guidance on the best course of action.

Natural Supplements

• The University of Maryland suggests that if you have androgenetic alopecia, take 50 mg beta-sitosterol in combination with 200 mg of saw palmetto twice a day. A study led by N. Prager published in the April 2002 volume of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found this treatment regrew hair in men with male pattern baldness. If you have alopecia areata, biotin can encourage hair growth. Take 300 mg daily.

  Natural health expert Dr. Andrew Weil suggests that using supplements with omega-3 fatty acids like fish oil or flaxseed can benefit both forms of alopecia. You can also increase your intake by eating foods like cold-water fish, walnuts and flax seeds. Gamma-linolenic acid can also be helpful. You can find this fatty acid in black currant or evening primrose oil. Take 500 mg twice a day.

Alternative Therapies

• A study led by I. C. Hay published in a 1998 edition of the Archives of Dermatology found that massaging the scalp with a combination of essential oils including lavender, rosemary, thyme and cedarwood improved hair growth in people with alopecia areata. If you try this approach, make sure you mix them with a carrier oil to avoid irritation. Jojoba or grape seed oil are good choices. Add three to six drops of each to 1 tbsp. of the carrier oil and massage in once a day. Massaging the scalp improves blood flow to the head. This approach was only tested on alopecia areata but might be of benefit if you have androgenetic alopecia. Topical application of essential oils is generally safe. Discontinue if you develop any rash or irritation.

  Dr. Andrew Weil recommends mind/body techniques to induce relaxation if you have alopecia areata. Some examples are hypnosis, meditation, visualization, yoga and deep breathing. Consistency is important to achieve full benefit from these activities.