There are natural ways to prevent hair loss, albeit the evidence is equivocal and no treatment is 100% effective, James Witts. Which is a shame as our confidence is often wrapped up in hair, so if you start losing it, your self-esteem can plummet (which can ultimately lead to the Bobby Charlton combover, that should be banned henceforth).
The NHS offers pharmaceutical options with the drugs finasteride and minoxidil the primary treatments for male baldness, while women should use minoxidil only. Other possible pharmacutical treatments are steroid injections and creams, and immunotherapy tablets. Or you could undergo a hair transplant. This is proving a popular option, no doubt boosted by high-profile transplanters David Beckham and Wayne Rooney. (In fact, so popular are trips to Turkey for affordable hair transplants that one wag called the route ‘British Hairways’.)
Are there natural ways to prevent hair loss?
When it comes to natural options, one of the most compelling is one of the most timely, what with the spooktacular fest that is Halloween on the horizon. We’re talking pumpkin seeds, more specifically pumpkin seed oil or PSO. Take a 2014 study from South Korea that reported a 40% increase in hair count for the group consuming a daily 400mg PSO pill over the placebo participants after 24 weeks of use. Then there’s 2021 research that showed PSO proved a useful tool in combating female hair loss.
PSO’s hair-thickening mechanism is unclear but there’s evidence that, like finasteride, it’s due to inhibiting 5α-reductase. This is an enzyme that plays a key role in hormone metabolism, especially in hair growth, skin health and prostate function. 5α-reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. In genetically susceptible individuals, excess dihydrotestosterone can shrink hair follicles, leading to thinner, shorter hair and eventually baldness. That’s why 5α-reductase inhibitors are effective at treating baldness. Other plant extracts like saw palmetto and green tea also appear to partially block 5α-reductase.
Continuing the plant theme, herbal remedies are mooted by some as a hirsute lifesaver, most recently assessed by a systematic review of 16 studies by an Egyptian team. The scientists concluded that rosemary, aloe vera and olives showed promising results in improving hair growth and density. Again, how isn’t totally clear but it’s proposed that it’s down to their anti-inflammatory action, high levels of antioxidants and ability to improve scalp circulation. However, the authors caution that many of the studies have limitations, including small sample sizes, short durations, inconsistent dosages and formulations, and varying outcome measures.
It's not just about what you apply to your skin but what you eat, with a number of nutrients contributing to a healthy head of hair. Good fats and vitamin E from avocados not only boost brain health but hair health, too, restoring natural oils and supporting scalp hydration. Salmon’s another good choice thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids seen in avocados. Mackerel and herring are also fine options.
The protein and biotin (one of the B vitamins) in eggs strengthen strands and boost growth, while berries are a fine option thanks to their vitamin C and antioxidant content, which has been shown to support collagen production. Leafy greens – which contain iron and other vitamins – keep your follicles nourished, too.
There are other everyday habits that’ll help to protect your pride-and-joy, including regular trims to prevent split ends creeping up the strands and swapping bath towels for microfibre options. A gentler dry will prevent a hair-loss cry. Or something like that.
It's recommended to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before taking supplements.
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