Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon CausesHome RemediesPreventionWhen to Seek CareNext in Hair Loss GuideHair Loss (Alopecia)
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Common Causes
Home Remedies
Prevention
When to Seek Care
Next in Hair Loss Guide
Somehair loss(called shedding) is expected. On average, people lose 50 to 100 strands of hair a day.Depending on the cause of yourhair loss, some home remedies, such as massage, herbs, and nutritional changes, may help regrow hair naturally.
However, some cases of hair loss are permanent. This could be due to genes, health conditions, medications, or hairstyles and products. Hair loss can take an emotional toll since hair is often a significant part of people’s identity.
This article discusses common causes of hair loss, home remedies, prevention, and when to contact a healthcare provider.
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Common Causes of Hair Loss
Somecauses of hair lossare:
There are two categories of hair loss: Scarring and non-scarring. Scarring hair loss is permanent and calledcicatricial alopecia.
Non-scarring hair loss is calledalopecia areata. An autoimmune disorder causes this type of patchy hair loss. It may be helped with home remedies or medical treatments.
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Home Remedies for Hair Loss
The good news is several natural home remedies, such as scalp massage, differentessential oils, andherbs may help with hair regrowth.
Massage
In one study, participants noted an increase in hair thickness after 24 weeks of using scalp massage for four minutes daily.Researchers say the stretching of the skin involved in scalp massage changes gene expression and transmits mechanical stress to cells, increasing hair thickness.
Eating More Protein
You might try increasing your protein intake if you want your hair to grow faster naturally. That’s because a protein deficiency can result in hair loss.Since the hair shaft is composed ofkeratin(a protein on the skin’s surface), increasing protein might help you develop healthier hair. However, more studies are needed.
Increasing Iron Intake
Increasing your iron intake may be another way to make your hair thicker and fuller naturally. Researchers evaluated participants withiron deficiency-related alopecia and found that initiatingiron supplementswithin six months of diagnosis would improve the prognosis.
However, iron supplementation may interact with some medications. It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking iron supplements.
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Aloe Vera
Aloe veragel applied topically may be another strategy for naturally growing hair.In one study, aloe ferox gel loaded withfinasteride(a prescription hair loss medication) andoregano oileffectively treatedalopecia areata.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oilis used worldwide for scalp and hair health. In African and Asian countries, coconut oil is the most widely used product to help with scalp health and hair growth. Researchers point tobiotinas the primary nutrient in coconut oil that helps with scalp health and hair growth.
Biotin is vitamin B7, and ingesting it promotes hair and nail health.
Viviscal
Viviscalis asupplement that promotes hair growth. A study evaluated whether these oral supplements promote hair growth. Researchers found that after 90 and 180 days of treatment, participants who took Viviscal significantly increased the number of hair strands.
They also noted improved hair volume, scalp coverage, and thickness.
Fish Oil
Another supplement to try for hair loss isfish oil. A trial examined the effect of nutritional supplements, including fish oil, on hair loss. It was found that when participants tookomega-3and omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants, they acted efficiently against hair loss.
Ginseng
Health Benefits of 10 Healing Herbs
Onion Juice
The phytochemicals inonionjuice have hair growth–stimulating properties. Researchers say these phytochemicals are so potent they may be more effective than conventional hair loss treatments, likeminoxidiland finasteride.
Rosemary Oil
Another herb that mayhelp with hair regrowthis rosemary oil. One study compared rosemary oil and minoxidil. After six months, participants in both groups experienced a significant increase in hair count.Researchers conclude that rosemary oil is an effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia.
11 Best Natural Oils for Hair Growth
Geranium Oil
Lemon Oil
Some people also use lemon oil for hair growth.They bellieve it may strengthen hair follicles and promote hair growth. However, there is little evidence to support these claims.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oiloffers promising potential in treating hair loss. One study compared pumpkin seed oil to minoxidil. Participants with female hair loss reported that the number of upright regrowing hairs significantly increased from before treatment to after.
Saw Palmetto
Green Tea
Green teahas many health benefits, including hair health. In one study, researchers found that when combined with persimmon leaf extract and sophora fruit extracts, hair density, and diameter significantly increased after 24 weeks compared with theplacebogroup (those given an intentionally ineffective treatment to act as a control group).
A Word From VerywellHair, like skin and nails, can reflect a person’s general state of health. In primary care, I always look at the hair, skin, and nails as important elements of an assessment. This can help connect the dots in diagnosis or, when needed, indicate a referral to a dermatologist.—ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Hair, like skin and nails, can reflect a person’s general state of health. In primary care, I always look at the hair, skin, and nails as important elements of an assessment. This can help connect the dots in diagnosis or, when needed, indicate a referral to a dermatologist.—ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Hair, like skin and nails, can reflect a person’s general state of health. In primary care, I always look at the hair, skin, and nails as important elements of an assessment. This can help connect the dots in diagnosis or, when needed, indicate a referral to a dermatologist.
—ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
How to Prevent Hair Loss
In addition to treating hair loss, there are also things you can do to prevent hair loss. These include:
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider About Hair Loss
If you’relosing more hair than average, especially if you have other symptoms, you should contact a healthcare provider. Since hair loss can have many causes, getting to the root of the problem is critical for identifying the best course of treatment.
Dermatologists(doctors specializing in skin and hair) may recommend at-home treatments like those mentioned in this article for mild cases. However, for more severe hair loss, there are other options, including:
Summary
There are many different home remedies for hair loss, such as scalp massage, essential oils, herbs, and more. Some have more scientific backing than others. In addition to diet and supplements, you can also take steps to reduce or prevent hair loss, like having a gentle hair care routine.
If your hair loss is significant or you don’t see results from at-home treatment, see a dermatologist to determine the cause of your hair loss.
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: Who gets and causes.
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