We have published an article about prescription drugs for hair loss treatment. In this article, we wrote about natural solutions for hair loss. To find out what's causing your hair loss, your dermatologist may use a tool called a dermascope to take a closer look.
Effective hair loss treatment begins with finding the cause. For an accurate diagnosis, it's a good idea to see a board-certified dermatologist. These doctors have in-depth knowledge about the many causes of hair loss and are experienced in treating various causes.
Diagnosis and examination for hair loss
Before making a diagnosis, your doctor will likely give you a physical exam and ask you about your diet, hair care routine, and medical and family history. You may also undergo [s] tests, such as the following:
- Blood test. This may help detect medical conditions that can cause hair loss.
- Pull test. Your doctor gently pulls out several dozen hairs to see how many are coming out. This helps determine the stage of the disposal process.
- Scalp biopsy. Your doctor scrapes samples of the skin or from a few swollen hairs from the scalp to examine the hair roots under a microscope. This can help determine if an infection is causing the hair loss.
- Optical microscope. Your doctor uses a special instrument to check the trimmed hair at its base. Microscopic examination helps to detect possible disturbances in the hair shaft.
When does hair grow on its own?
Yes, your hair may grow on its own. This can happen if you have recently:
- After having a baby
- Recovered from a serious illness or had an operation
- Underwent cancer treatment
- Lost 20 pounds or more
- You developed a mild case of alopecia areata, which causes your immune system to attack your hair follicles
- Get rid of psoriasis on your scalp
A dermatologist can tell you if your hair may start to grow back on its own. Sometimes in order to see regrowth, you need to make some changes.
While your hair may grow on its own, your dermatologist may recommend a treatment to help it grow more quickly. Sometimes, treatment is necessary to prevent further hair loss.
Natural remedies for hair loss
Home remedies provide relief, and you can buy many of them without a prescription. Since studies show that the following can help, your dermatologist may include one (or more) in your at-home treatment plan.
Home remedies can help treat some types of hair loss. Here's how to pick the right one for you from 13 natural remedies for hair loss from the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Dermatology [s] and Healthline [s]:
See: 15 Factors of Hair Loss and How to Treat it in Women
1. Oils
There is some evidence to suggest that peppermint oil can help with hair growth. Rosemary oil is traditionally used to increase blood circulation to the scalp [s].
A 2013 study found that rosemary leaf extract improved hair growth in mice [s].
Coconut oil, castor oil, and olive oil are also widely recommended, but research on their benefits for hair growth is limited.
2. Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto is a plant that contains small berries and is often used as part of an enlarged prostate treatment plan. It is sometimes promoted as a great drug for hair growth.
While research is limited into saw palmetto's ability to treat hair loss, one study showed positive results for men treated with a topical formulation.
3. Biotin
Biotin is vitamin B7 naturally found in foods such as:
- Nuts
- Sweet potato
- Egg
- Oats
There is some evidence to suggest that taking biotin supplements orally might slow hair loss, but most of the research has been done on women [s].
4. Zinc
Since zinc helps with most of the processes in your body that keep you alive, it's no surprise that it also strengthens the follicles under your scalp that nourish your hair.
Your body has no way to store zinc, so you need some in your diet every day.
If your levels are low, there is some evidence that taking zinc by mouth can help with hair loss, but more research is needed. Your doctor will likely try other treatments first.
5. Onion juice
The idea is that the sulfur in onion juice helps regrow hair. There is not much research on this topic.
An older study showed that using onion juice as a topical treatment resulted in much more regrowth than just tap water in people with alopecia areata [s].
6. Bhringraj
Bhringraj, also known as Eclipta alba and False daisy, is a species of the sunflower family with a reputation in the Ayurvedic tradition as an herb that supports hair growth.
Studies in mice have shown that extracts of this herb show better hair growth than minoxidil (Rogaine). However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans [s].
7. Green tea
Green tea is another herbal remedy for hair loss.
An old study in mice showed polyphenols in green tea to be a natural hair loss treatment, but no human studies have been done to confirm these effects [s].
See: 12 Acne Causes and Treatment
8. Hibiscus
Hibiscus is widely marketed in India for hair growth. One older study in mice showed positive effects on hair follicles, but no studies have been done in humans [s].
9. Iron-rich foods
This vital nutrient helps your body make blood, and low levels have been linked to hair loss. The reason isn't clear, but make sure you eat plenty of iron-rich foods like meat, fish, poultry, tofu, broccoli and all kinds of greens.
Although, talk to your doctor before taking iron tablets. Too much can cause vomiting and constipation. Very high doses can be fatal.
10. Aromatherapy
Sandalwood, lavender, rosemary, and thyme oils have been used to treat hair loss for over 100 years.
A compound in them is believed to promote hair growth. You can try rubbing one or more of these oils into your scalp for at least two minutes each night.
Then wrap your head in a warm towel to help it absorb. Bonus: This nighttime massage smells good and can help you feel more relaxed.
11. Melatonin
You may know melatonin as the "sleep hormone." Many people take it as a supplement for a good night's sleep or to reduce jet lag. But melatonin cream can promote hair growth or slow hair loss.
The reasons aren't clear, but in one study, people who applied a melatonin blend to the scalp experienced less hair loss in 30 days.
Do you fight dandruff? Melatonin can help with that, too. As with all nutritional supplements, check with your doctor first.
12. Pumpkin seed oil
Daily doses of pumpkin seed oil orally can help restore your hair safely. While more research is needed, one small study found that men who took four capsules of PSO every day for 6 months experienced a 40% increase in the number of their hairs.
One reason why? Pumpkin seed oil can prevent testosterone from turning into a compound called DHT, which is linked to hair loss [s].
13. Amino acids
These are the "building blocks" of proteins. They help your body to function the way it should. Certain amino acids, such as cysteine and L-lysine, play a special role in keeping your hair healthy and growing.
But you don't need to take them as supplements. You should get plenty of amino acids through a healthy diet. Good food sources include cheese, fish, eggs, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and meat.