The hair loss industry is rife with countless stories and testimonials on home remedies and natural cures for hair loss. People prefer to try natural treatments to treat their thinning hair before considering alternatives. They are often misled into believing that such treatments will miraculously regrow hair (or reverse and cure grey hair).
For the most part, such testimonials are bogus scams to promote various natural hair loss products. I have been following the hair loss world fairly regularly for over 15 years. During that time, I have reached the conclusion that natural hair loss treatments virtually never regrow hair that has been lost for a long time. In the best case scenario, you might grow some peach fuzz in totally bald areas of the scalp.
However, natural remedies can definitely reduce the rate of hair fall and made existing thinning hair become thicker and stronger. Moreover, if you have a severe vitamin or mineral nutritional deficiency, supplementation can sometimes work miracles and stop your hair loss. However, these latter situations are extremely rare.
Update: November 2022 — A new study in JAMA concluded that natural products and supplements can be effective against treating hair loss. None of these are likely to regrow hair in totally bald areas of the scalp in my opinion. But they can make existing thicker and of a higher quality per the findings. Among the supplements praised in these findings include Nutrafol and Viviscal. Also recommended were zinc, apple nutraceuticals, capsaicin, isoflavones, pumpkin seed oil, tocotrienols, and omega 3 and 6 with antioxidants.
Update: April 2022 — According to a literature review, natural products to consider for treating androgenetic alopecia include: saw palmetto, caffeine, melatonin, marine extracts, rosemary oil, procyanidin, pumpkin seed oil, and cannabidiol oil.
Update: December 2021 — Modulation of hair growth promoting effect via natural products.
Home Remedies for Hair Loss
There is solid evidence that certain natural products can improve the quality of existing hair. Besides increasing hair thickness, some natural treatments can significantly reduce shedding and the rate of hair fall.
Some natural home remedies keep hair in anagen (growth) phase longer, others directly impact growth factors and signaling pathways. Make sure to read a pdf from the AAD that discusses botanical treatments for hair loss.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements for Stronger Hair
A large number of natural products for faster hair growth entail vitamin and minerals supplements. Among the most important include vitamin B12 and vitamin B7. If you have a severe deficiency in these vitamins, it could cause hair loss.
A 2018 study concluded that micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals play an important (but not entirely clear) role in normal hair follicle development and immune cell function. This includes vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, selenium, and zinc.
Vitamin B12 and Hair Loss
There are a number of studies that have found vitamin B12 deficiency to lead to hair loss. The good news is that supplementation with this important vitamin can lead to a reversal in hair loss.
According to a report from Harvard Health, serious deficiency in vitamin B12 can be corrected via either: weekly shots of vitamin B12; or daily high-dose B12 pills.
Natural Treatments for Hair Growth
In this post, I will discuss natural hair loss treatment products that have some solid scientific backing. You should assume that none of these natural products will bring back hair in totally bald areas.
Surprisingly, most of the below mentioned studies have come out in 2014 through 2019. Some people try to combine many of the natural ingredients mentioned below into homemade shampoos.
Propolis
Bee propolis was big news last year due to new research findings. Propolis is a product made by bees, and it has anti-inflammatory properties that result in healthier hair in mice. For more, see the published study from Japan on propolis and hair growth in mice. Several hair products with bee propolis in them have good reviews on Amazon, including Iden Bee Propolis Treatment
and Iden Bee Nourished Shampoo & Conditioner Duo Pack
.
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto berry extract comes from a plant native to the United States. For years it has been claimed that Saw Palmetto reduces DHT levels resulting in less enlarged prostates and more scalp hair (just like the drug Finasteride, but a lot weaker). Although the proof of effectiveness on hair growth is far from certain, there is enough anecdotal evidence and research work to warrant including this plant in this post about natural cures. Some of the best dermatologist recommended hair loss shampoos
include Saw Palmetto as a key ingredient.
Oleuropein (Olive Drupe)
We keep reading about the miracle of olive oil and a Greek/ Mediterranean diet’s positive impact on human lifespan. Now there is yet one more reason to buy olives: a study from earlier this year from South Korea found that topical application of oleuropein induces anagen hair growth in mice. The study is quite technical and it seems like oleuropein stimulates the critical Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling pathway (which is also crucial when it comes to human hair). Oleuropein also upregulates IGF-1, KGF, HGF, and VEGF gene expression in mice. Amazon has a highly rated oleuropein supplement for sale.
Procyanidin B-2 (Extracted from Apples)
There are a number of studies that tout the benefits of Procyanidin B-2 (derived from Apples) for hair growth. DS Labs Revita Hair Growth Shampoo is probably the most famous product that contains Procyanidin B-2.
Sandalwood (Sandalore)
In 2018, sandalwood (via the synthetic sandalore) was a bid deal in the hair loss world. Scientists found that just a whiff of sandalwood scent used in perfumes can lead to increased hair growth. Apparently, the olfactory receptor OR2AT4 regulates human hair growth. Dr. Ralf Paus (UK) and Giuliana Pharma (Italy) led the above research. Sandalore and related odorants have been shows to even benefit wound healing.
Caffeine
Many hair loss shampoos include caffeine as a key ingredient. See my detailed post on how caffeine can lead to hair growth stimulation. One study from 2014 suggests that caffeine really does have a beneficial effect on human scalp hair. And this 2017 study from India also comes to a similar conclusion.
Peppermint Oil
Yet again in mice. Apparently peppermint oil 3% results in better hair growth than Minoxidil 3% according to a 2014 study.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
A rare human study from 2014 finds that pumpkin seed oil is beneficial to hair growth on men with androgenic alopecia. Many natural DHT blockers contain pumpkin seed oils and extracts as a key ingredient.
Argan Oil
A lot of people use argan oil for its hair benefits. According to this guide, Argan oil is used as a moisturiser, conditioner and softener for skin and hair. Originally from Morocco, argan oil contains large amounts of Vitamin E and other beneficial fatty acids.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) from Green Tea
EGCG (usually derived from the dried leaves of green tea) has attained a stellar reputation worldwide for its purported health benefits and weight reduction properties. There is not enough proof of many of these benefits, but green tea in general has become synonymous with good health. So it is no surprise that there are several studies that have concluded EGCG to have a favorable impact on mouse hair as well as on human hair. Note that black tea also has hair benefits due to the presence of theaflavin antioxidant polyphenols.
Epilobium
There are some reports that epilobium inhibits DHT just like Saw Palmetto, but I am not entirely convinced by the evidence. Nevertheless, numerous people on hair loss forums have tried this natural product so I am including it here.
Turmeric (Curcumin)
In recent years, turmeric has garnered significant interest as a miracle cure for all kinds of ailments ranging from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease. While curcumin clearly has anti-inflammatory properties, proof regarding major health benefits is still limited. However, the following article and anecdotal reports made me want to include turmeric in this post for now.
Seaweed
A number of studies from Asia suggest seaweed extracts are beneficial to hair. One detailed study from South Korea touts the benefits of Grateloupia elliptica (a seaweed native to Jeju Island) on scalp hair growth. This same strain of seaweed as well as several others seem to also reduce inflammation in mice.
Mangrove Tree Extract
In 2021, scientists from Thailand found that an extract from mangrove trees stopped hair loss and even promoted hair growth. The extract (Avicennia Marin) contains the key chemical Avicequinon-C. This chemical inhibits the enzyme that produces hair loss hormones (i.e., dihydrotstosterone).
Methyl Vanillate
Topical methyl vanillate (a plant derived natural ingredient) increases hair count and hair mass index by inducing Wnt10b mRNA expression in the scalp. According to the study, methyl vanillate has recently been shown to activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which has become a key target in the treatment of androgenic alopecia by numerous researchers in recent years.
Other less known natural and herbal remedies for hair loss include:
- Laminaria Japonica and Cistanche Tubulosa. This study from 2015 portends favorable to the above combination treatment.
- Baicalin, a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis. Also see my post on Redensyl. Capixyl. Procapil and Baicapil.
Cuscuta Reflexa (Dodder Plant)
A few studies have shown that Cuscuta Reflexa inhibits 5 alpha-reductase activity and hence benefits hair growth. e.g., see here and here.
Just do they have to be in capsule form or injection?
Thank you , Admin.
But, I want to scientific solution.
Hair loss world is as if in medieval.
i would like to ask about spironolactone cream for hair loss? effectiveness?
ADMIN:i would like to ask about spironolactone cream for hair loss? effectiveness?
You’re right Nosyu…That’s pathetic.
– https://www.baldtruthtalk.com/threads/21402-Propecia-side-affects-Merck-or-bladtruth-won-t-tell-you-about
This thread is REAL. I hope Spencer starts talk about the new treatments very soon…
Baldtruth is the boring truth site, sorry.
Sad just sad… back to green tea and saw palmetto for hair loss cure lol. The future looks bleak. Why do I have a feeling all these treatments will fail: replicel, histogen, samumed. Follica probably works but he won’t release it. Seti probably works no better than propecia and bim no better than rogaine. I give it another 15 years to when hair cloning comes out. That’s our only real hope.
Propecia is going down in the market because is a drug with a lot side effects and poor results. And of course we have AWESOME NEWS in the hair congress in Miami. I know that.
-http://www.hair2015.org/
Greetings.
Paul.
Admin, not the lost we are looking for.
What’s the awesome news Paul? I see the same research doctors who have scratching their balls since 2001 and are now talking about starting clinical trials on hair cloning lol. I lost hope. They can’t find a better treatment that works or they are being stopped in releasing it. BTW not sure if you guys remember that doctor in Egypt who grew people hair back using stem cells . Like balding men with aga and other hair loss disorders. Her practice got shut down and she was never spoke about again. See what happens when you cure baldnesss. I will try and find that article, it was back in 2011. She grew bacj all their hair. They know how it works they are just be stopped from releasing it
paul Phoenix shut up, propecia sales have dropped because the patent expired and cheaper generic finasteride is available. Your not a doctor stop trying to scare people.
You guys should really take a look at this video.
http://youtu.be/mVq9XD0Ydzo
Sorry Edward but that video is ridiculous. Who has the time to check pulses, thryoid, eat all those specific meals, percentages of carbs to protein etc. When propecia was working for me ,even during year 10 of the drug I was lifting heavy weights, eating pizzas, chicken fingers, drinking 3 to 5 beers during the weekend, eating lots of healthy food as well but also milk shakes and desserts and my hair was looking amazing. Now 13 yr on propecia, drug losing serious effectiveness and I am eating super healthy, no desserts, fried food, pizzas etc . Eating all organic and I am losing ground fast on my hair. My point is that if you can’t block the dht from attacking the receptors then you are fked no matter how healthy you eat and exercise.
this is probably a really really dumb idea but has anyone ever thought about putting saw palmetto topical liquid with a carrier? or basically a natural topical DHT inhibitor with carrier? I can’t take Fin, neither can I take internal DHT inhibitors anymore. Just wondering if anyones tried after Mjoenes and Rev posted those two seperate users with good natural regrowth.
Tell egghead to send me $50 and I will make it for him in a liposomal gel 1% as long as he posts his results.
Actually, I will make it for anyone for $50. I make my own liposomal products like Farmacia Parati! Cheaper.
Sorry, can’t do Fin or Dut without a rx.
(yea, I know this an old post)
Great article – I wish you could have added more caveats so individuals could understand how to apply these studies. For example, studies show that the amount of caffeine used in topical treatments is crucial and that using too much overstimulates the hair shaft and can actually lead to hair loss. Also, propolis is unlikely to help male pattern baldness but only baldness based on inflammation like alopecia.
It’s strange & a little hard to take, but has anyone tried fresh onion juice – make sure it’s strained? Besides using the best natural shampoos & conditioners, me & my wife use pure, fresh onion juice twice a week & leave it on for 1+ hours with plastic cover. We also use a .5mm derma roller on our head once a week, so the DHT-shampoo/conditioner, onion juice & everything penetrates much better. We use a little purified Emu oil mixed with peppermint oil night & day too! Works for us! In (2 & 1/2 months) we have new baby hairs!
U can you tube onion juice to grow hair & you tube derma-roller for hair loss. We bought derma roller from Amazon!
For scalp calcification (hard water – that block hair follicles), we use 50/50 purified water & apple cider vinegar with the mother & massage in shower – once a month! Don’t get in eyes!
We spend so much time and money piling on the products that it’s easy to forget where hair growth starts: namely, your scalp. A simple way to stimulate hair growth at home is to give yourself a scalp massage—this will increase blood flow to your scalp, enhance the strength of your roots, and help nutrients get to your follicle faster. You can give yourself a scalp massage with dry hair, but adding a nutrient-rich oil to the mix will only double the benefits (just keep it to once a week if you have oily roots). Rosemary oil, in particular, has been used for centuries to stimulate hair growth. It dilates blood vessels and, in turn, stimulates your follicle to produce new growth.
To give yourself a rosemary oil scalp massage, you can simply add a couple of drops to your shampoo—or, dilute it with another oil, like olive or coconut, and apply it directly to your scalp and massage it in.
Sounds good but I did scalp massage twice daily for over a year with no improvement. Will try some Rosemary oil though.