With hair loss affecting millions worldwide, the search for effective solutions is ongoing. While many people turn to prescription medications or surgical procedures, there’s a growing interest in exploring natural remedies for their potential benefits and relative affordability.
But just how effective are these natural remedies, and is there any scientific basis to back up their claims?
In this blog, Yun Nam Hair Care’s team reviews common natural ingredients or remedies meant to help with hair loss. Let’s dive in and learn more!
Evaluating Common Natural Remedies for Hair Loss
Three of the most common natural remedies for hair loss are essential oils (applied topically), herbal supplements (typically ingested in pill, capsule, or liquid form), and dietary changes (applied via lifestyle changes). Yun Nam Hair Care’s team has done a review of these common remedies to help you better understand what they are and how they work:
- Essential Oils: Oils like rosemary and peppermint have anecdotally gained popularity for their potential to stimulate hair growth through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or antimicrobial properties. In a 2015 randomised comparative trial between rosemary oil and minoxidil 2%, a common hair loss medication, rosemary oil seemed to have similar performance as minoxidil over a 3 to 6-month period.
- Herbal Supplements: Saw palmetto and ginseng are often touted for their potential to reduce hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia in men. Though a review of scientific studies of saw palmetto in treating alopecia suggests it may have some positive effects on hair loss, there is a lack of robust scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. Effectiveness of these ingredients may also vary depending on the specific herb and formulation.
- Dietary Changes: Generally speaking, a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins B and D is essential for healthy hair growth. These nutrients can help counter oxidative stress, repair cellular damage, and support cellular functions for improved hair growth. Nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to hair loss, making dietary adjustments a crucial part of any hair care regimen.
Evaluating the Scientific Backing and Limitations of Natural Hair Loss Remedies
The view of the Yun Nam Hair Care team is that while some natural remedies show promise in addressing hair loss, it’s important to review and consider their scientific evidence and potential limitations before starting them. Many studies on natural remedies are small and require further research to confirm their efficacy. Additionally, natural remedies may not work for everyone, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the cause and severity of hair loss.
It’s often more effective to combine DIY natural remedies with scientifically-backed hair loss treatments from a trusted provider. As an example, Yun Nam Hair Care always reviews patients’ personalised treatment plans to utilise the appropriate natural ingredients for their condition. The Signature FASTGro™ treatment, for instance, uses a combination of ginseng, dang gui, he shou wu, knotweed root, dittany, and peony based on traditional Chinese herb formulations to stimulate, stabilise, and strengthen hair growth.
If you plan to tackle your hair loss, consider reaching out to hair care professionals such as Yun Nam Hair Care for a review of potential treatments and personalised advice.
