The Herb Stop Blog
Top 3 Herbal Remedies for Hair Loss & The Research Behind Them
Our hair is a way of expressing ourselves. Some cultures even believe that hair is an extension of an individual’s spirit.
Regardless of how you look at it, hair is one of the first things we notice when we look in the mirror, which is why hair loss can be especially difficult for us.
If you’ve noticed your hair thinning, be assured that you are not alone. According to The Hair Society, 50% of women will experience hair loss at some point in their lives, and 60% of men by age 50 will have suffered from hair loss.
Hair loss can happen for many reasons, ranging from stress, illness, age, and hormonal changes to wearing tight hairstyles, like high ponytails, or recently giving birth.
Regardless of the reason, it’s natural to want to promote healthier hair growth. So, today we are sharing some of our best herbal remedies for those suffering from hair loss or those wishing to promote thicker hair growth.
Bhringaraj Oil
Bhringaraj oil (meaning ruler of the hair in Sanskrit) has been traditionally used to promote healthy hair growth and improved sleep. This oil may be an especially effective herbal remedy if you suffer from hair loss due to stress because it promotes a calmer state of mind while nourishing the hair.
A 2008 study conducted on bhringaraj oil topically applied to rats found that it increased the number of hair follicles. In addition, the oil significantly reduced the time needed for complete hair growth, so bhringaraj may also increase how fast your hair grows. This study also concluded that the vitamin E found in bhringaraj oil may also help fight free radicals, which can prevent healthy hair growth.
We recommend a scalp massage with bhringaraj oil to cool the head, calm your mind, and support healthy hair growth. Leave the oil on your scalp and hair for about an hour, then wash it out of your hair. You can also massage the oil into the bottom of your feet to promote a calmer start of mind.
If you suspect your hair loss is stress-related or you’re simply looking to reduce your stress levels, we can’t recommend our piece on 3 Amazing Herbs For Sleep + The Research Behind Them enough.
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto may also be an excellent choice for those looking to increase hair growth, especially for men with male pattern baldness. Many recent studies are showing this herb to be beneficial for women as well.
In one two-year study, male participants took 320 mg of saw palmetto daily. Compared to the control group, the participants experienced increased hair growth in their vertex area, which is located at the top and back of the scalp area. The vertex is a common area where men may develop thinning hair or bald spots, so this may be an especially good herbal remedy for men wanting to support thicker hair growth.
If you’re interested in trying saw palmetto, we offer Saw Palmetto Capsules, which may also support a healthier prostate function, reproductive chi, stronger kidneys, and lungs.*
Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary essential oil has a plethora of interesting scientific research behind it.
Rosemary is known to block DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, a byproduct of testosterone that attacks hair follicles. DHT can cause hair loss in both men and women but is a significant factor in hair loss in men more frequently and at an earlier age because men usually produce more testosterone than women.
However, DHT can also lead to thinning hair in women, so rosemary essential oil can be an excellent choice for men and women when treating hair loss.
One study on mice with hair loss due to DHT-related issues found that rosemary may help with hair regrowth. In the study, scientists concluded that rosemary oil helped prevent DHT from attaching to hormone receptors and attacking the hair follicles, resulting in better hair regrowth.
Another study in 2015 tested rosemary oil against minoxidil, a well-known hair regrowth treatment, and found that rosemary oil was more effective for hair regrowth. The study used patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a genetic condition that results in male pattern baldness in men or thinning hair, usually around the crown and top of the head, in women.
Participants using rosemary oil were found to have less scalp irritation, suggesting that rosemary may be a better choice for hair regrowth treatment in those with known allergies, itchy scalps, or skin irritations. We want to stress that this study didn’t see significant results in its participants’ hair growth until the six-month mark. As is the case with many of these herbal remedies for hair loss, consistent, long-term use is needed to give your hair time to regrow.
Another exciting study found that alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that can lead to hair loss, may be supported by using rosemary oil for aromatherapy. 44% of participants with hair loss improved over seven months during this study when their hair was analyzed using sequential photographs.
Hair, Skin, & Nails capsules
Lastly, we wanted to give a shout-out to our supportive Hair, Skin, & Nails Capsules, which promote healthy growth of hair, skin, and nails. These capsules are packed with absorbable minerals that can boost your hair's strength, softness, and shine.
Some of its star ingredients include some of the other mentioned ingredients in today’s piece, including rosemary and bhringaraj, as well as nourishing shavegrass, oat straw, and ginger. In addition to that, this formula may soften and beautify the skin and promote healthier, stronger nails.
So, if you’re looking for an all-in-one formula, we recommend our Hair, Skin, & Nails capsules. Take two capsules three times daily or as directed for your best results. As always, please consult with your physician if you take any pharmaceutical drugs or have a medical condition.
We hope today’s article gave you some ideas for promoting healthier hair growth.
If you have any questions, we are here to help! Don’t hesitate to reach out for additional information.
Warm Wishes,
Natalie & Leilah
VIDEOS
Episode 1 - Are you Losing Your Hair?