Over the last several years, there’s been a big growth in the amount of data showing the potential of natural treatments to stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth in the case of male pattern baldness. So where men have been relying on synthetic drugs to help their condition — mostly because large companies invested a lot of money both in production of these drugs, and their marketing — they can now confidently take the natural route. This is an overview of the supplements, herbs, oils and nutrients one should investigate for self treatment of hair loss.
The overall cause of male pattern baldness (MPB) is now well-known: this type of hair loss seen in about a third of the male population is mediated by the androgenic metabolite of testosterone known as dihydrotestosterone or DHT. The production of this now-infamous hormone increases later in life for many men, along with changes with the receptors for this hormone at the hair follicles. It is also the case that lower overall levels of “regular” testosterone are related to MPB as well.
With regards to male pattern baldness, DHT binds to receptor sites on certain hair follicles. Though the exact means is not yet known, the hair follicle stops growing hair normally, shrinking and sometimes dying completely.
When using a natural regimen to re-grow hair, genetically-related hair loss should be addressed on two fronts: reducing the production and effects of DHT, and stimulating the hair follicles themselves back into action. This is best achieved by a combination of internally ingested supplements and topically applied formulas.
Combinations of natural herbal extracts have been studied extensively in Europe with these important effects: conversion of DHT to testosterone is lessened, as is binding of DHT to follicle receptor sites. The most well-known herbs and nutriceuticals are Saw Palmetto Berry extract, Pygeum Africanum bark extract, and Nettle Root extract. You’ll often see these herbs together in men’s health formulas. Look for high potency extracts of these herbs, along with other supportive nutrients designed to keep the prostate gland healthy — yes, these same nutrients are the one’s that will keep your hair from falling out. Also, it has recently been discovered that soy isoflavones can have a significant affect at balancing DHT levels as well. The are converted to another substance in the body which directly leads to a reduction of DHT production.
Polyphenols — very potent natural antioxidants — can inhibit DHT production systemically, and stimulate hair growth when applied topically (as have certain essential oils, which we’ll get to). The most popular of these polyphenols is from grape seed extract, while the most effective for regrowing hair is from green apple skins (though “apple polyphenols” are hard to come by). These are not commonly available in topical formulations. There is a product available on the Internet called “Apple PolyTM”, and you could mix up your own in a base of water, vodka and/or glycerin. A simple solution would be a 5% by weight of the powder (look for bulk grape seed extract, polyphenols, or apple polyphenols online, or just open capsules of the product) in a base of equal parts of all three liquids, applied daily. Taking them internally is a wise choice as well.
There are many other food products, nutrients and natural extracts shown in small-scale research to stimulate hair growth. Food products include coconut oil, essential fats (like hempseed oil or evening primrose oil) and flax seeds. Supplements include green tea extract, gingko, lysine, taurine, resveratrol, pomegranate extract, biotin, inositol, and MSM. These can all really be taken at the same time, if you’re able to figure out a way to keep them organized and keep using them! The amounts used in research were always in the range of regular “daily servings”; you’ll be able to find the amount to take just by researching each of these nutrients.
In addition to these polyphenols, certain essential oils have also been shown to significantly increase hair growth. A group of patients with alopecia areata were treated with a combination of lavender, rosemary, cedarwood and thyme essential oils diluted in jojoba and grapeseed oils. Their scalp was massaged with this combination for two minutes a day with the oil left in for some time. After seven months, the treatment group showed significant improvement over the controls. Sage essential oil is also highly valued for stimulating hair growth. There are many recipes on the internet for making your own oil treatment formula, and this may be an excellent choice for the “topical” aspect of your program.
So, how does one combine all these into an effective, natural personal hair growth program? Remember: hair loss should again be addressed on two fronts — the hormones and the growth stimulation. Many supplements are available for “prostate health” that contain many of the herbal extracts that limit DHT production and its binding on hair follicles — so you can get many of these in one shot. You also might find several hair growth supportive nutrients in “healthy hair” vitamin formulas. These, in combination with a soy extract, polyphenol supplement, coconut oil and MSM, and you’re off to an excellent start. You’ll just want to make a home made formula of essential oils or polyphenols (or both) and you’ll be set!
When you embark on a program for hair regrowth, be confident in the potency of natural medicines. The body of evidence showing that they work is growing, as are the number of patents applied for that combine several of these herbs and nutrients in one product. Whatever your choices, be consistent for several months to give yourself the chance to enjoy the fruits of your labors!
Find more on the diverse therapeutic uses and applications of essential oils at anandaapothecary.com, one of the web’s finest sources for learning about aromatherapy.