Losing hair? It’s nothing short of a nightmare. Most of us are frightened at the sight of the hair falling off our head. The underlying fear is going bald. So, how do you deal with this problem? Read on to find out.
Earlier, baldness was associated with old age, but today, even young people are affected by it. Bad lifestyle choices, including lack of proper nutrition and stress, has made baldness all pervasive. While it is common in males, a small population of women too deals with this embarrassing hair issue. But is there a way out apart from the expensive option of hair transplantation? YES!
There are many effective ways to cure baldness. Does that sound too good to be true? Read on to find out more about the causes, types, and the effective home remedies for baldness in men and women.
What Are The Causes Of Baldness?
When it comes to male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, genetics and hormones play a major role (
1,
2). For baldness and hair loss in general, a combination of the following causes is seen:
- Aging
- Hormonal imbalance
- Injury or burns
- Scalp infections like ringworm
- Iron deficiency
- Insufficient protein content in diet
- Family history of baldness
- Medical conditions or illnesses that cause hair loss
- Medicines used in chemotherapy (3)
Types Of Baldness
Depending on the causes and the age and gender of the person, baldness is categorized into different types:
- Male Pattern Baldness – This hereditary condition is seen in men and can begin with a bald spot or a receding hairline.
- Female Pattern Baldness – Seen in women, this is also related to the genetic makeup of the individual. It seldom results in complete baldness.
- Alopecia areata – Hair loss occurs, which leads to bald spots. This can also progress to alopecia totalis if the entire hair on the scalp is lost.
- Scarring Alopecia – When the bald spots develop due to injury, burns, radiation, or diseases (like skin infections), the condition is called scarring alopecia.
- Toxic Alopecia – Usually temporary, this is called by severe illnesses, high fevers or certain medications.
These were the different types of baldness you can suffer from (
3). Identify your symptoms and use the remedies listed below to deal with excessive hair loss and bald spots.
How To Cure Baldness Naturally
- Best Oils To Cure Baldness
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Aloe Vera
- Onion Juice
- Ginger
- Methi
- Chinese Herbs
- Coffee
- Egg Yolk
- Licorice Root
Effective Home Remedies For Baldness
1. Best Oils To Cure Baldness
(a) Castor Oil For Baldness
You Will Need
2-3 tablespoons castor oil
What You Have To Do
- Lightly warm up the oil and apply it to your scalp.
- Leave it on overnight.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this 3-4 times in a week.
Why This Works
Massaging frequently with castor oil stimulates the roots of the hair by increasing the circulation of blood throughout the scalp. It nourishes the scalp with healthy fats and also prevents the occurrence of dandruff, which will abet hair growth (
4).
(b) Coconut Oil For Baldness
You Will Need
2-3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Warm up the oil for a couple of seconds and massage the scalp with it.
- Rinse off the oil after 4-5 hours. You can also keep it on overnight.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this twice or thrice a week.
Why This Works
Coconut oil contains nourishing fats and alpha-tocopherol that keep the scalp rejuvenated and hydrated. This, in turn, helps to strengthen the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. Coconut oil is also rich in antioxidants that protect the scalp and the hair fibers from damage (
5).
(c) Peppermint Oil For Baldness
You Will Need
- 3-5 drops peppermint oil
- A cup of water
- Warm towel or shower cap
What You Have To Do
- Dilute the essential oil in water and apply on your scalp and hair.
- Cover your head with the warm towel or a shower cap for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this twice a week.
Why This Works
This antiallergenic essential oil possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. It was shown in a study conducted in 2014 that peppermint oil induced the growth of thick and long hair in just a few weeks (
6).
(d) Pumpkin Seed Oil For Baldness
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin seed oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix the oils and apply the blend on the scalp.
- Leave it on overnight.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply this oil mixture twice a week.
Why This Works
Pumpkin seed oil has been tested and proved to work for treating male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia (AGA). It is rich in carotenes, tocopherols, and other beneficial nutrients that play an important role in reversing alopecia. However, its exact mechanism of action for treating AGA is still not understood (
7).
(e) Siddha Hair Oil For Baldness
You Will Need
- 100 ml virgin coconut oil
- 4-5 camphor tablets
What You Have To Do
- Crush the camphor tablets and mix them with the coconut oil. Store this in an airtight container.
- Apply this oil on the scalp before going to bed.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every night or at least every alternate night to see results.
Why This Works
We already know the benefits of coconut oil for hair growth. Camphor sensitizes the blood vessels and nerves on the scalp, thus increasing blood circulation and promoting hair regrowth (
8).
(f) Taramira Oil For Baldness
You Will Need
2-3 tablespoons taramira oil
What You Have To Do
- Massage the scalp with this oil.
- Leave it on for 2-3 hours and then wash your scalp (and hair) as usual.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this twice a week.
Why This Works
Extracted from the seeds of Arugula, taramira oil is popularly known as jamba oil in Hindi. It contains plenty of fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Hair loss and baldness are often treated with this oil (
9).
(g) Olive Oil For Hair Baldness
You Will Need
Virgin olive oil
What You Have To Do
- Heat the oil for a few seconds and apply it on the scalp.
- Massage the scalp for 4-5 minutes.
- Rinse your hair in the morning. If you are running short of time, leave the oil on for at least an hour.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this thrice a week.
Why This Works
Olive oil blocks the hair loss hormones that are produced on the scalp. This reduces hair loss and promotes healthy hair growth. Olive oil also nourishes the skin on the scalp and keeps it infection-free (
10).
(h) Jojoba Oil For Baldness
You Will Need
A few teaspoons of jojoba oil
What You Have To Do
- Massage the oil directly on the scalp for a few minutes.
- Leave it on for 3-4 hours before rinsing it off.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this twice or thrice a week.
Why This Works
This oil is beneficial to treat baldness that is non-hereditary. It closely resembles the naturally produced oil by the skin and is easily absorbed. It is rich in vitamin E, which takes away the oxidative stress that is resulting in baldness and hair loss (
11,
12).
(i) Tea Tree Oil For Baldness
You Will Need
- 3-4 drops tea tree oil
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil (olive, coconut or almond)
What You Have To Do
- Dilute the essential oil by mixing it with the carrier oil of your choice.
- Apply this blend on the scalp and let it sit for at least an hour.
- Rinse using a mild shampoo.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply this oil blend twice a week.
Why This Works
Extreme dandruff and infections of the scalp can sometimes lead to bald spots. In such cases, tea tree oil works wonderfully as it is a wide spectrum antimicrobial agent. It is also rich in antioxidants that can help rejuvenate the hair follicles (
13).
(j) Kalonji Oil For Baldness
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon kalonji oil
- 2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix the two oils well and apply the mixture on the scalp.
- Massage for a few minutes and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with a mild shampoo.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every alternate day.
Why This Works
Kaloni oil is also known as black seed oil and is often prescribed in Unani medicine to treat hair loss and bald spots. It strengthens the hair follicles and regenerates them, leading to fresh hair growth (
14).
2. Apple Cider Vinegar For Baldness
You Will Need
- 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- A cup of water
What You Have To Do
- Dilute the ACV with water and use rinse your hair with it after you have washed off your shampoo.
- Massage the scalp for a minute or two and then rinse off the ACV with plain water.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this twice a week.
Why This Works
ACV balances the pH of the scalp and removes any microbes that may be hindering hair growth. It also stimulates circulation, which can help with hair regrowth (
15).
3. Aloe Vera For Baldness
You Will Need
Aloe vera gel
What You Have To Do
- Apply either fresh aloe gel or an organic version bought from the store on your scalp and in between the hair strands.
- Keep it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse your hair as usual.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this twice or thrice a week.
Why This Works
Applying aloe vera paste on the scalp removes dryness and helps to maintain its pH levels. This enhances hair growth (
16).
4. Onion Juice For Baldness
You Will Need
- 1 medium-sized onion
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
- Grate the onion and squeeze out its juice.
- To this, add the honey and mix well.
- Using the cotton, apply this on the scalp and let it sit for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash your scalp and hair with shampoo.
How Often You Should Do This
For best results, repeat this twice a week.
Why This Works
Onion regenerates the hair roots, and when mixed with honey, it works splendidly in treating hair loss. Applying the mixture on bald patches helps in improving hair growth (
17). But do remember to wash off properly, or you will be left with an overpowering stench of onions!
5. Ginger For Baldness
You Will Need
- 1-2 inches ginger root
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or jojoba oil
What You Have To Do
- Grate the ginger and soak it in the oil for a few minutes.
- Apply this on the scalp (along with the ginger pieces) and massage for 2-3 minutes.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and then shampoo your hair.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this regularly twice a week for a couple of weeks, and you will notice the results.
Why This Works
Ginger contains bioactive compounds that stimulate circulation to the scalp and renew hair follicles (
18).
6. Methi For Baldness
You Will Need
- 2-4 tablespoons methi powder (fenugreek)
- Water or buttermilk
What You Have To Do
- Add enough water or buttermilk to the fenugreek powder to get a paste of medium consistency.
- Apply this on your scalp and let it sit for about an hour.
- Wash it off gently with a shampoo.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply this hair mask once or twice a week.
Why This Works
The application of fenugreek paste is a great way to stall hair fall and renew the growth of hair follicles. It contains precursors of hormones and other proteins that help in hair regrowth (
19).
7. Chinese Herbs For Baldness
Chinese medicine suggests the use of different herbs to tackle different types of baldness and hair loss. Fo-ti, Reishi mushroom, Ginkgo, Drynaria, and Morus Albus are the commonly prescribed Chinese herbs for baldness. These herbs usually work by increasing circulation on the scalp or working as a purifying tonic for the body fluids (
20,
21). Consult a Chinese medicine specialist to know the right combination and the right dosage to treat your baldness.
8. Coffee For Baldness
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons coffee powder
What You Have To Do
- Mix everything well and apply the mixture as a mask on the scalp.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with your normal shampoo.
How Often You Should Do This
Use this coffee hair mask twice a week.
Why This Works
Who knew the caffeine boost our morning cup of coffee gives us can be used for treating hair loss and baldness! The effectiveness of caffeine in promoting hair growth by inhibiting the growth hindrance factors was tested out by different groups of scientists. They concluded that caffeine can indeed enhance hair growth (
22,
23).
9. Egg Yolk For Baldness
You Will Need
1 egg
What You Have To Do
- Separate the egg yolk and beat it properly.
- Apply the paste on the root follicles as well as the hair and leave it on for an hour.
- Rinse with shampoo.
You can use the entire egg for the hair mask.
How Often You Should Do This
Use this egg hair mask twice a week for a few weeks, and then, you can use it once every week.
Why This Works
Eggs are one of the best sources of protein. Protein is extensively required for hair growth and to prevent hair fall. Though stinky, it is a great option for hair growth. It not only increases the growth, but also makes the hair silky, shiny, and bouncy (
24).
10. Licorice Root For Baldness
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon licorice root powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- A pinch of turmeric
- Shower cap
What You Have To Do
- Mix the licorice powder and turmeric in the milk and apply it on your scalp.
- Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on overnight.
- Rinse your scalp and hair as usual in the morning.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this thrice a week to see results in about a month’s time.
Why This Works
This remedy works well even for male pattern baldness. It counteracts the hormone causing loss of hair, thus restoring natural hair growth (
25).
Before using any of these remedies, understand the root cause of your baldness and then opt for a remedy that will suit you the best. When it comes to hair loss and baldness, the progress is slow, but it is definitely there. Be patient, and you will definitely notice a difference when you use the above remedies. Here are some other methods to prevent and treat baldness.
Other Ways To Treat Baldness
(i) Diet For Baldness
To maintain the health of your
hair, you need to avoid certain unhygienic and junk foods as they decelerate hair growth. Drinking sufficient quantity of water and keeping oneself hydrated are the best ways to prevent hair loss. Include enough portions of the foods mentioned below in your regular diet.
- Vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits and guava.
- Lean meat, chicken, and fish (to supply enough protein to the hair follicles).
- Vitamin A and beta-carotene containing foods like green leafy vegetables, broccoli, squash, melon, and apricots.
- Foods rich in silica like strawberries, red peppers, wheat, barley, oats, rice, and beans.
- Milk, yogurt, and eggs.
This healthy diet will not only improve your overall health but also contribute to a healthy scalp.
(ii) Vitamins For Baldness
Vitamins A, B, C, and E are essential for healthy hair growth. They maintain healthy circulation of blood while providing the required nutrients and precursors for hair growth. The hair follicles remain in optimum health, and your scalp will be covered in a healthy growth of thick hair. Deficiencies in these vitamins have been associated with hair loss, so it is essential to maintain a diet with enough amount of these vitamins (
26). Some examples of diet additions have been mentioned already. You can also opt for vitamin supplements, but before you do, confirm the appropriate dosage from a medical practitioner.
(iii) Leech Therapy For Baldness
Ayurveda employs an alternative medicine therapy involving the usage of leeches to suck blood on the scalp, thus improving circulation. This helps to cover the bald spots with fresh hair growth (
27). This technique should only be administered by a trained professional. Consult your local alternative medicine specialist to know more details about this procedure.
(iv) Acupuncture For Baldness
Acupuncture, a Chinese medical practice, involves activating the trigger points in your mind that will establish a balance in the body fluids and energies and resolve the problem. For baldness, there are many acupuncture points that are activated. This treatment is usually used in conjunction with a herbal remedy and vitamin supplementation.
Caution
Do not attempt acupuncture by yourself. Avail the services of a trained professional for safe treatment.
(v) Laser Treatment For Baldness
Low laser light therapy is available at cosmetic clinics to promote hair regrowth and cover bald spots on the scalps. It is an expensive procedure, and there are many experts in the field who are not convinced of its efficacy. If you wish to go for this procedure to treat your baldness, do thorough research and then take a decision. Go to a reputed clinic and get the best advice.
These were the alternative ways to get rid of baldness. Follow these tips along with a healthy diet and supplement intake to prevent premature baldness.
How To Prevent Baldness
- Combing your hair is necessary, but combing it too often can weaken the hair follicles and can result in hair loss. So, refrain from excessive combing.
- Hot water can weaken the hair follicles, which results in thinning of the hair. Use cool or normal temperature water to rinse your hair.
- Use herbal or organic shampoos that do not contain chemical additives that can damage your hair follicles.
- Massage your scalp regularly with oil to promote circulation and keep the scalp nourished with all vital nutrients.
Can A Woman Have Male Pattern Baldness?
Only men are affected by male pattern baldness. However, when a similar kind of excessive hair loss is seen in women, it is known as female pattern baldness. Its exact cause is unclear, but like male pattern baldness, hormones are said to be involved.
Hair loss is a devastating condition that affects millions of men and women around the world. Home remedies can be used without any worry as they do not have any adverse effects at all. And they are easily available in the kitchen and/or a nearby market. You need not drill a hole in your budget to treat baldness. These cheap home remedies for baldness can do the trick.
Hope you found this article helpful. Do share your feedback with us in the comments section.
