1. Use lotion meant for hair loss
If you notice your hair thinning, consider using a nonprescription foam or lotion with the chemical minoxidil in it, such as Rogaine. This chemical can enlarge hair follicles and help to increase hair growth. It may take up to 4 months to see results, however, and you would have to use it twice a day indefinitely.
- Minoxidil can irritate the scalp and cause itching, flaking and redness. If you have a sensitive scalp you may want to consider some other treatment for hair loss.
- Once you stop using Minoxidil, your hair will probably begin to thin again.
- Minoxidil has been shown to be effective in up to seven out of 10 men for re-growing hair and slowing hair loss.
- If you are a woman who is breastfeeding, you should not take minoxidil, as it may contaminate breastmilk.
2. Take medication
Medication for male pattern baldness usually includes finasteride, which blocks an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT contributes to thinning hair and pattern baldness by shrinking the hair follicles that grow hair. Finasteride is extremely effective for most men and some women at slowing hair loss, while also allowing you to regrow some of the hair you have lost.
- Know that if you stop taking finasteride, your hair loss will likely continue.
3. Combine hair lotion and pills for hair loss
If you want greater results stopping hair loss, then combine treatments. You can use minoxidil externally and finasteride pills together. However, be aware that you have to continue the treatment indefinitely, which can get expensive and difficult to maintain over time.
4. Use bhringaraj (eclipta alba)
This is an ancient Ayurvedic hair loss herb. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to slow hair loss and balding, regrow hair and help with premature graying. Topical application has been shown to reduce the time to regrow hair and to increase the number of hair follicles in the growth phase.
- You can purchase eclipta alba oils at a local market or online. You can also make your own by heating 50 grams of crushed or ground bhringraj plant in 200ml in oil, such as coconut oil, for 10 minutes. After the oil has cooled overnight, strain the oil.
- Massage eclipta alba oil into your head and scalp at least once every day.
5. Make an indian gooseberry or amla (phyllanthus emblica) rinse
This is an Indian herb that is highly nutritious and a good source of vitamin C, carotene and iron. It has been used since ancient times to help stop hair loss. You can use an alma rinse made from alma pieces soaked in water overnight. Regularly rinse with the alma water after you shampoo.
- You can also use dried amla pieces heated with coconut oil until the oil turns dark. After letting the oil cool, remove the amla pieces and massage the oil into your scalp daily.
6. Try an aloe vera hair mask
Aloe vera helps stimulate hair follicles and remove dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles. You can purchase aloe vera gel or juice from the store or use the gel from off of a plant. Make sure the store bought aloe does not contain extra chemicals.
- To make an aloe vera hair mask, use half a cup of aloe vera gel with 2 TBS of castor oil and mix together. You can apply this to your scalp, cover your hair and leave it on for 8 hours. Repeat this as often as possible.
- To use an aloe vera leaf for gel, cut off a thick leaf at the base of the plant. Cut the leaf open and scrape off the gel inside. If you don’t use all of it, you can store the rest of the leaf in the refrigerator for use another day.
7. Use yucca in your hair
This plant is traditionally used in Native American remedies. Some people also use yucca for baldness. The saponins in the root reduce inflammation and itching. Yucca can usually be purchased in health food stores.
- Peel the yucca root and smash it before mixing it in with shampoo or directly onto the scalp. Rinse and repeat regularly. You can also use yucca extract or 1 TBS of root powder mixed with 2 cups of water as a shampoo.
8. Get regular head massages
Massages increase blood flow to the scalp and bring nutrients to the hair follicles. This can help strengthen your hair and reduce hair loss. It can also help with stress relief. Get scalp massages 2-3 times a week to help treat hair loss.
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