When you look in the mirror and notice you’re losing hair, your heart may sink at the thought of someday being bald. While that would not necessarily be the worst thing that could ever happen to you, you would still prefer to have a head full of thick and vibrant hair. If you’re hesitant to treat your hair loss with medications, here are some plants and natural extracts that may help your hair more than you ever imagined.
Peppermint and Rosemary Oils
Not only will peppermint oil and rosemary oil have your hair smelling nice once they are applied, but they will also get right to work, helping to prevent and treat any hair loss you are experiencing. In a 2013 study, researchers found that rosemary oil increased blood circulation in men’s scalps, which can stimulate hair follicles to grow at an increased rate. A similar study was conducted in 2014 with peppermint oil, although this one was done on mice.
However, the results showed that peppermint oil did help increase the growth of hair in mice, so scientists believe it would have a similar impact on humans.
Aloe Vera
Long looked at as one of the best natural extracts used to prevent and treat hair loss, aloe vera is very effective for this problem because it soothes your scalp while conditioning your hair. As it does this, research has shown it begins to unblock hair follicles that may be prevented from growing due to a buildup of excess oil. An ingredient found in virtually all types of shampoos and conditioners, you can also use aloe vera gel on your hair and scalp several times a week to prevent and treat hair loss.
Coconut Oil
A 2021 study found coconut oil very effective at treating existing hair loss and preventing future hair loss. Researchers found that coconut oil contains fatty acids that can limit the amount of protein lost from your hair since the acids can penetrate the hair shafts. Doing so enables it to strengthen the hair shafts on your head, decreasing the number of shafts that may break. If you want to try it, you can massage it into your scalp after you wash your hair or instead apply it to your hair when it is dry and leave it in a few hours or overnight.
Healthy Diet
Yes, you may be able to eat your way to treating and preventing hair loss. To do so, you’ll need to change your diet to include various seeds and plants. For starters, eliminate as much sugar and processed food from your diet as possible since these have been shown to block DHT, derived from your body’s testosterone and crucial to helping you maintain a full head of hair.
As to what you should eat to promote hair growth, look to plants from the sea, such as seaweed and kelp, sunflower and flax seeds, and all types of berries. By changing your diet, you can increase your protein and iron intake. An iron deficiency will almost guarantee hair loss since it will prevent your hair follicles from producing enough protein needed for growth.
Red Clover
Considered one of the best natural treatments for hair loss, red clover has given very positive results in study after study. Able to block an enzyme that attacks your testosterone and keeps it from helping with hair growth, red clover lowers inflammation on your scalp and helps keep your hormones balanced.
Able to be taken in pill form, you can also opt to use a cream made of red clover and peptides that can be applied directly to your hair. Should you want to try this herbal treatment, always consult with a professional first to ensure it will be safe for you and not interact adversely with any medications you may be taking.
The Bottom Line
Hair loss is not necessarily inevitable or permanent. By trying a variety of plants and natural extracts, you may find one or more that help you regrow your hair naturally.
