Androgenic alopecia or androgenetic alopecia (AGA), commonly known as male pattern baldness, is a type of hair thinning that occurs in most adult men. In this condition, hair loss occurs in a pattern and almost half of the world’s adult male population may experience male pattern baldness by the age of 40.
A major reason for male baldness is the secretion of a hormone called DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). Higher levels DHT translates to increased hair loss. Using natural remedies is one way to treat male pattern hair loss. These remedies work by preventing the secretion of DHT. Here are natural remedies to treat male pattern baldness.
1. Essential Oils
Using essential oils in combination with carrier oils is an effective method to treat male pattern baldness. Aromatherapy is considered as a safe and effective treatment for this condition. In a specific study, patients with male pattern baldness massaged their scalp using a mixture of essential oils (thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood) with carrier oils (grape seed and jojoba oil). Treatment with these essential oils was significantly more effective than treatment administered with the carrier oil alone.1
2. Coconut Milk And Oil
An effective natural home remedy to treat male pattern baldness and prevent hair loss on the scalp is to regularly apply coconut milk on the scalp. Gently massage a mixture of 20 ml of coconut oil, 10 ml of amla oil and one or two teaspoons of lemon juice on the scalp and wash it off after 20 minutes. This effectively heals the scalp and prevents dandruff, thereby reducing hair fall. Using coconut milk regularly on the scalp provides the necessary natural nourishment for the hair and hair tissues.
3. Onion And Garlic Extracts
Juice extracts from onions and gel extracts from garlic have a significant effect in hair re-growth among people with male pattern baldness. In a recent study, re-growth of terminal coarse hair started after two weeks of treatment with crude onion juice. The study revealed that the use of crude onion juice showed significantly higher results with regard to hair re-growth and that it can be an effective topical therapy.2 Not just onion extracts, even garlic gel extract significantly added to the therapeutic efficacy of topical betamethasone valerate in alopecia areata, which proves that it can be an effective adjunctive topical therapy for male pattern baldness.3
4. Egg Massage
Eggs are a rich source of protein, which is crucial to keep the hair thick and strong. Beat a couple of eggs and gently massage it on the scalp. Allow it to remain on the scalp for 15 minutes and then wash it with lukewarm water. Egg yolk is loaded with protein, vitamins, and fatty acids. Egg yolk is also known to contain high levels of vitamins like A, D, and E. These vitamins promote hair growth and prevent hair fall. Vitamin A stimulates natural hair growth by producing the oily sebum in the scalp and as a result, prevents male baldness. Mixing a few drops of olive oil with the egg helps in making the hair strong and soft.
5. Pink And Blue Ginger
Curcumin, a natural phenol, is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric. Curcuma aeruginosa, commonly called as pink and blue ginger, is a type of turmeric claimed to have medicinal properties. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of hexane extract of Curcuma aeruginosa in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Treatment using minoxidil and C. aeruginosa extract led to considerable hair regrowth. In men with hair loss in the vertex area of the scalp, the combination of 5% hexane extract of C. aeruginosa and 5% minoxidil slowed hair loss and increased hair growth.4
6. Henna Leaves
In India, henna leaves have been used for ages to treat hair loss. Henna is a natural herbal powder popularly used for coloring hair. But it is also an effective solution to prevent dandruff and to nourish the scalp and hair. Henna is an excellent conditioner for the hair and improves hair growth. Applying henna regularly is known to strengthen the hair, thereby reducing hair fall. Boil a handful of henna leaves in some mustard oil. After it cools, strain the oil and mix it with coconut oil. Apply this mixture on your scalp and hair twice or thrice a week for effective results against male pattern baldness.
7. Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a small palm endemic to the subtropical Southeastern United States. Saw palmetto, a natural herb, is a blocker of DHT and is an excellent natural remedy for male pattern baldness. Its fruit extracts called as saw palmetto extract are rich in fatty acids and phytosterols, because of which it has been used in traditional and alternative medicine to treat a variety of conditions. In one specific study, the extract of this plant was used to treat male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is characterized by the structural miniaturization of androgen-sensitive hair follicles in susceptible individuals and is anatomically defined within a given pattern of the scalp. This study establishes the effectiveness of naturally occurring 5AR inhibitors present in saw palmetto extract in treating male pattern baldness.5
8. Cinnamon And Olive Oil
A mixture of olive oil and cinnamon powder makes an effective remedy for male pattern baldness. Add a couple of teaspoons of cinnamon powder to a cup of olive oil. Mix it well and make it into a paste. Apply this paste on the scalp and leave it on for an hour before washing off. Regular application of this paste can be useful in controlling male pattern baldness.
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