Hair today, gone tomorrow. Such is the common lament of many men and women entering midlife. By age 50, more than half of Caucasian men will have some degree of balding. And about 40 percent of women, in general, will be affected by the time they settle into their 70s. Aside from surgical plugs or drugs, is there hope for your formerly thick mane? Can herbs or nutrition help?
Hair is produced by follicles, tiny bulb-shaped appendages embedded in your scalp. Most of these miniscule factories are busily sprouting hair, but at any given time about 10 to 15 percent of them are resting. A resting follicle sheds its hair after a few months, then normally resumes production again. Each day, you shed about 50 to 100 of the more than 100,000 hairs on your head. If too many follicles enter rest or are damaged or killed, your rate of replacement may not keep up, eventually causing your hair to thin out visibly. This excessive hair loss is called alopecia.
WHAT TO AVOID
Certain foods may exacerbate hair loss. Saturated fats, for example, are pro-inflammatory, so you’d be wise to bypass the burgers and fries. For some people, allergies to dairy or animal products cause inflammation and hair loss. And megadoses of vitamin A (as well as drugs derived from vitamin A, such as those for acne) also can be problematic.
ESSENTIAL OILS CLEANSE AND STIMULATE
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a centuries-old remedy for hair loss and is widely recommended by natural-health practitioners for stimulating hair growth. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, rosemary applied topically can promote new cell growth in the scalp, at least in part by curbing the buildup of scalp oil (sebum), which can plug follicles.
Rosemary also contains an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound called rosmarinic acid. This major constituent reduces the production of leukotriene B4, an inflammatory chemical produced in the body and whose action might injure the follicle and contribute to excessive hair loss. Further, rosmarinic acid is antiviral and antibiotic, and helps disinfect the scalp. It is well absorbed from the skin or gastrointestinal tract, so even sipping a cup of rosemary tea might indirectly benefit your hair.
Rosemary might help to replenish bald patches. A double-blind study done in Scotland with sufferers of alopecia areata reported in the Archives of Dermatology that a blend of rosemary and other essential oils accelerated hair regrowth. One group of patients had a daily scalp massage with essential oils of rosemary, thyme, lavender and cedarwood, contained in a carrier mixture of jojoba and grapeseed oils, while a second group used only the carrier oils. Two dermatologists then evaluated hair regrowth after seven months. Forty-four percent of those receiving the essential oils improved visibly compared to only 15 percent of the other group. Traditionally, oils such as lavender and cedarwood are considered balancing oils that prevent further hair loss, possibly a result of their antiseptic properties. To use rosemary or other essential oils, add 3 to 4 drops of essential oil (or a blend) to a tablespoon of a light-textured carrier oil, such as jojoba, grapeseed, almond or olive oil. Massage gently into the scalp, moving the skin over the bone rather than dragging your fingers across hair roots; leave in for about an hour, then wash hair as usual. Or add a few drops of essential oil (without carrier oil) to your shampoo.
Hair follicles need food and oxygen to do their job. Ensure you’re getting enough of the following nutrients in your diet: Essential fatty acids oxygenate cell tissues, reduce inflammation and transport fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K to follicles. Omega-3 fatty acids often are lacking in our diets—the best sources are flaxseeds (2 to 4 tablespoons daily), flaxseed oil (1 tablespoon daily), or cold-water fish, such as salmon or herring (2 to 3 servings weekly). Other good sources are avocados, nuts and nut oils.
Crooked House Herbals has a product called Restore which contains ingredients that rebuild tissue, bone and cartilage. It also contains stimulating herbs such as cayenne pepper which help bring blood to areas in need of better circulation. It also contains burdock, oregano and skullcap which have been known to assist in hair growth.