How to promote hair growth, naturally

Many clients come to see me concerned that their hair is falling out or has thinned over time.  When they go to their doctor, they are told that their bloodwork is normal, and to try minoxidil.  While the minoxidil route is fine to follow, there are some more natural alternatives to use alongside or instead of minoxidil.  The reason you may want to explore other avenues is that minoxidil only works while you use it – once you start, you are signing on for life!

Firstly, let’s talk about the common causes of hair loss:

HORMONAL IMBALANCES

Particularly an abnormal conversion of androgens into a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Testing through your GP won’t uncover this unless your GP is progressive.  I rarely see women get this hormone tested, routinely as part of explorative bloods to assess the cause of hair loss.  The best assessment for hormonal imbalance is called a DUTCH test.  It tests your progesterone, oestrogen, and testosterone PLUS their precursors.  It also measures how your liver is breaking these hormones down into their metabolites, such as DHT and whether stress or a lack of quality sleep is affecting your hormones.  It is the best of the best when it comes to treating the exact cause of any hormonal issue.  Treatment for hormonal imbalance regularly requires a balance of herbal medicines to address all the factors we find in your results.

NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES

Particularly iron, vitamin D, biotin, B vitamins, zinc, iodine and silica.  The best way to broadly assess your nutritional status is with a hair tissue mineral analysis.  Not all nutrients are assessed with this test, but it certainly gives us a good overview.  Other tests to consider are urinary iodine, and blood levels of B12, folate and Vitamin D. 

Remember that a medical normal and a naturopathic ideal can be quite different, so always bring your blood tests to your naturopathy appointment.  These nutrients all play a role in healthy hair.  For example, iron is required to make melanin in the hair pigment, biotin is essential for keratin production, improving hair quality, and studies show that zinc levels are low in people who experience hair loss.

THYROID

This is commonly to blame when it comes to hair loss.  Other signs your body may be giving you that your thyroid needs some TLC are fatigue, bowel irregularities (you should be going once or twice, daily), eyebrows are thinning on the outer edges, skin can be dry, you may experience depression or anxiety, or you can feel the heat or cold more than others.  When testing your thyroid, it is important to have it properly tested.  Most doctors are only testing TSH which is a hormone that comes from the brain, not the thyroid.  I want to see how the thyroid gland is performing and also whether the immune system is causing your thyroid issues.  I wrote a blog on thyroid health here.

STRESS

Stress may be a factor driving hair loss.  If you are experiencing stress or have gone through a trauma, your hair may fall out as a result.

AUTOIMMUNITY & INFLAMMATION

These two can be the culprit for your hair loss, too.  Inflammation and autoimmunity can have many driving factors, including genetics.  Tests for this are best done through your GP or a trichologist if you have ruled out all other possible causes.  As a naturopath, I will focus on WHY you are experiencing autoimmunity or inflammation and will base my testing and treatment decisions on a thorough, health assessment.

Now for natural treatment options!

The best treatment plan will take into account your unique driving factors, based on a thorough health history and appropriate testing.  In addition to reversing deficiencies, hormone imbalance, thyroid complaints etc. you can try the suggestions below.

RED LIGHT THERAPY

Has numerous studies proving the benefits in hair loss.  Effects can be seen at the wavelengths of 640-660nm.  Infrared light also seems to be effective.  Link here to a summary of all the benefits of red light therapy.  My red light masks emit these proven red light wavelengths.  If you’re keen to try red light out, please head to my webpage here: https://www.glorianaturopath.com.au/product/led-light-mask/

MICRONEEDLING

In a review of 22 studies on microneedling for hair loss, it was concluded that microneedling is an effective way to combat hair loss.  Microneedling also helps to deliver active ingredients into the skin by creating little channels for the ingredients to soak into.  I suggest microneedling the scalp at least once per week with a derma-roller of 0.75mm. I am now stocking very affordable derma rollers in my clinic, so reply to this email if you want to try this modality for yourself. 

BIOTIN & B VITAMINS

Helps to reduce hair loss, stimulate keratin formation and stimulate new hair growth.  A symptom of B vitamin deficiency is hair loss. Biotin specifically helps to improve hair texture and quality.

ROSEMARY OIL

Applied twice daily has been compared to minoxidil in studies and found to be as effective!  Rosemary oil reduces DHT, promotes circulation to the area it is applied to, thickens hair and regulates oil production in the scalp. The study found that it takes 6 months, however, rosemary will increase hair growth by up to 40%

LAVENDER OIL

Has been studied in mice and found to promote hair growth over 4 weeks.  As lavender is also stress relieving, it would be a great choice for people with stress-induced hair loss.

PEPPERMINT OIL

Showed comparable effects to minoxidil in a study of mice over 4 weeks of application. It improves blood flow to the scalp and wakes up dormant hair follicles.

PUMPKIN SEED OIL

Studies confirm the benefit of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth via the mechanism of blocking DHT.  Men who used pumpkin seed oil for 24 weeks had a 40% increase in hair growth!  For additional benefits, combine pumpkin seed oil with lavender, peppermint and rosemary essential oil and microneedle them into the scalp!

HERBS

such as hibiscus, holy basil, panax ginseng, withania, gingko, henna, aloe vera, thuja, ziziphus, fenugreek, devils claw, garlic, amla and citrus plants have all been used traditionally to promote the growth of hair, with varied levels of scientific evidence to support efficacy. It is always best to have your herbal tonics blended after a thorough health history, as not all herbs are safe and effective for all people.

CAFFEINE

Has several studies showing it can improve hair growth when applied topically. It does this by improving keratin formation, prolonging the growth cycle and encouraging hair growth.  There are a number of caffeine shampoos on the market, but the ingredient lists are not so amazing.  The best shampoo I could find was the Madara Grow Volume shampoo, which you can purchase through Nourished Life.

PEPTIDES

Are promoted by various companies for their hair growth effects.  If you want to try it out, The Ordinary makes a very affordable peptide hair treatment.  For added efficacy, it could be microneedled into the scalp after applying it.

COLLAGEN

A study has shown that oral collagen peptides, improve hair thickness and follicle cell proliferation.  It is essential to choose a good quality collagen.  Let me know if you feel you would benefit from this in your supplement regime and I will prescribe one that actually does what you want it to do!

So, now that you are armed with the science, you can make informed and effective decisions about improving your hair growth strategy.

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