How to reverse hair loss?
Across the range of hair loss disorders, research points to similar irregularities within the structure of the follicle that spark the most common causes: a common inflammatory component identified in most hair loss pathogenesis. There are some treatments to slow down or reverse hair loss and although there are a number of options available, they are limited, carry a potential risk of side effects, and none have proven to be comprehensive. (Journal of Drugs in Dermatology)
Pros and Cons of hair loss treatments
Minoxidil
A vasodilator that, in principle, was used exclusively orally to treat patients with severe cases of high blood pressure. Minoxidil-based treatments usually have a concentration of 5% for men and 2% for women.
Pros
It is commonly used to stimulate hair growth and slow baldness. How? It helps nurture the hair’s roots and favors its growth.
It is FDA approved.
Cons
Most common side effects include itchiness, dryness in patches, irritation, and hair growth in unwanted areas.
It does NOT cure baldness; most of the new hair will be lost again if the treatment is suspended.
Tricomin Clinical
A multicare health system that uses two main technologies (which they’ve patented): Copper Peptide Complex and Triamino Copper Complex. Copper stimulates and nurtures cells with oxygen and other nutrients. As we get older, copper levels decrease, but with this stimulation the hair follicles become thicker and look healthier.
Pros
“Deliberately and precisely formulated to work wellness wonders on stressed, fragile hair.” It is one of the few treatments that have actually been shown to stimulate hair growth in intensive FDA trials.
Cons
Copper toxicity could be an issue. It is very important to ensure that zinc levels are balanced if you use these types of products regularly.
Castor Oil
This viscous oil is full of omega fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-9 that help moisturize the scalp and stimulate blood circulation. Castor oil helps promote healthy hair growth, its regular use can boost hair growth by threefold.
Pros
It provides conditioning that improves the flexibility of the hair fiber. It has antimicrobial properties, which are useful to fight off bacteria or any fungus growth. IMPORTANT: castor oil will make your hair feel and look thicker.
Cons
There is still no scientific evidence that assures effectiveness for hair growth.
Castor oil penetrates easily and goes to our blood system through the scalp, which is why it is not suitable for pregnant women or people with chronic diseases.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is technically a wax, not an oil. The structure of wax imitates natural body oils and when applied to the scalp, the skin cells “think” it’s an oil produced naturally by our body and it helps stimulate hair cells to reproduce themselves. It’s super moisturizing without leaving any residue. Adding 3-4 drops when conditioning the hair will help protect hair strands from drying up and breaking.
ProsIt is a natural moisturizing ingredient. It’s great for the skin because it contains most of the important vitamins and minerals required to maintain healthy skin and a healthy mane.
It doesn't have any side effects and it can be stored for a long time without preservatives.
Ginseng
Ginseng is formed by active components called ginsenosides that have a positive effect on hair growth and the hair cycle. Its ability to tackle some of the physiological factors that cause hair loss are the reason it helps reverse or slow it down.
Pros
Ginseng’s herbal properties have the ability to modulate and decrease the levels of the inflammatory substance that leads to hair loss (TGF-β1). This inflammatory substance induces the falling out phase of the hair growth cycle. Ginseng does the opposite by increasing the life of hair in the growing phase of its cycle. Overall, it promotes a healthy hair growth cycle in which the falling off phase is not longer than the growing out phase.
READ MORE: How Ginseng Promotes Hair Growth?
ATTENTION!
Always choose organic natural oils, because those with conservatives contain ingredients that are not good for your skin and hair. An extra tip, buy oils cold pressed so that you really make use of all the benefits.
Clarissa’s natural recipe for hair growth
Disclaimer: This Brazilian recipe has been passed down over generations and now it will be shared with you as a way of self-care. This is not -by all means- a medicinal nor clinical treatment for hair loss.
Ingredients:
- Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
- Organic fresh or dry Rosemary
- Organic Cold Pressed Castor Oil
- Organic Cold Pressed Tea Tree Oil
- Fresh Garlic
In a small pot, add three spoonfuls of coconut oil, two spoonfuls of rosemary leaves, one teaspoon of castor oil, and two drops of tea tree oil. Add one smashed clove of fresh garlic and warm up the mix in “bain marie” until it turns slightly green.
Let it cool down and filter it with a coffee filter. Patch- test the mixture on your arm before applying it to the scalp to make sure you are not sensitive to the garlic or the tea tree oil.
Apply 2 hours before washing your hair, saturate your entire scalp and then massage with the tip of your fingers. The longer you massage, the longer you are stimulating your scalp with this natural “potion”. Save any remaining liquid in a glass container and refrigerate for future use. It might solidify but it will melt again when you massage it in your hands.
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