How to Treat Alopecia Naturally

In today's article, we'll explain some remedies to treat alopecia naturally. They're good to try before resorting to more intensive treatments.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Karla Henríquez.

Written by Ivan Aranaga Amengual

Last update: 21 November, 2022

Taking care of your hair’s appearance is not just about beauty. Both women and men try to have hair that’s in good condition, abundant, and shiny. However, it’s very common that with the passage of time hair loss becomes one of the most difficult wars to win. That’s why many people go looking for different ways to treat alopecia.

In this article, we will tell you how to deal with alopecia in a natural way. If you want to learn more about how to treat alopecia and put an end to hair loss, we recommend some natural treatments that you can apply.

Alopecia: What is it and what are its causes

Hair loss (alopecia) is a problem that affects both the scalp and body hair. It can be temporary or permanent and has many different causes.

Naturally, about 50 to 100 strands of hair fall out every day. This loss is not noticeable, as it’s replaced by hair that grows back. However, when we’re talking about alopecia, we’re talking about hair loss when it can’t be replaced.

These are some of the most frequent factors that trigger alopecia:

• Genetic components and family history
• Stress and psychological problems
• Aging
• Infections or scalp disorders
• Nutritional deficiencies and significant weight loss
• Chronic diseases, immune system conditions, and taking certain medications
• A hormonal imbalance
• Use of chemical products to treat hair, specific hairstyles, and treatments

At the first signs of alopecia, it’s advisable to consult a doctor. In some cases, this could be the sign of a medical problem that requires treatment.

7 remedies to treat alopecia naturally

There are many treatments and products on the market to treat alopecia. In addition, there are also many home remedies with natural products. These can be tried at home, but it’s necessary to know that there’s very little evidence about their efficacy. Their possible benefits are only deduced from the properties of their ingredients.

1. Treat alopecia naturally with rosemary oil

Rosemary is a very common culinary herb throughout the Mediterranean. However, it has also been used since ancient times as a medicinal plant. One of its best-known applications is for hair care, since thanks to its ability to improve circulation, it could prevent hair loss.

In Skinmed Magazine, a trial with patients affected by androgenic alopecia (physiological hair loss due mainly to age) treated with rosemary oil was published. After six months, a better hair count was observed – the same as in patients treated with minoxidil. Thus, the authors conclude that their findings provide some evidence for the use of rosemary oil.

• To use it, 5 drops of rosemary essential oil should be diluted in a carrier oil (almond or coconut) or in shampoo.
• Leave to act for a few minutes and rinse.
• It’s important not to use more than the indicated amount and not to apply it directly to your scalp.

2. Garlic, onion, and lemon

All three of these foods are antibacterial. This means that hat they will help you eliminate foreign agents that are acting on your scalp. In addition, onions and garlic provide sulfur compounds, which are necessary to maintain the stability of hair fibers.

• To make this home remedy, blend these three ingredients in equal proportions.
• Apply the resulting paste on the scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes.
• To remove it and eliminate the odor, rinse with plenty of water.

3. Treat alopecia naturally with coconut and carrot milk

This combination is intended to make the hair strong and healthy. Both ingredients are rich sources of nutrients. The carrot will provide antioxidants and vitamins B6 and B12. Also, coconut milk will add more vitamins, amino acids, mineral salts, and trace elements.

• Just prepare a thick juice and apply it to the hair.
• Do this once a week until you have noticed a consistent difference.

4. Apple or rice vinegar

With vinegar, you will treat the problem of excess oil. If your alopecia is caused by oily hair, then choose this product and it will also stimulate circulation.

• Just massage your scalp with rice or apple cider vinegar diluted in water.
• Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes and remove with water.
• You should only do this process once a week at most.

5. Aloe or Aloe vera

The innumerable medicinal properties of Aloe vera are fantastic to treat this disorder. Remember that an aloe leaf will allow you to moisturize, heal, and nourish the scalp.

This treatment consists of preparing a paste or hair mask with the crystal of the plant.

• You just need to get the aloe vera pulp and mix it with a little water until you get a cream.
• Apply it to your scalp with a gentle massage. To do this, make circular movements for about 10 minutes.
• Remove with water and you will see that your hair will be cleaner, shinier, and – even if you don’t notice it – stronger.

6. Beets

Beets are a vegetable with a high content of nutrients, including vitamins B and C, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.

• To keep your hair healthy and strong, boil a beet. After it reaches boiling point, leave it on high heat for 10 minutes.
• Remove from the water. In this case, what you need is the liquid.
• Let it cool and pour it over your hair and make circular motions to activate circulation.
• Repeat two or three times a week.

7. A lotion to stop alopecia

This will be a lotion that will help you to stop seborrheic dermatitis and prevent hair loss. It’s a powerful treatment that will also allow you to strengthen each strand and get rid of the problem completely.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon (10g) of sage
• 3 teaspoons (21ml) of rosemary alcohol
• 1 teaspoon (7g) of sabal
• 250 ml of distilled water
• 1 teaspoon (7g) of nettle
• 1 teaspoon (15g) of liquid extracts of hops
• Marshmallow to taste
• 1 teaspoon (7g) of red cinchona

How to make it

1. Just mix all the ingredients until you get a smooth substance.
2. Since you won’t use it all at first, you should keep what is leftover in a glass container.
3. Shake well before applying.
4. This lotion should be applied three times a week to clean hair. Try to wash it with an anti-seborrheic shampoo. Then, rub the lotion on your scalp and remove it with warm water.

Other recommendations

In addition to using natural remedies to treat alopecia, you need to accompany them with good habits. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Avoid stress. We know that nowadays this is almost impossible, but one of the major causes of alopecia is this. Practice yoga or any other activity that stimulates relaxation and a good mood.
• Maintain a balanced diet. Consume all the nutrients your body needs. Vitamins and minerals are essential, but don’t forget about antioxidants, either. The goal is healthy and strong hair.
• Use a brush with soft bristles that don’tt damage the hair strands. Also, avoid rubber bands, because they break the strands. The same goes for tight hairstyles.
• Use natural shampoo. Eliminate chemical-based shampoos.
• Every time you take a bath, massage your scalp with your fingertips using circular movements. With this, you will increase blood circulation in the scalp, thus maintaining oxygenated follicles.

With these tips, you will be able to attack alopecia effectively. If the problem persists, consult a specialist who can accompany your whole process and guide you in the best way.

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