The horror of discovering a patch of hair missing on your head is enough to send most people into a panic. There is no need to panic. Just relax, take a few deep breaths and then make use of one or more of the 15 home remedies for alopecia that actually work.
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is synonymous with hair loss.
There are actually multiple types of alopecia that can affect people:
Male Pattern Hair Loss – This form of alopecia tends to progress from a man’s hair line to the top of the head, thinning both as it grows in severity.
Female Pattern Hair Loss – The female pattern for hair loss progresses as gradual thinning over time.
Telogen Effluvium – This form of hair loss is brought about by shifts in the hair growth cycle. These shifts cause hairs to be shed at an increased rate.
Alopecia Areata – When this kind of hair loss occurs, it is caused by an autoimmune disorder and results in spots on the scalp or body losing hair completely.
Our home remedies can help you treat simple cases of alopecia, but they are not all-inclusive cures. Severe cases of alopecia are typically related to more severe conditions and autoimmune diseases for which you will need the advice and treatment of a healthcare professional.
1. Coconut Milk
Preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth is the essential cure for alopecia. Coconut oil contains the necessary proteins and medium chain fatty acids to help accomplish both of those goals, so it is an excellent home remedy to try out.
What to do:
Make fresh coconut milk at home by adding sugarless, grated coconut to a pan of boiling water.
Reduce the heat and allow the coconut to simmer in the water for 5 minutes.
Allow it to cool some more and pour the water and coconut into a blender.
Puree for several minutes and then strain out the coconut.
Apply the cooled milk to your hair and allow it to sit for 20 minutes or so before shampooing.
Repeat this several times per week.
2. Flaxseeds
A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds are a great home remedy for getting rid of alopecia as well. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for preventing hair loss and encouraging hair growth.
What to do:
Soak flax seeds in a glass of water overnight.
Drink the water and seeds the following morning.
Repeat this remedy daily or add flax seeds to soups or salads daily.
Additionally, you can use flaxseed oil as a hot oil treatment on your hair a couple of times per week.
3. Chinese Hibiscus
Commonly used to treat dandruff, Chinese hibiscus is also effective when as a home remedy which works on alopecia. Chinese hibiscus not only stops hair loss, but it also thickens and strengthens hair.
What to do:
Add 5 Chinese hibiscus flowers to 1 cup of coconut oil in a saucepan.
Heat the mixture until the flowers are completely charred.
Strain out the flowers and reserve the oil.
Allow the oil to cool before applying it to your head, covering it with a cap and going to bed.
Wash your hair the following morning.
Repeat this remedy 2 to 3 times weekly.
4. Beetroot Juice
One of the best home remedies you can use in order to treat alopecia is beetroot juice. Packed with carbohydrates, protein, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and vitamins B and C, this juice has all of the essential ingredients necessary to promote healthy hair growth.
What to do:
Consume freshly extracted beetroot juice daily.
Add spinach, alfalfa, lettuce or carrot juice to it to boost even more healthy hair effects.
You can also grind beetroot leaves or beet greens along with henna to create a paste to apply to your scalp. Leave the paste in your hair for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing out.
You can repeat this remedy a couple of times per week.
5. Fenugreek
Home remedies which work to reverse the effects of alopecia include the use of fenugreek seeds. Hormone antecedents which stimulate hair growth are found in fenugreek seeds. Those antecedents help to produce the hormones necessary to rebuild hair follicles as well.
What to do:
Soak 1 cup of fenugreek seeds overnight.
The following morning, you need to grind the seeds into a paste.
Apply the paste to your hair and scalp and then cover it with a shower cap.
After you allow the solution to sit for 45 minutes, rinse it off.
Repeat this process daily for a month.
6. Indian Gooseberry
Also known as alma, Indian gooseberry is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and exfoliating properties. Used as a home remedy on your scalp, it can help to reverse hair loss and promote hair growth in order to treat your alopecia.
What to do:
Mix 1 Tbsp of Indian gooseberry pulp with 1 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice.
Massage the mixture into your scalp thoroughly.
Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it overnight.
Shampoo as usual the following morning.
Repeat this remedy several times per week.
7. Scalp Massage
One of the best ways to treat alopecia using home remedies is to have someone give you a scalp massage. Greater circulation is encouraged through massage and that added circulation will help bring nutrients and remove toxins from hair follicles.
What to do:
Utilize coconut, almond, olive, castor or other types of natural oils to massage your scalp.
Slight pressure should be applied to really stimulate circulation.
Do this a couple of times per week.
8. Onion Juice
Getting rid of germs and parasites is another essential factor in putting an end to hair loss associated with alopecia. Onion juice is a home remedy which can accomplish that task and more. Its high sulfur content helps improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the scalp as well.
What to do:
Extract the juice of an onion by grating and straining it.
Apply the juice to your scalp and allow it to sit for 30 minutes.
Wash it off and shampoo your hair as normal.
Repeat this process 2 to 3 times weekly.
9. Aloe Vera
Alopecia is another of the many skin conditions which can benefit from the almost magical properties of aloe vera. The alkalizing properties in aloe vera, which bring the pH level of your scalp to a more desirable level, makes this such a powerful home remedy for putting an end to hair loss and promoting new growth.
What to do:
Extract the gel from an aloe vera chute.
Apply the gel to your scalp and allow it to sit for several hours or overnight.
Rinse it off and repeat this process 3 to 4 times per week.
10. Licorice Root
A herb which is also effective as a home remedy for treating alopecia is licorice root. Licorice root has mollifying properties which open up the pores, soothe scalp irritation and promote the revitalization of hair follicles.
What to do:
Add 1 Tbsp of ground licorice root to 1 cup of milk and ¼ tsp of saffron.
Mix these ingredients thoroughly and then apply the paste to the bald patches on your scalp before going to bed.
Leave the paste on overnight and then wash it out in the morning.
Repeat this treatment at least twice per week.
11. Probiotics
Probiotics are another effective home remedy which can help treat alopecia. Because this condition is often associated with autoimmune conditions, the consumption of probiotics to enhance gut health is an important factor in boosting your body’s immune function, which leads to healthier skin and hair tissue.
What to do:
Make it a habit to consume at least 1 or 2 probiotic foods on a daily basis.
12. Zinc
Another element involved in boosting your immune system and assisting in the treatment of alopecia is zinc. Zinc plays a vital role in hair follicle production and scalp health as well, making it an ideal home remedy for encouraging hair growth.
What to do:
Add foods like pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef, lamb, chickpeas, cashews, yogurt and spinach into your daily diet.
Look for additional foods and supplements which include zinc as well.
13. Lavender Oil
Scalp health is an essential part of hair growth and lavender oil is a great way to promote it. As a powerful antioxidant which reduces inflammation in the skin, lavender helps rejuvenate damaged areas of the scalp in order to treat alopecia.
What to do:
Place a few drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball and apply it directly to the affected area several times per week.
You can also add a couple of drops for each ounce of shampoo to your regular shampoo to make it work for you daily.
Studies also show that diffusing lavender oil is also effective at reducing hair loss.
Tip: With caution at the type of lavender you purchase and quantities, discover the relaxing lavender tea!
14. Rosemary Oil
Like lavender oil, rosemary oil is another home remedy which can truly assist in recovering from alopecia. Applied topically to the scalp, rosemary has been shown to be equally effective for restoring hair growth as minoxidil.
What to do:
Add 2 to 3 drops of rosemary oil to a cotton ball and apply it directly to the affected area.
Repeat this treatment 3 to 4 times per week.
You can also add a couple of drops of rosemary per ounce of shampoo to your regular shampoo to obtain results.
15. Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods
A major component in treating all autoimmune diseases is to eat foods which are anti-inflammatory in nature. By reducing inflammation, nutrients are better able to reach their target in your scalp and promote healthier hair growth; putting an end to alopecia.
What to do:
Increase the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods in place of processed foods and refined sugars.
The panic and embarrassment of alopecia does not have to put a cramp in your style. Utilizing one or more of our 15 home remedies for alopecia can help you stop the hair loss and encourage new hair growth in no time. Please be sure to post your questions and comments or add additional home remedies which can help in the treatment of alopecia in the section below.
