Hair loss may occur in patches (alopecia areata), complete hair loss on the head (alopecia totalis) or even hair loss throughout the entire body (alopecia universalis). The latter is rare but hair loss on the head is a common complaint that affects large portions of the population, especially men, after the 30s. While hair loss can occur at a younger age, it is not common and should be investigated for other systemic causes.
Causes of Hair Loss
Identifying the cause of the hair loss should be the priority since treating this condition can be difficult.
In most cases hair loss is due to high levels of the male sex hormone, testosterone. This hormone is present in men and women, although testosterone levels are significantly higher in men, and is responsible for typical male characteristics like facial hair growth, a gruff voice and body hair. Hair loss may also occur as a result of prolonged diseases and high doses of certain drugs and this is known as toxic alopecia. Skin diseases affecting the scalp can also result in hair loss and in these instances, prolonged skin inflammation (dermatitis) with an infection, may cause permanent damage to the hair follicle making hair growth impossible. Dandruff due to a fungal infection may also lead to hair loss and it is therefore essential to treat dandruff, whether it is severe or not.
A lesser known hair condition is trichotillomania, which is the pulling of the hair, often due to a nervous disorder. In children, trichotillomania, is easily identifiable in but in adults it may not be obvious and sufferers are unlikely to admit to it. Female pattern baldness, which involves thinning of the hair first, is often due to poor nutrition and high levels of male sex hormones. In these cases, other gynecological conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility may be present and may be accompanied with other symptoms like painful periods, irregular menses and excessive body hair growth.
The use of hair products, dyes, chemical hair relaxers and the hair straightening irons, can also contribute significantly to hair loss, especially in women who tend to use these products more often than men. Excessive hair washing can also contribute to thinning hair and hair loss. Another growing cause of hair loss is HIV/AIDS, as a result of certain ARV’s (antiretrovirals) and repeated fungal infections of the scalp.
Treatment of Hair Loss
Conventional treatment involves the use of minoxidil. This compound has proven to be very effective in stimulating hair growth and is usually used in a 2% solution over a period of 3 to 6 months. An antifungal may also be necessary in treating any fungal infection of the scalp (tinea corporis).
Herbal Remedies for Hair Loss
- A hair oil containing rosemary, lavender, bayberry and olive oil has been used for decades to stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss. Sometimes arnica oil may be added to the hair oil to help with increasing blood flow to the scalp but this should be used cautiously as it can cause itching of the scalp.
- Herbal remedies that can be taken internally should only be considered once the cause of the hair loss can be identified.
- For hair loss in men or related to high levels of testosterone, the herbs Liquorice and Saw palmetto may be useful. In women with gynecological disorders, a natural female hormone stabilizer should be considered.
- Nettle and burdock are useful for hair loss and should be taken internally as prescribed by a naturopath.
- Skin diseases, like eczema and psoriasis of the scalp should be treated with a herbal immune modulator.
- Another useful remedy for hair loss is the herb Pilocarpus jaborandi, which is very effective in stimulating hair growth and reducing thinning hair. This remedy should be used in an oil form and rubbed into the scalp two to three times a week. It should be washed out immediately if there is itching or burning of the scalp or it can be left on the head for up to 8 hours before washing.
- Cases of dandruff should be treated with tea tree cream oil cream. Tea tree oil itself should not be applied to the scalp but can be used in a 5% or 10% cream. If there is excessive dryness of the scalp, a home remedy emollient cream may be useful.
- Nervous hair pulling may require the use of herbal remedies for anxiety.
Homeopathic Remedies for Hair Loss
- Silica is the most widely used homeopathic remedy for hair loss. It can be used in a low potency like a D6, which is usually available as a tissue salt. Higher potencies should only be prescribed by a homeopath if it is deemed necessary. Silica is also useful for hair loss caused by fungal infections of the scalp.
- For women, other remedies my also be considered, including Phosphorus, Sepia officinalis and Natrum muriaticum. These remedies should be used in a 6C potency.
- Men or women with hormone related hair loss can consider using testosterone in the homeopathic form. Testosterone 6C may aid with stabilizing testosterone levels. Another homeopathic remedy for men with high levels of testosterone is Lycopodium clavatum 6C to 30C.
Nutritional Supplements for Hair Loss
The following vitamins and supplement are useful for thinning hair, hair loss or falling hair.
- Zinc
- Iron
- Vitamin B complex