Alopecia is a problem with the immune system that causes hair loss. It happens most often on the scalp, but it can also happen any place on the body. This health problem often alters a person’s social life and activities.
There is no cure for this health problem. Hair may fall out, grow back, then fall out again. It is treated by helping the hair regrow faster. This is done with medicine and sometimes surgery. Natural therapies are aimed at helping hair grow.
Natural Therapies
May Be Effective
Pumpkin seed oil may promote hair growth in men A5
A nutritional supplement withomega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids and antioxidants may improve hair density in women. A10
These therapies may promote hair growth in both men and women:
Not Enough Data to Assess
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Herbs and Supplements to Be Used With Caution
Talk to your doctor about any natural therapy you are taking. Make sure it does not get in the way of your treatment or other health issues you may have.
References
Herbs and Supplements
REFA1 A1. Kim J, Yi S, et al. Study of the Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia. Journal of Ginseng Research. 2009;33(3):223-228.
REFA2 Oh G-N, Son S-W. Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata. Journal of Ginseng Research. 2012;36(4):391-395.
REFA3 Sharquie KE. Oral Zinc Sulphate in Treatment of Alopecia Areata (Double Blind; Cross-Over Study). Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research. 2014;3(3).
REFA4 Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. Skinmed. 2015;13:15-21.
REFA5 Verma H. Comment on “Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015;2015:1-2.
REFA6 Lai VWY, Chen G, et al. Systemic treatments for alopecia areata: A systematic review. Australas J Dermatol. 2019 Feb;60(1):e1-e13.
REFA7 Pekmezci E, Dündar C, et al. A proprietary herbal extract against hair loss in androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium: a placebo-controlled, single-blind, clinical-instrumental study. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2018 Jun;27(2):51-57.
REFA8 Ablon G, Kogan S. A Six-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement for Promoting Hair Growth in Women With Self-Perceived Thinning Hair. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018 May 1;17(5):558-565.
REFA9 Choi JS, Park JB, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Rice Bran Supercritical CO2 Extract for Hair Growth in Androgenic Alopecia: A 16-Week Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Biol Pharm Bull. 2015;38(12):1856-1863.
REFA10 Le Floc'h C, Cheniti A, et al. Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015 Mar;14(1):76-82.
REFA11 Wat H, Dytoc M. Off-label uses of topical vitamin D in dermatology: a systematic review. J Cutan Med Surg. 2014 Mar-Apr;18(2):91-108.
REFA12 Yang DQ, You LP, et al. A randomized controlled trial comparing total glucosides of paeony capsule and compound glycyrrhizin tablet for alopecia areata. Chin J Integr Med. 2012 Aug;18(8):621-625.