A significant proportion of hair diseases result in hair loss. Hair diseases can only affect the scalp or sometimes the whole body. Hormonal changes, drugs, skin diseases, and hereditary factors constitute general headings about hair loss.
There are many causes of hair loss. Sudden onset of hair loss occurs due to strict diets, diseases, drugs or birth. Over the years, slowly progressing and manifesting hair loss is mostly caused by hereditary reasons. The wrong methods used in hair care also causes hair loss.
Luckily, there are many treatments and cures for hair loss you can benefit from, which include both natural and medical remedies. Let’s check out the hair loss cures and how to apply them.
How To Prevent Hair Loss
In order to prevent hair loss, you must first determine the cause of your hair loss. After learning the cause of hair loss and the type of shedding, consult a dermatologist for the most accurate and effective treatment. Your dermatologist decides the most appropriate treatment method according to his/her analysis.
Proper Nutrition to Cure Hair Loss
Since unconsciously followed diets prepared for weight loss cause sudden weight losses, the body cannot take the vitamins, proteins, zinc, iron, and minerals it needs. The hair follicles get weak because they cannot be fed, and thus, hair loss begins. Therefore, make sure that your diet contains the necessary vitamins and minerals. Stay away from foods that affect the body structure negatively such as fast food, cigarettes, coffee, and alcohol as far as possible. Be especially careful to follow a protein-rich diet. If you think you can not get enough vitamins by eating healthy, you can take vitamin and iron supplements as external reinforcement. Foods you need to add your diet to prevent hair loss includes all kinds of organic foods.
The processed food you buy from the market intervenes in the endocrine hormone (which enables the hair to grow) with the chemicals they contain. For this reason, the nutrients you eat should be organic to have healthy hair.
- Pumpkin seed – The research shows that pumpkin seeds, which are very rich in zinc, prevent hair loss.
- Fish – Especially fish that are hunted by natural methods such as salmon are very rich in omega-3. Sufficient omega-3 uptake is important enough for hair growth and thickening.
- Green Tea – Green tea contains antioxidants that promote hair growth and detoxifies the body by creating a detox effect.
- Plants containing procyanidin – Plants such as apple, barley, grape seed, and cocoa prevent free radicals from damaging the hair follicles with their antioxidant properties. In this way, the hair follicles come alive and the hair begins to reproduce.
Cures That You Can Prepare at Home Against Hair Loss
- Almond Oil Care Treatment that prevents hair from shedding:
Ingredients: 2 spoon pine turpentine oil, 2 spoon almond oil, 3 spoon olive oil, 2 spoon honey, 2 vitamin E capsules
Preparation: Pour the prepared oils into a bowl and mix well. Pour the vitamin E powder by opening the capsule. Add the honey to the bowl and mix well. With the help of a brush – you can also use a clean pastry brush that you use in your house – apply the mixture to your hair. After completely applying the mixture, massage your hair with your hands.
After curing your entire hair, wrap it in a stretch film or bonnet for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, wash your hair and dry it thoroughly with a shampoo suitable for your hair type. When you do this cure periodically, which is also good for hair fractures, you will see that your hair loss will decrease.
- Natural Cure Stopping Hair Loss and Promoting Hair Growth
Ingredients: 5 grams pine oil, 5 grams garlic oil, 5 grams nettle oil, 5 grams rosemary oil, 5 grams almond oil, 5 grams olive oil
Preparation: Pour all oil into a bottle and shake well. Apply this oil mixture to your hair and then do massage. Apply this cure to your hair every night in the first week. Apply twice a night for the second week. Apply once every 3 nights for the third week. After the first 3 weeks, you can continue to apply it 3 times a night.
These cures are oil-weighted, as you can see, however, as it is obtained from the plants, it is more accurate to call it herbal treatments. I will also offer a method of washing for people having hair loss.
Wash your hair thoroughly with olive oil soap. Do not use shampoo and prepare your rinsing water according to the tariff given below. Pour 1 cup of grape vinegar into 2-3 liter water and rinse your hair with this mixture. When you wash your hair as I said for 45 days, you will see that your hair loss will stop on the 20th day and your new hair will start to grow on the 45th day.
Apart from olive oil soap, another product which prevents hair loss feeds the hair follicles and provides healthier hair is the common st john’s wort oil.
Herbs To Cure Hair Loss
- Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, one of the first plants that come to mind when it comes to hair loss, is very useful on scalp health. Aloe vera, which significantly reduces hair loss due to wear, nourishes the scalp and increases the hair’s durability. Aloe vera traps the moisture in the hair and protects the moisture balance of the hair. It makes hair look healthier while reducing hair loss and allowing new hair to grow. You can use hair care products containing aloe vera against hair loss as well as you can massage the scalp with aloe vera gel.
- Rosemary
Rosemary, which is very effective in the treatment of hair loss, has been used for many years. The history of rosemary, which has made a significant contribution to hair health, is based on a long history. With its antioxidant, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, it protects the hair from root to tip. In addition to its protective properties, the rosemary, which acts as a disinfectant, cleanses and purifies the scalp. You can benefit from these features of the rosemary by consuming its tea as well as using its oil. Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil with 3-4 drops of rosemary oil and apply the mixture to your hair and scalp. After the massage, wait one hour and wash your hair. In the case of regular application, you will notice the effect immediately.
- Black Cumin Oil
Black cumin oil, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, is obtained from the black cumin grown in many parts of the world. The oil contains very important ingredients and vitamins for hair. Black cumin oil which contains beta carotene, A, B1, B2, B6, E and C vitamins is frequently preferred against the problem of hair loss. You can apply it by massaging the hair. In this way, hair follicles can be revitalized, strengthened and fed. You can apply black cumin oil directly to your hair or you can benefit from its advantages by adding it to your meals.
- Stinging Nettle
The benefits of nettles are countless. Stinging nettle, which is used frequently in the kitchen, is said to prevent hair loss and to help hair to regrow. Although it is said that the nettle has a significant contribution to hair health, this issue has not yet been scientifically proven. Nettle, which has a rich content of vitamins and minerals, contains vitamin A and vitamin C as well as nutritious minerals such as iron and calcium. Stinging nettle stimulates, strengthens and shines hair follicles. It is also stated that nettle extract eliminates the dandruff problem.
- Peppermint Oil
Peppermint, which has a refreshing effect is one of the known and frequently used plants with its pleasant smell. Peppermint oil obtained from mint leaves provides relief to the hair and the hair follicles. Mint oil can make the hair grow thick, prevent the formation of dandruff, give shine to the hair and nourish the scalp. However, the use of peppermint oil alone is not recommended. It should better be used with olive oil or almond oil in order to get thinned. You can also use the peppermint oil in your shampoo. There are shampoos containing peppermint oil, however, you can do your own mixture as well by dropping a few drops to your shampoo.
Foods Which Help to Cure Hair Loss
Your first job is not to apply chemicals when it comes to hair loss. Although there are varieties of shampoos that are good for hair loss in the market, many natural nutrients and materials are ready to prevent and reduce hair loss. Come, let’s get to know the food that’s good for hair loss.
- Green Leafy Vegetables Such as Spinach, Chard, Arugula
One of the biggest causes of hair loss is iron deficiency. Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, arugula, chard, parsley, mint) can be the most effective precaution for hair loss. Because iron deficiency lowers the oxygen level in the blood, which leads to the lack of enough oxygen to the hair follicles.
- Fruits Containing Vitamin C, Such as Orange, Grapefruit, Watermelon, Strawberries
Fruits that are strong in vitamin C not only strengthen the immune system but also help us to be affected in the least way by the hair damaging factors such as sun and air pollution. Therefore, consuming fruits rich in vitamin C is also good for hair loss.
- Dried Nuts and Fruits Such as Walnut and Hazelnut
Vitamin E is one of the vitamins needed to grow hair in the natural course of time. Therefore, vitamin E-rich walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds are very useful to prevent hair loss. Additionally, since peanuts which are rich in iodine prevent thyroid gland problems which is one of the causes of hair loss, you should add them to your diet, too.
- Seafood (Mainly Fish)
Zinc strengthens hair follicles and regulates hormones. For this reason, fish and seafood such as mussels and shrimps containing zinc prevent hair loss.
- Yogurt
Calcium and protein-containing yogurt also help to prolong the hair and to feed the hair follicles.
- Protein Sources Such as Chicken and Turkey
I’ve mentioned that protein deficiency also causes hair loss. Good quality protein sources such as chicken and turkey will also protect your health against hair loss.
- Beans
If you do not want to take animal protein, bean protein sources will help you in your hair problems as well.
- Carrot
Vitamin A supply carrots is an indispensable nutrient for the health of your hair as well as your general health. It also protects the scalp and provides healthy hair follicles.
- Garlic
Garlic that cleanses the scalp from the toxins and increases the blood circulation in the areas close to the scalp, combats hair loss with these properties and helps to grow new hair. To benefit from these features of garlic which strengthens the hair texture and hair follicles, you need to make it penetrate into the scalp with various mixtures.
- Onion
It is similar to garlic. Sulfur in onion accelerates blood circulation in the scalp and increases the production of collagen, which is necessary for the growth of new hair. You should consume the onion using a variety of mixtures.
Medical Cures For Hair Loss
There are 3 main medical cure methods to treat hair loss namely: PRP treatment, hair mesotherapy, and treatment with medication.
Hair PRP Treatment to Cure Hair Loss
PRP hair treatment is generally used to relieve lifeless, thin wired and weak hair, reduce hair loss in people with genetic hair loss, and to treat dandruff or oily hair problems. PRP treatment is only preferred in the treatment of hair problems experienced in women during the menopause period or hair loss due to diseases such as iron deficiency or hormonal changes.
After half an hour of practice, the person can continue his/her daily life. After a few weeks, the hair starts to grow and reappear. Visible reduction in hair loss can be observed. Hair color and brightness is improved. If it is renewed every two weeks, PRP hair treatment will give its definite result after 3 months. After that, it is possible to have healthy and bushy hair for a lifetime with PRP hair treatment repeated once a year.
PRP (platelet rich plasma) method is based on the logic of using protein-rich ingredients in the blood, including growth factor. This substance is effective for skin and hair regeneration. The amount of 10 ccs taken from the blood of the patient to be treated with PRP is centrifuged in a special machine and the red part of the plasma is separated from the other part. The growth factors, white blood cells, and platelets contained in the blood are injected into the dilated or balding area with the help of micro-needles. The logic of the application is based on tissue and cell renewal. The whole application takes 30 minutes. No pain is felt in this method, as it does not leave any trace.
PRP treatment can be applied to women experiencing hair thinning or dulling, to people experiencing male-type hair loss, androgen hormone-induced hair problems, and women whose hair is dulled and sparse for various reasons. The treatment should be administered periodically for an average of 4 to 6 weeks. The PRP content obtained from the blood is injected and applied to the hair and the hair is revived and regrow. In practice, no pain is felt, no trace is left and it is a frequently preferred harmless treatment method since the substance is obtained from the person’s own blood.
You can not get immediate results just after going 1 session. PRP hair treatment is more harmless and easier to use than other methods, but its effects appear a little later. So you need to be patient. Hair growth begins and shedding stops only after the third session. Therefore, regular implementation is necessary. Re-application should be carried out at the latest within 1 year after the first treatment session. Due to the use of very small amounts of blood, there is no need for blood loss or reduction. 10 cc of blood used in application renews itself within a few days in the human body. Therefore, the periodic continuation of the application and renewal every year does not cause any blood problems. However, it is recommended that people who experience genetic hair loss should renew the application more frequently.
After PRP hair treatment, the effect continues for at least 12 months. If you are careful about hair care, this period may be up to 18 months. However, the PRP does not have a lasting effect for a lifetime. The application should be repeated once a year. For genetic hair losses, it is recommended to have PRP treatment every 6 months. However, as long as it is repeated regularly, the positive effects of PRP hair treatment will continue to manifest themselves. PRP hair treatment is an effective hair treatment method, with no side effects. It is a safe treatment that can be applied even if the person has diabetes or blood pressure.
PRP is a much easier and economical application compared to other hair treatment methods. It can be applied in a short time, does not require anesthesia, and there are many advantages such as the lack of side effects since the person’s own cells are used. Along with these characteristics, the result is well above the expectations.
Hair Mesotherapy to Cure Hair Loss
Mesotherapy can be defined as a complementary and alternative treatment which is applied as a drug injection to the mesoderm-derived layer of the skin. Mesotherapy is also used in the treatment of diseases such as facial rejuvenation and cellulite. For each treatment, mesotherapy preparations consisting of a mixture of different chemicals are prepared.
Hair mesotherapy is the delivery of minerals, vitamins, some antioxidants and protein nutrients with the help of the needles having sterile disposable mesotherapy injectors to the hair follicles in the middle layer of the skin. With this method, nutrients are directly transferred to the hair follicles. This method is applied easily to prevent hair loss by providing good nutrition of the hair cells.
The application can be done manually or with the help of computer-aided devices. The use of computerized devices for better distribution of the drug in each region gives better results. Needles in 2-4 mm size are used for hair mesotherapy. With this application, all the nutrients the hair cells need are easily applied to the scalp. It does not require a surgical procedure and is considered painless.
Since hair loss is a common problem, different methods are being developed every day for treatment. Hair transplantation, laser technique, and many different treatment methods are being developed. Still, one of the best treatment methods used to prevent hair loss and ensure the health of the hair is the method of hair mesotherapy. With hair mesotherapy, mesoderm is stimulated and the hair loss can be reduced to a certain extent.
Before the hair mesotherapy, thermotherapy (steam application) is applied to the scalp after a special massage to soften the skin and make it ready for the application. In the application of hair mesotherapy, the chemical mixture to be injected is specially prepared according to the structure of the hair, the shape, and density of the hair loss as well as the rate of shedding. These mixtures include blood circulation enhancers, vitamins, and various trace elements. The prepared mixture is delivered to the middle skin layer by microinjectors with sterile mesotherapy needles at their tip.
Mesotherapy can be applied by hand or mesotherapy guns. However, it is quite difficult and time-consuming to manually adjust the dose of the drug during the application and to apply the mixture evenly on the scalp surface. Application with mesotherapy gun controlled by a computer can be made more easily. The dose of the injected drug can be monitored on the computer screen as well. After application, the hair should not be washed for a certain period of time and no chemicals should be applied to the hair.
Hair mesotherapy is usually done in 10 sessions. Each session takes 15-30 minutes. However, the number of sessions to be performed is decided by analyzing the hair structure of the person. In the analyzes, the number and intervals of the treatment sessions are decided by considering the age of the patient, the rate of hair loss, the rate of the wear and the structure of the hair strand.
After the first four sessions are performed once a week, the other sessions are performed every 15 days. Once all the sessions have been completed, reinforcement sessions can be performed once a month to support the treatment.
Medication to Cure Hair Loss
In the early stages of hair loss, it can be stopped by medical treatment. Early hair loss can be reversed in young patients with FDA-approved (American Food and Drug Administration) finasteride, especially in genetics-type hair loss. The active ingredient Minoxidil is an important weapon in the early treatment of hair loss as well. When used in combination with finasteride, it also stimulates hair growth.
Medical treatment can be applied to the miniaturized hair which is gradually transitioning from the anagen phase to the telogen phase. It is impossible to get positive results with medical treatment after all hair is lost. Therefore, the most sensible treatment for total hair loss is hair transplantation.
Hair transplantation cannot prevent androgenic hair loss; it only allows replacement of lost hair. Therefore, early initiation of medical therapy prevents both androgenic shedding in men as well as the rejuvenation of miniaturized and non-growing hair, and the ability to create hair mass again.
Finasteride
The enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which acts on hair follicles and causes them to shed is the 5 alpha-reductase type 2 enzyme. The drug that inhibits hair loss by stopping the activity of this enzyme is finasteride. In an early study, finasteride was administered at a dose of 1 milligram per day to the hair loss patients and in 90% of male patients over 18 years of age, it was successful, where only 10% of male patients continued to lose hair. Even if it is very effective especially in young patients, care needs to be taken if the patient is under 18 years of age. Finasteride is less effective in the front hairline shedding. The efficacy of finasteride in the vertex/top region of the scalp has been shown to be higher.
It should be used for at least 1 year to completely stop hair loss, to strengthen hair, and to give a thickening effect on miniature hair. It has been reported that the effects are still maintained even after 5 years of use. When the use of finasteride is discontinued, there will be a loss again on the hair volume and mass which is increased earlier with the effect of the drug after 2-6 months, the effects of the drug slowly disappear, and the hair returns to its old state as if there was no treatment.
The rate of side effects that can be seen in the use of finasteride is 2%. In other words, 98 of every 100 users have no side effects. The most commonly asked and feared side effect is sexual dysfunction. This side effect, which can be seen as a decrease in libido, and erectile dysfunction, may occur immediately after the use of the drug and when the drug is discontinued, the person can return to his/her normal sexual functions within a few weeks meaning the side effects are not permanent.
Since finasteride is a drug that prevents and shrinks the growth of the prostate gland, it can reduce the severity and amount of sperm ejaculation, and it can cause a temporary decrease in sperm count. In addition, mild growth and sensitivity in breast tissue were reported in 0.4% of patients. While there are side effects such as breast tenderness and growth, there is no correlation between breast cancer formation and finasteride use in males. Finasteride is a drug that is used to prevent prostate growth, and the patient should give information about the use of this drug to his/her doctor, as there is an approximately 50% reduction in prostate PSA levels.
The use of finasteride in pregnant women is prohibited because the male fetus may develop congenital anomalies in the genital area. Intercourse with men who use finasteride does not adversely affect the fetus and women. In a study on the use of 1 mg finasteride in the postmenopausal women, it was shown that this drug had no effect, yet 5 mg use could be beneficial in androgenic female type hair losses.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is the first FDA approved medication that has proven effective in preventing hair loss. It is a serum that should be fed with a massage in contact with the scalp. 2% forms are effective in women and 5% are effective in male pattern hair losses. Its first use was intended to control high blood pressure. Minoxidil use results in some patients very good, some may have a moderate healing effect, and some patients may not benefit at all.
In people who benefit, minoxidil stimulates new hair formation by stimulating hair follicles starting to become miniaturized and stopping hair loss. The maximum effect is observed between 6 months and 2 years. After this time the effect decreases slowly. In continuous use, hair loss slows down. It is particularly effective for hair loss in the anterior and lateral areas, especially in the peak area. The most common side effect among the users of the drug is the rare hairing on the body and the face.
Although the mechanism of action of Minoxidil is not known, it is thought that it prolongs the anagen phase, that is, the growth phase of the hair and thus increase the thickness and length of the hair strands. It should be applied to the scalp with a massage twice a day. It will only show its effect at the place of contact, so the location and dose should be determined by the physician. It should be used not only on the top of the head but also on the front if there is thinning. Continuous use is recommended. After 3 months of discontinuation, the effect is reduced and the hair returns to its original state. Minoxidil, when used in combination with finasteride, has a stronger synergistic effect against hair loss. The combined use of two FDA approved medications is often recommended.
