Home-made Treatments for Hair Loss and Hair Growth
There are only two licensed treatments for hair loss that have been proven to work. These are Minoxidil (for men and women) and Propecia (men only). But there are countless others that claim to work. Advertising companies have teams of people whose sole job is to tap into people’s buying habits and emotions to get them to purchase their product. But so far, only two products (Minoxidil and Propecia) have proven to be effective in restoring hair and successfully undergone clinical testing by the MHRA and the FDA, the medical regulatory bodies in the UK and the USA respectively.
While most consumers are aware of the extravagant claims made by companies in their attempts to market their products, what about home hair loss treatments? Below are some less well known methods for treating hair loss that are all natural and safe. But do they work?
Fenugreek
It is believed that hair loss can be treated by soaking the plant, fenugreek, in a deep pot of water over night and then, the next morning, massaging the liquid into the scalp and wrapping the head in a cloth for three hours. This is to be repeated everyday for one month. In cookery, Fenugreek is used both as a herb (the leaves) and as a spice (the seed) and is often an ingredient in curry.
Egg Yolk
Another scalp lotion, this one is to be made with uncooked egg yolks, applied for one hour and then washed off. It is advised to use 2 eggs for short hair and 4 for longer hair. There is no advice for how often this lotion is to be applied, except for ‘repeat as necessary’.
Mustard Seeds
This treatment is a drink made by boiling a cup of water, adding one teaspoon of mustard seeds, cooking for 5 minutes, cooling and drinking. It is said that this tonic needs to be taken for “a few months” to take effect. Instead of drinking, some advise applying to scalp. Care should be taken as mustard seeds in plain water can induce vomiting.
Rosemary Leaves
These are to be used in a home-made shampoo which is made by boiling rosemary leaves in water, straining, and keeping the liquid in a glass bottle. This is to be used to wash your hair daily and can also be put in a sprayer and sprayed into the hair each morning. It will add shine to the hair.
Coconut Milk
It is thought that massaging the scalp with coconut milk will nourish the hair and promote hair growth. The coconut milk is prepared by grinding the coconut shavings and squeezing them well. Some advise leaving it on overnight for the best results.
Conclusion
While there is nothing wrong with scanning your kitchen cupboards for some DIY hair care, there is no scientific evidence to show any of the above will make hair grow. Aside from this, there are practicalities to consider; for instance, most people do not have jobs that allow them to sit for 3 hours a day to sit in a head wrap (think of the cost of those working hours added up over a month – that’s 90 hours!).
The Belgravia Centre works only with proven, licensed hair loss products. The clinic’s senior trichologist, Leonora Doclis, says that none of the remedies above will make hair grow back on their own and describes them as “old wives’ tales”. Doclis explains that certain herbal products can work as nutritional supplements to make hair healthier which, in turn, boosts the efficacy of proven medications. For example, Hair Vitalics, when used as part of an individualised treatment programme, can help restore the hair’s vitality and strength but are not advertised as an individual solution to hair loss.
We have a large collection of photo-scans from clients who have undergone treatment with us. We also have a hair loss video diary that monitors one client’s progress.
If you are suffering from thinning hair or hair loss, please contact us for a free consultation on 020 7730 6666 or message the clinic. Alternatively, if you are unable to visit the clinic, please complete the online diagnostic form and we can arrange for a consultation via the website.
More Information:
How To Tell Which Hair Loss Treatment Is Right For You
Biotism – Unproven for Hair Loss
Hair Loss Success Stories
Interesting Articles:
Five Foods for Healthy Hair Growth
Top Herbal Remedies For Hair Loss and Hair Growth
Soy’s Benefits for Hair Loss Prevention
