There is little scientific evidence to prove that natural hair loss treatments can regrow hair. Nevertheless, depending on the cause of the hair loss, some popular culture, folklore, and plant-based hair treatments might make some scientific sense. To the extent that they can clear up scalp conditions that clog or inflame hair follicles and cause hair loss, some home remedies might improve the supply of blood, oxygen, and essential nutrients to your hair follicles and boost your hair growth.
Aloe Vera Gel Scalp and Hair Treatment
This aloe vera gel scalp and hair treatment can be used to treat itchy, scaly scalp conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and yeast infections.
Supplies
- One aloe vera leaf, which you can buy in your supermarket or grow in your own backyard
- A tablespoon
- A small glass or plastic bowl
- A plastic shower cap
- Shampoo and conditioner
Directions
- Slice the skin off one side of an aloe vera leaf just inside the green rind underneath, or cut the leaf crosswise into one-inch pieces.
- Using the tablespoon, scoop out the gel into the bowl while avoiding the outer green rind just under the skin.
- Use the spoon to mash and soften the gel in the bowl.
- Scoop up some gel and use your fingertips to apply it in sections to cover your scalp.
- Massage the aloe gently into your scalp and smooth it to the ends of your hair.
- Cover your hair with the shower cap and leave on for two to three hours or overnight.
- Thoroughly wash out the gel with shampoo, then apply and rinse out your usual conditioner.
Use this treatment three to four times a week until your hair growth improves to suit you, then reduce to one to two times a month. For an extra moisturizing benefit, mix two tablespoons of honey in the gel before applying.
Properties, Components, and Effectiveness
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center notes aloe vera gel has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the gel is 98.5% water. Minor components include:
- Carbohydrates and polysaccharides
- Amino acids and enzymes
- Lipids and sterols
Although there are no studies to support effectiveness for of aloe vera gel for hair growth, these properties and components could explain its potential benefits to the scalp. The hydrating properties of the gel could also soothe and hydrate your scalp and hair, invigorate your follicles, and encourage and strengthen new hair growth. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states there is not enough evidence to support any of the popular uses of aloe vera except for superficial burns and wounds.
Castor Oil Hair and Scalp Treatment
A castor oil hair and scalp treatment can improve the condition of the scalp to encourage hair growth. It also conditions the hair and helps prevent split ends and loss of hair from breakage of the hair shaft. Try the following recipe twice a week until your hair starts to show sufficient regrowth, then reduce use to every two weeks.
Supplies
- Pure castor oil
- A small plastic application bottle with nozzle
- A small pot
- A plastic shower cap
- Shampoo and conditioner
Directions
- Warm about two ounces of castor oil in the application bottle in the pot filled halfway up with water.
- Apply a small amount of the warmed oil through the nozzle to sections of your scalp and hair.
- Gently massage your scalp to distribute the oil and run it through your hair strands.
- Cover hair with the shower cap and leave on for two to three hours or overnight.
- Shampoo your hair and scalp thoroughly with warm water. Next, apply and rinse off your conditioner with cool or cold water.
You can also apply the castor to your scalp using your fingertips instead of the applicator. To make the heavy castor oil easier to spread, add in a teaspoon of a lighter oil, such as coconut oil, almond, or olive oil, which are all also beneficial to scalp.
Properties, Components, and Effectiveness
Castor oil, made from the seeds of the castor oil plant, contains several unsaturated fatty acids, mainly ricinoleic acid, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica. The oil has antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, according to Bare Medicine. These properties may explain the potential of the oil to improve the health of the scalp and encourage hair growth, although there are no studies to prove this.
Amla Powder Therapy
Apply this amla powder mixture to treat your scalp two to three times a week until your hair growth resumes, then continue every week or every other week.
Supplies
- Two tablespoons gooseberry (amla) powder
- One tablespoon honey
- One cup of water
- A small pot
- A plastic shower cap
Directions
- Boil the water in the small pot and remove from stove.
- Stir in the amla powder until blended.
- Mix in the honey thoroughly.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp only and massage in gently.
- Cover your hair with the shower and leave on for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Shampoo well to remove the mixture. Follow with and rinse out your conditioner.
Properties, Components and Effectiveness
Amla or Indian Gooseberry is widely used as a hair treatment in Indian traditional culture. According to Organic Facts, amla contains vitamin C and iron. It has antioxidant properties which might prevent free radicals from damaging hair follicles to cause loss of hair. These factors may help hair to regrow.
Neem Oil Remedy
Use the following neem oil scalp remedy one to two times a week. Reduce to every one to two weeks after you notice new hair growth returning.
Supplies
- Two tablespoons neem oil
- One tablespoon of your choice of a lighter oil, such as coconut, almond, or olive oil
- A shower cap
- Shampoo and conditioner
Directions
- Mix the neem oil with your choice of a second oil.
- Apply to sections of your scalp.
- Massage the mixture gently to cover your entire scalp.
- Cover hair with shower cap and leave on for 30 minutes.
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Rinse out the product with warm water.
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Shampoo and condition your hair and and rinse with cool to cold water.
Properties and Effectiveness
Neem is widely used in India for many purposes. Neem oil is made from the seeds and fruits of the neem tree. According to the Times of India it has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can relieve itching, dryness, and other scalp conditions. It likely can help restore the health of hair follicles through these properties. Be warned that the smell of the oil is not pleasant.
Rosemary Oil Scalp Conditioning
Apply the following rosemary oil mixture as a scalp conditioning treatment two to three times a week. Reduce to once a week or every other week after you see significant improvement in hair growth.
Supplies
- Ten drops of rosemary oil
- Two tablespoons almond oil
- Small plastic applicator bottle
- A plastic shower cap
- Shampoo and conditioner
Directions
- Mix the rosemary and almond oils together in the applicator bottle.
- Massage the mixture into your scalp to distribute it all over.
- Cover your head with the shower cap and leave on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse out the product with warm water.
- Shampoo your hair, apply conditioner and rinse with cool to cold water.
You can also warm the oils before applying to your scalp.
Properties and Effectiveness
Rosemary is a popular herb recommended to stimulate hair growth, although there is a lack of scientific evidence for its effectiveness. According to the University of Maryland, rosemary has antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties and improves blood. These qualities might explain the traditional culture use of the herbal oil in the treatment and prevention of hair loss.
Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Treatment
Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar (ACV), has many popular culture uses. These include use as a remedy for scalp conditions, such as dandruff. Try the following ACV scalp treatment.
Supplies
- Half a cup of unfiltered, organic, raw apple cider vinegar containing the "mother"
- Half a cup room temperature boiled water, or purified bottled water
- A plastic shower cap
- Shampoo and conditioner
Directions
- Mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Part your hair in small sections and spray your scalp with the mixture as you proceed.
- Gently massage your scalp to distribute the product on you scalp only.
- Cover your hair with the shower cap and wait 30 to 60 minutes.
- Rinse out the mixture and shampoo and condition your hair as usual.
Use this remedy one to two times a week until you notice a difference in your hair growth then use it once to twice a month after that.
Properties, Components, and Effectiveness
According to a 2006 review by vinegar researcher Dr. Carol Johnston of Arizona State University, vinegar is composed of:
- Mostly water and about 4% to 7% acetic acid
- Minor components, including:
- Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
- Polyphenols and organic acids, such as citric acid.
Although there is no data to support the use of ACV for hair growth, the acidity is likely what makes ACV useful as an antibacterial, antifungal, and scalp cleansing treatment.
A Mixture of Remedies
This mixture for daily use combines the properties of several hair remedies that may boost any benefits to the scalp and hair.
Ingredients
- One cup aloe vera gel
- Four tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Half a teaspoon coconut oil
- Half a teaspoon rosemary oil
Directions
- Mash and soften the aloe vera with a spoon.
- Mix in the other ingredients and stir until in well-blended and smooth.
- Apply and gently massage a small amount of the mixture into the scalp once a day.
You can apply this mixture after any of the above treatments. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Be Patient
Many natural hair loss treatments have components and properties that may improve scalp conditions and the health of hair follicles. This could explain their anecdotal positive effects on hair growth, although scientific evidence is lacking. Be patient if you use any of these remedies. It could take weeks to months before you see improvement in your hair loss.
Consult Your Doctor
There are several causes of hair loss, so the best approach to restoring growth is to first diagnose and treat the underlying cause. These causes include medications, infections, autoimmune or hormonal diseases, or genetic causes. If you have significant hair loss or bald patches on your scalp, consult your doctor before relying on home remedies as first-line therapy for these causes.
