Millions of people suffer from hair loss, and for many, the only solution is to use minoxidil. While this drug is effective in some cases, it can also cause side effects like scalp irritation and dryness. If you are looking for an alternative to minoxidil, you may read suggestions online for a natural treatment like castor oil. Castor oil has been shown to be effective in promoting hair growth, and it does not cause any side effects. In this article, we will discuss how to use castor oil for hair loss prevention, and also a more effective, proven ingredient called capilia longa
Alternative hair loss treatment to minoxidil
Minoxidil is a medication that people use on their scalp in order to grow new hair. However, it’s not the only medicated treatment for male pattern baldness out there, and there are also many alternative treatments too! One of the medications includes taking Finasteride (better known by its brand name: Propecia) which has been proven successful at reducing DHT levels and slowing down hair loss when taken regularly over time. The most common form of medical research today involves using human subjects – often refers back to the 2nd edition.
Minoxidil, a drug used to treat high blood pressure is also an effective treatment for male pattern baldness. Minoxidil has been shown in numerous studies as being just as effective when not paired with medication or surgery – which means you can get rid of your thinning locks without having or with limited side effects!
Minoxidil is a drug used to treat thinning hair. It’s been around since 1982 and has shown some promising results, but its effectiveness isn’t regulated by the FDA so there are many places you can buy unapproved products from with potentially harmful ingredients mixed into them! Luckily we’re here at 360 Hair Clinic, in Brighton (UK) and like other well respected clinics, such as, Hair Restoration Treatment Centre of America, we offer only trusted drugs that have gone through extensive testing in order to make sure your head hair grows back healthy again.
We alway like to offer a supplement which contains Saw Palmetto berry extract.
Most people believe that a full head of thick, luscious hair is a sign of youth and vitality. And while hair loss is a natural part of the ageing process, it can be devastating to lose your locks. Fortunately, 360 Optimum Hair has developed a range of products that not only combat hair loss but also effectively promote hair growth.
Using only the most effective ingredients, 360 Optimum Hair has created a line of shampoos, conditioners, and treatments that are sure to give you the fuller, thicker head of hair you desire. The best part is that these products are suitable for all types of hair, whether you have fine, thinning hair, or coarse, brittle strands. So no matter what type
Are you concerned about hair loss? Do you feel like your hair just isn’t as thick and lustrous as it used to be? If so, 360 Optimum Hair is here to help! Our range of products has been specifically formulated to combat hair loss and promote hair growth. We only use the most effective ingredients, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the best possible treatment for your hair.
Whether you’re looking for a shampoo, conditioner, or serum / follicle treatment, we have a product to suit your needs. Our products are suitable for all hair types, so whatever your situation, we can help you get your hair back to its best.
Hair Growth Cycle
Hair on the scalp grows about .3 to .4 mm/day or about 6 inches per year. Unlike other mammals, human hair growth and shedding is random and not seasonal or cyclical. At any given time, a random number of hairs will be in one of three stages of growth and shedding: anagen, catagen, and telogen.
Anagen
- Anagen is the active phase of the hair. The cells in the root of the hair are dividing rapidly. A new hair is formed and pushes the club hair (a hair that has stopped growing or is no longer in the anagen phase) up the follicle and eventually out.
- During this phase the hair grows about 1 cm every 28 days. Scalp hair stays in this active phase of growth for two to six years.
- Some people have difficulty growing their hair beyond a certain length because they have a short active phase of growth. On the other hand, people with very long hair have a long active phase of growth. The hair on the arms, legs, eyelashes, and eyebrows have a very short active growth phase of about 30 to 45 days, explaining why they are so much shorter than scalp hair.
Catagen
- The catagen phase is a transitional stage and about 3% of all hairs are in this phase at any time. This phase lasts for about two to three weeks. Growth stops and the outer root sheath shrinks and attaches to the root of the hair. This is the formation of what is known as a club hair.
Telogen
- Telogen is the resting phase and usually accounts for 6% to 8% of all hairs. This phase lasts for about 100 days for hairs on the scalp and longer for hairs on the eyebrow, eyelash, arm, and leg. During this phase, the hair follicle is completely at rest and the club hair is completely formed. Pulling out hair in this phase will reveal a solid, hard, dry, white material at the root. About 25 to 100 telogen hairs are shed normally each day.
What can help your hair grow?
Genetics does play a role in maintaining healthy hair growth. However, several other factors also come into play.
Although there’s no magical potion or remedy that will result in instant growth, there are steps you can take to help your hair grow and to prevent breakage.
Let’s look at 15 tips that may help your hair grow faster and stronger.
1. Avoid restrictive dieting
According to Dr. Lindsey Bordone, a dermatologist at ColumbiaDoctors and assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center, we can’t control everything that affects our hair growth. But there are things we can avoid that may cause impaired growth and increased shedding. “Restrictive dieting can decrease resources and nutrients needed for hair growth,” said Bordone.
“And since hair growth is a relatively low priority compared to other bodily functions, hair growth is halted quickly when your body is placed under stress due to restrictive dieting,” she explained.
“Even after resuming a healthy diet, hair shedding usually goes on for a period of months,” said Bordone.
A review of research trusted Source from 2017 suggests that a deficiency in key nutrients can impact both the structure of your hair and its growth. Sudden weight loss can cause temporary shedding, known as telogen effluvium (TE), or diffuse alopecia due to a niacin deficiency.
2. Check your protein intake
“If your diet is severely restrictive, hair won’t grow optimally, and shedding can occur,” said Bordone.
“Eating a well-balanced diet with adequate protein intake is important for optimal hair growth,” she added. “Generally, we recommend 50 grams of protein or more per day.
3. Try caffeine-infused products
We all know that caffeine can give you an energy boost — and its topical use has been shown to give hair growth a boost, too.
Research shows that caffeine in topical products, like shampoos and conditioners, can prevent hair loss as effectively as drug-based treatments. Caffeine may promote hair growth by stimulating the metabolism and proliferation of cells.
4. Explore essential oils
One small study trusted Source found that after three months, pumpkin seed oil applied topically significantly increased hair regrowth in participants with female pattern baldness. However, larger studies are needed to further support this result.
5. Boost your nutrient profile
Specific vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are especially important for your overall health and also play a key role in providing your body with the energy needed for hair growth. These nutrients can include:
- biotin
- vitamin C
- vitamin D
- vitamin E
- zinc
- iron
- omega-3 and omega-6
6. Indulge in a scalp massage
Because vitamin supplements are not regulated in the same way as other drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source, it’s important to choose reputable vitamin brands that use third-party vetting. A scalp massage can help promote relaxation and relieve stress. But, according to a small 2016 study by a trusted Source , it may also help boost the health of your hair.
7. Look into platelet-rich plasma treatment (PRP)
Boa dermatologist Dr. Sapna Palep of Spring Street Dermatology says using PRP therapy with patients who have hair loss has shown promise. rd-certified. While more controlled studies are needed, one study trusted Source
found that PRP may serve as an effective treatment option for hair loss. “PRP is a breakthrough treatment that uses injections of a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to restore and accelerate hair growth,” Palep said. “Platelets are proteins derived from one’s own bloodstream and DNA that can act like a stem cell when placed back into the body.”
Scalp injections of PRP can awaken dormant hair follicles, resulting in more hair growth. Treatments can be once a month, for 3 months, and every 6 months thereafter for maintenance, according to the above study.
8. Hold the heat
The heat from curling irons, hair dryers, and straighteners can damage your hair and cause breakage. While avoiding heat styling altogether may not be an option, you may want to try limiting how often you use these tools. Decreasing the temperature of heated styling tools can also help reduce hair damage. Additionally, according to a 2019 review of researchTrusted Sources, using a heat protectant product before using a heated styling tool may significantly reduce hair breakage. Heat treatments work by forming a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture loss when using heated tools.
9. Talk to a doctor about minoxidil
Minoxidil is used to treat hereditary hair loss at the back of the head and is the active ingredient in Rogaine. “Some products that contain minoxidil do not need a prescription if the concentration of minoxidil is under a certain percentage,” said Thomas. However, any product that uses this drug has to be registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Rogaine doesn’t work for everyone, and it can take 3 to 6 months to see results.
10. Go easy on colouring your hair
“When we dye our hair and change the texture with chemicals, these processes can put stress on the hair and cause it to break,” said Thomas. “But when we tone down these processes, hair breaks off less and can seem like it’s growing faster,” she added. According to a 2021 review of researchTrusted Source, permanent dyes can remove the natural fatty acids that make up the hair. These dyes can cause more damage than non-permanent options.
11. Apply antioxidants to your scalp
Clinical studies show that applying antioxidants to your scalp may significantly reduce hair loss and improve the condition of your scalp. In one 8-week study trusted Source
women who used either a shampoo or leave-in scalp treatment containing the antioxidant piroctone olamine had significantly increased hair amounts and improved scalp conditions than women who used placebo formulations.
Another 24-week study of trusted Sources had similar results. Men and women who used a leave-in scalp treatment containing piroctone olamine and other antioxidants experienced significantly less hair loss than participants who used a placebo treatment. Researchers believe these ingredients may improve and protect the scalp barrier, resulting in reduced hair thinning.
12. Prevent hair breakage
Hair breakage, along with dryness and frizz, can occur when the cells that hold the strands together in your inner hair cuticles fall apart.
To stop this from happening, try doing the following:
- eating a diet rich in hair-strengthening nutrients such as iron, zinc, and folic acid
- applying shampoo mainly to your scalp
- using conditioner
- when towel drying your hair, blotting your hair instead of rubbing it
- letting your hair air dry instead of using a blow dryer, if possible
- avoiding overbrushing
- Use a brush with natural bristles only when styling your hair
13. Trim your hair regularly
Trimming your hair every few months can boost the growth of healthy hair. It removes split ends, preventing them from spreading further up your strands and causing hair breakage.
What regular trims will not do, despite popular belief, is make your hair grow faster. Your hair grows about a half-inch per month trusted Source, no matter how often you cut it.
14. Protect your hair while you sleep
- To help promote healthy hair when you’re sleeping, try the following:
- Make sure you’re getting enough sleep — generally 7 to 9 hours. Not sleeping enough decreases your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that plays a role in regulating hair growth.
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase to help prevent the friction, tugging, and tangling that can cause hair breakage, especially if you have long hair.
- Don’t go to sleep with wet hair. Laying on wet hair can weaken your strands and can lead to breakage or matting.
15. Reduce stress
ResearchTrusted Source shows that chronic stress can lead to hair loss. It may cause your follicles to go into a resting phase during which they shed hair instead of growing new strands.
The following are some natural ways to reduce stress:
- exercise
- meditate
- write in a journal
- eat a healthy diet
Hair follicles and their role in skin health
Hair follicles produce hair fibres in a regular cycle. As part of their hair-producing role, hair follicles retain stem cells, promote cell growth and tissue invasion and induce angiogenesis. However, hair follicle function involves more than just hair fibre production. Hair follicles interact closely with the skin’s immune and neuroendocrine systems, supporting immunosurveillance against pathogens and aiding sensory perception. Hair follicles can also assist in wound healing and skin repigmentation. However, the unique properties of hair follicles can also be detrimental to skin health. Perhaps most significantly, hair follicles may contribute to the development of skin neoplasias. This article reviews the potential role of hair follicles in skin health.
WHAT IS MALE-PATTERN HAIR LOSS, AND CAN IT BE TREATED?
The most common cause of hair loss in men is male-pattern hair loss can begin early. Sometimes, it starts in your late teens or early twenties. Usually, it appears later. By 50 years of age, more than half of white men have a visible sign of male-pattern hair loss including noticeable thinning, a receding hairline, or balding.
Male-pattern baldness tends to develop slowly
Beginning as a receding hairline or bald spot on the top of your head, this type of hair loss can cause thinning and hair loss that continues for years. While you don’t need to treat this type of hair loss, treatment options exist. Treatment can reduce further hair loss, and some men regrow or thicken some of their hair. The men who tend to see the best results start treatment soon after noticing hair loss. Early intervention is key when treating hair loss.
Here’s what’s available to treat androgenetic alopecia (the medical name for this type of hair loss).
FDA-approved medications for male-pattern hair loss
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following medications to treat male-pattern hair loss. Here’s the lowdown on each. Topical minoxidil (available without a prescription. Widely available at stores and online, this is the most commonly used treatment for male-pattern hair loss.
- What studies show: In clinical trials, minoxidil has been shown to reduce hair loss, stimulate hair growth, and strengthen existing strands of hair. While minoxidil can help, you’re unlikely to see full regrowth.
- How to use: Apply to your scalp.
- When to use: Minoxidil is applied twice a day, every day.
- How long it takes to see results: Some men respond to minoxidil better than others, and some men fail to see any difference. If minoxidil works for you, it can take up to six months to see results. It’s important to follow directions, applying minoxidil twice a day every day.
- Possible side effects: When using minoxidil, some men develop an irritated scalp. The newer formulation, which is a foam, seems to reduce this risk. Other possible side effects include an itchy scalp or headaches.
- Can be used alone: Many men see results when they use only minoxidil. If you see a dermatologist, your dermatologist may add a prescription medication to your treatment plan. This can improve results.
- If you stop using minoxidil: The new hair that grows will fall out. This usually happens within three to four months. Dermatologists report that some men say their hair loss looks worse than before they started applying minoxidil. What’s happening is that you’re seeing the hair loss that would have occurred had you never treated it.
Finasteride is the other hair loss medication approved by the FDA.
- It is usually prescribed in a 1mg dosage, which is taken daily.
- In larger quantities it is also used to shrink an enlarged prostate.
- Can be used alone or in combination with other hair loss treatments.
- Excessive shedding may occur if you discontinue use of finasteride.
Low level laser therapy is an alternative non-medication based treatment to treat hair loss.
- Increases circulation to the scalp
- Increases the time the hair follicle spends in anagen, promoting longer hair growth
- Reduces shedding
- No adverse side effects
Procedures used to treat male-pattern hair loss
Depending on the location and extent of your hair loss, your dermatologist may recommend one (or both) of these procedures:
Hair transplant: If you’re looking for a permanent solution, you may want to consider a hair transplant. This procedure no longer involves moving plugs of hair from one part of your scalp to another. Today, a hair transplant can give you permanent, natural-looking results.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): While PRP is not a permanent solution, maintenance treatments can help you maintain results. PRP can be used alone or given before a hair transplant to improve results.
If your dermatologist recommends PRP for you, here’s what you can expect. A small amount of your blood would be drawn and placed into a machine that separates your red blood cells from the plasma.
Your plasma is then injected into your scalp. This takes about 10 minutes. You will need to return for more injections. For the first three months, you return once a month. Then you return once every three to six months.
Within a few months, PRP can help lessen hair loss. Soon after, some patients see a thickening of their hair or regrowth.
Alternative hair regrowth options you may find online
1. Massage
Massaging the scalp, which can be used in conjunction with hair oils and masks, stimulates the scalp and may improve hair thickness. It’s thought that stretching during the massage encourages hair growth and thickness in the dermal papilla cells, which are located in the bottom of the hair follicle. These cells play a key role in the formation of hair (trusted Source) hair growth, and the shedding and regrowth cycle.
Trusted Source
Massage is also known to improve blood flow and the health of the scalp. A 2019 study found that hair growth improved blood flow and the health of the scalp. Taking the time to massage your scalp each day can also help you relieve stress and tension, an added bonus if these emotions are at the root of your hair loss.
Massage your scalp with your fingertips, not your fingernails. Move your way across your scalp in small circles, applying light to medium pressure. While there’s no set amount of time that you have to do a scalp massage, each scalp massage was given daily for 4 minutes for a period of 24 weeks in the 2019 study above.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera has long been used for treating hair loss (Trusted Source). It also soothes the scalp and conditions hair. It can reduce dandruff and unblock hair follicles that may be blocked by excess oil. While research on how aloe vera
You can apply pure aloe vera gel to your scalp and hair a few times per week. You can also use shampoo and conditioner that contain aloe vera.
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil (Trusted Source) contains fatty acids, called lauric acid, that penetrate inside the hair shaft and reduce protein loss from hair. Coconut oil can be used either before or after you wash your hair, depending on your hair type. If your hair tends to be oily, you can do a leave-in treatment overnight or for a few hours before you wash it.
Massage coconut oil into your scalp and all of your hair. If your hair is dry, you can also use it as a leave-in treatment. There needs to be more research on coconut oil as a promoter of hair growth, but it’s been shown to lubricate the hair shaft and prevent breakage. One study also found that coconut applied to the scalp helps enrich the scalp’s microbiome, making the scalp and hair follicles healthier. trusted Source
4. Viviscal
Viviscal is a natural hair growth supplement (trusted Source)
that promotes hair growth in people with thinning hair.
It contains a marine complex known as AminoMar C, which is a mineral-rich combinationTrusted Source of shark and mollusk powder, organic silica, and vitamin C (derived from acerola cherry). These ingredients can help regenerate new cells and strengthen existing cells.
You have to take the pills twice daily for at least 6 months in order to see results. Viviscal also makes shampoo and conditioner.
Although this brand is popular, and one you may have heard of, the 360 Optimum Hair range has been given a higher rating for efficacy, strength, and the results they produce.
5. Fish oil
Consuming omega-fatty acids can help improve your hair from the inside since they are filled with nutrients and proteins. Taking an omega supplement (trusted Source) along with antioxidants, helps improve hair density and diameter. It also reduces hair loss. Omega fatty acids help your cells work correctly and can boost immunity, leading to better overall health. You should follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage and consult your doctor prior to introducing any new supplements to your diet.
6. Ginseng
Taking ginseng (Trusted Source) supplements can promote hair growth by stimulating hair follicles. Ginsenosides are the active components of ginseng and are thought to be responsible for ginseng’s positive effect on hair.
Research on how ginseng can encourage hair growth is limited, but a recent 2018 review trusted Source
showed some promising results. You should always take supplements as directed and be sure to check for any possible side effects.
7. Onion juice
If you can handle the smell of onion juice, you may find that the benefits are worth it. Onion juice has been shown to be a trusted Source to promote hair growth and successfully treat patchy alopecia areata — an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the hair follicles and causes hair loss on various parts of the body.
Onion juice is also thought to improve circulation. Animal studies show improved keratinocyte growth factor, an important mediator of hair follicle development and growth.
To consume onion juice, blend a few onions and squeeze out the juice. Apply the juice to your scalp and hair, and leave it in for at least 15 minutes. Then, follow up with shampoo.
8. Rosemary oil
Rosemary is a common essential oil that people use to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. Rosemary oil has been found to stimulate new hair growth and can even be used to treat androgenetic alopecia.
Mix a few drops of rosemary oil into a carrier oil, like argan oil or jojoba oil, and massage it into your hair and scalp before rinsing. You can do this a few times per week.
You can also add a few drops of rosemary oil to your shampoo and conditioner on a daily basis. However, you shouldn’t use essential oils directly on the skin, and you should always mix them in carrier oil or shampoo. Trusted Source
9. Geranium oil
Geranium, or Pelargonium graveolens, is a fragrant plant that’s native to South Africa. Geranium oil is the concentrated essential oil that’s extracted from its leaves. You can use geranium Trusted Source oil to promote hair growth and boost circulation.
Mix three drops of geranium essential oil with eight drops of a carrier oil, and apply it directly to your hair. You can also add a few drops to your shampoo and conditioner.
Geranium oil can help strengthen, hydrate, and restore your hair.
10. Lemon
You can use fresh lemon juice or lemon oil since they’ve both been found to enhance hair quality and growth. Lemon oil may help you maintain a healthy scalp and encourage hair growth. Apply fresh lemon juice to your scalp and hair 15 minutes before you shampoo. You can also use lemon essential oil diluted in carrier oil as part of a hair mask.Trusted Source
The bottom line
While genetics does play a role in hair growth, several other factors also come into play. And while there’s no magical formula for instant hair growth, there are steps you can take to boost the health and growth of your hair.
Eating a healthy diet that includes key nutrients as well as adequate protein is key. Using certain products and treatments may promote hair growth. Dialling back on heat treatments and chemical processing can help, too.
If you’re concerned about hair loss or have trouble getting your hair to grow, you may want to talk with a doctor about why this may be happening.