How to Stop Hair Loss: Do Natural Treatments Work?

There are many supplements on the market that claim to prevent hair loss, so you’re probably wondering which ones actually work. Unfortunately, most of these products probably don’t do much good. However, a few products might help, so you can try them for yourself as long as you ask your doctor first. As with dietary changes, these supplements probably won’t make much difference unless you already have a nutrient deficiency.

1. 1
   Take vitamin supplements if you don’t get enough from your regular diet. While most people get enough vitamins from their diet, not everyone does. If you have deficiencies of vitamin A, B, D, or E and aren’t getting enough from your diet, then supplements may help strengthen your hair. ^[12]

   • Always ask your doctor before taking any supplements because they’ll probably only work if you have nutrient deficiencies. In some cases, getting too much of certain nutrients can actually cause hair loss too. ^[13]
   Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist

   Supplements can help nourish your hair. "Supplements address common hair and scalp issues like oily scalp, dry hair, and thinning hair with blends of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids."
2. 2
   Try a saw palmetto supplement. Strong evidence is lacking, but there is some evidence that this herb could help support hair growth. You can try this for yourself to see if it helps. ^[14]
3. 3
   Fight alopecia with a biotin supplement. Biotin is a B vitamin that supports nail and hair growth. It’s a common ingredient in natural remedies for hair loss, and might help fight alopecia. Try a vitamin blend containing 3 mg of biotin, 30 mg of zinc, 200 mg of vitamin C, and less than 1 mg of folic acid to see if this helps. ^[15]

   • You can also get biotin naturally from foods that are high in vitamin B like fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.
4. 4
   Take ginseng extract to see if this works. This one has mixed results, but some studies show that ginseng can stimulate hair growth in mice and other animals. Ginseng is safe to try, so you can see if it works for you. ^[16]

   • Common ginseng extract doses range from 100 to 800 mg, so always follow dosing instructions on the product you use. ^[17]
5. 5
   Massage essential oils into your scalp. You can add hair loss to the list of problems that essential oils might be able to treat. One study showed that thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood massaged into the scalp daily can help improve alopecia. Remember to mix the oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or olive to avoid irritation. ^[18]

   • Regular scalp massage for about 4 minutes a day, even without essential oils, could also help stimulate hair growth. ^[19]
6. 6
   Don't use unverified home remedies on your hair. If you search around the internet, you'll probably come across all kinds of home remedies to grow hair like onion juice or coconut oil. Unfortunately, there's no evidence that these remedies work, and some might even damage your scalp more. It's best to skip these and stick with recommended treatments instead. If you need more guidance, talk to a dermatologist. ^[20]
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Nutrition isn’t the only way to support your hair. The way you care for your hair on a daily basis could also make a difference. You might have habits or styling methods that actually damage your hair and make hair loss worse. Follow these tips to avoid further problems.

1. 1
   Wash and condition your hair with gentle products. Using harsh products in your hair can make hair loss worse. Always use a gentle shampoo that won’t strip moisture from your hair, and finish up with a moisturizing conditioner to protect your hair. ^[21]

   • Also scrub your hair gently while you’re washing it. Pulling on it can put more stress on your roots.
   • You can also use a leave-in conditioner to reduce breaking and split ends.
2. 2
   Wear a loose hairstyle that doesn’t pull on your hair. You might not think your hairstyle has anything to do with hair loss, but it has more of an impact than you might think. One particular type of hair loss, traction alopecia, can come specifically from tight hairstyles that break off strands. Avoid this by wearing your hair down or in a loose style that doesn’t stress your roots.

   • You can pull your hair back once in a while. The important thing is to avoid wearing your hair like that every day.
   • Some hairstyles to avoid include cornrows, tight buns, dreadlocks, or tight braids.
   • Also avoid pulling on your hair as a habit. This could damage it as well. ^[22]
3. 3
   Avoid using chemicals or high heat on your hair. Dying and other chemical treatments can damage your hair, as can high heat from blow-drying or curling. Avoid these treatments as much as possible to avoid making hair loss worse. ^[23]

   • You can blow-dry your hair once in a while, but not every day. If you do, use the low heat setting. Try drying your hair with a towel instead.
4. 4
   Quit smoking to protect your hair. There is a clear link between smoking and hair loss. If you do smoke, then it’s best to quit as soon as possible. If you don’t, then don’t start at all. ^[24]
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