CBD has been shown to help alopecia both through scientific research studies and by patient testimony. Topical use is ideal for the skin and hair because they contain large amounts of cannabinoid receptors and TRPV receptors, both different biological pathways that allow CBD to work in the body.
A 2021 study found that CBD can boost hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss caused by genetics and aging). The study subjects who applied a topical hemp oil with 3-4 mg of CBD once a day experienced an amazing 93.5% increase in hair after six months.
Should you decide to try CBD oil for hair loss, you can apply it topically to your scalp. You may want to mix it with your shampoo or conditioner, but it might not be as effective. The 2021 study referenced above only spoke to effectiveness when CBD was applied directly to the scalp, not when it was diluted.
Cedarwood, lavender, thyme, and rosemary oils have hair growth–promoting properties. These oils have been anecdotally used to treat alopecia for more than 100 years.
Causes of Alopecia Areata
In alopecia areata, the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing inflammation. Researchers do not fully understand what causes the immune attack on hair follicles, but they believe that both genetic and environmental (non-genetic) factors play a role.
Patchy alopecia areata
Injections of corticosteroids: To help your hair regrow, your dermatologist will inject this medication into the bald areas. These injections are usually given every 4 to 8 weeks as needed, so you will need to return to your dermatologist's office for treatment.
On the AIP elimination diet, you will avoid grains, legumes, nightshades (such as potatoes and peppers), dairy, eggs, coffee, alcohol, sugar, oil and food additives. After a few months, you can work the excluded foods back in one at a time to figure out which foods trigger an inflammatory reaction.
The results of this study indicate that massage for hair loss with essential oils is an effective treatment for the condition of alopecia areata.
Several clinical studies have shown that rosemary essential oil is particularly effective for treating male or female pattern baldness and may even be effective for alopecia.
It Treats Scalp Conditions
It calms skin inflammation in these areas and decreases hair loss. Similar effects are also visible while treating conditions such as psoriasis or folliculitis. The interaction of CBD influences the natural sebum or oil levels in the scalp that reduces problems such as dandruff and dry scalp.
In June 2022 , a medication called baricitinib (Olumiant) received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe cases of alopecia areata. It's the first FDA-approved systemic treatment for alopecia. This type of systemic treatment helps treat hair loss all over the body.
Changing your diet can be a natural alternative to standard medicine. Vitamin D and selenium are vitamins that promote healthy hair, and both can be found in fatty fish like tuna or salmon. Eggs could be considered a hair-loss superfood because they contain protein, biotin, selenium, and zinc.
Bright colored fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. These include apples, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, cherries, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and green cabbage. And with these, symptoms of alopecia areata might also improve. This contains many antioxidants.
Alopecia areata (AA) occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicle. Studies have shown a relationship between AA and low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D should be supplemented if levels are low. However, more studies are needed to determine the effect of iron and zinc supplementation on AA patients.
In most people, new hair eventually grows back in the affected areas, although this process can take months. Approximately 50 percent of people with mild alopecia areata recover within a year; however, most people will experience more than one episode during their lifetime.
Ways to Stop Alopecia Areata from Spreading or Worsening
Avoiding unnecessary hair or scalp trauma, reducing stress and analyzing your diet are all worthwhile endeavors when attempting to prevent alopecia areata from spreading.
Ketoconazole shampoos help treat Alopecia by cleaning the skin area around your hair follicle of sebum, or the skins natural oils that are produced. Getting rid of these oils can allow your hair follicles to receive more nutrition and release for your hair to regrow.
For alopecia areata
Biotin and trace minerals, such as those found in blue-green algae, may promote hair growth. Some health care professionals recommend biotin and zinc aspartate to treat alopecia areata in children.
“No matter what you do with it, ACV will not cure or treat hair loss. The reason it is often linked with hair care is because it is an ancient remedy for making hair shine and treating dandruff that is said to have been favoured by the Romans.
“It's all to do with the menthol and eucalyptus which can be found in Vicks,” she says. “These ingredients won't cause hair that has been lost to traction alopecia or female pattern hair loss to regrow, but they may help existing hair to grow in length although we wouldn't recommend putting Vicks onto scalps.
Alopecia areata cannot be cured; however, it can be treated and the hair can grow back. In many cases, alopecia is treated with drugs that are used for other conditions. Treatment options for alopecia areata include: Corticosteroids: anti-inflammatory drugs that are prescribed for autoimmune diseases.