This remarkable study suggested a benefit for essential oils for some individuals with alopecia areata. I advise patients to rub the following essential oil mixture on their scalp: 1 ml lavender, 1 mL thyme, 1 mL rosemary, 1 mL cedarwood oil in 100 mL jojoba. These are rubbed daily on the scalp.
Included in a mixture with lavender and rosemary, cedarwood extract was also found to reduce hair loss in those with alopecia areata. Mix a few drops of cedarwood essential oil with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil of your choice. Massage it into your scalp, and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it out.
Mix equal parts of camphor oil, castor oil and coconut oil for hair growth and massage it onto your roots and hair. Heat this hair growth oil before use, so that it effectively penetrates the scalp.
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.
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.
There is currently no cure for alopecia areata, although there are some forms of treatment that can be suggested by doctors to help hair re-grow more quickly. The most common form of alopecia areata treatment is the use of corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can suppress the immune system.
Onion juice has been shown 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.
One of the most widely used and proven treatments is minoxidil (Rogaine and various generic products). It's available in liquid, foam, or shampoo options. Stronger forms of minoxidil are also available by prescription. Minoxidil may cause side effects like skin irritation or unwanted hair growth on skin near the scalp.
If you're not into DIY, you can add essential oils to your favorite natural hair products. Just don't apply essential oils directly onto your scalp, as this can cause burning, redness, or irritation; always dilute first!
Massage the oil into your scalp
You can dilute lavender essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil. You should mix the essential oil and carrier oil in equal parts. This is best to do following a bath or shower. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse out afterward (if desired).
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.
Massage the oil into your scalp. You may feel a tingling, minty sensation. Leave the treatment on for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash your hair with shampoo. If the menthol sensation gets too intense for you, add other oils to balance the effect or wash your scalp with shampoo immediately.
“Alopecia areata may be reversed through diet, possibly with antioxidants or an anti-inflammatory diet, probiotics, zinc, biotin and healthy oils,” Kimberly Langdon, MD, an OB/GYN based in Ohio who works at Medzino, tells WebMD Connect to Care. Add probiotics to your diet.
Natural remedies include probiotics, zinc and quercetin supplements, ginseng, essential oils like lavender and rosemary oil, stress relievers, anti-inflammatory foods and acupuncture.
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.
The plants with the most evidence-based effect against alopecia are Curcuma aeruginosa (pink and blue ginger), Serenoa repens (palmetto), Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin), Trifolium pratense (red clover), and Panax ginseng (Chinese red ginseng).
“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.
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.
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.
Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, and Olive Oil
There is a reason these three oils are so popular for treating hair loss: they work. Coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil all have nutrients that help improve scalp health, fight dandruff, and promote hair growth.