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Over the last several years, there’s been a big growth in the amount of data showing the potential of natural treatments to stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth in the case of male pattern baldness. So where men have been relying on synthetic drugs to help their condition — mostly because large companies invested a lot of money both in production of these drugs, and their marketing — they can now confidently take the natural route. This is an overview of the supplements, herbs, oils and nutrients one should investigate for self treatment of hair loss.

The overall cause of male pattern baldness (MPB) is now well-known: this type of hair loss seen in about a third of the male population is mediated by the androgenic metabolite of testosterone known as dihydrotestosterone or DHT. The production of this now-infamous hormone increases later in life for many men, along with changes with the receptors for this hormone at the hair follicles. It is also the case that lower overall levels of “regular” testosterone are related to MPB as well.

Hair follicles shrink with continued exposure to the androgenic hormone DHT. Many follicles form small “villus hairs”, while others eventually die completely. Some researchers claim these follicles are still getting an adequate blood supply, while others note a waxy buildup or scar-like tissue surrounding the follicles, preventing adequate nutrient delivery. Thus, the localized cause of hair loss, at the follicle level, is still unknown. However, the factors (excessive binding of DHT at follicular receptor sites) leading to the miniaturization and death of the hair follicles are understood enough to develop an effective regimen for treatment.

When using a natural regimen to re-grow hair, genetically-related hair loss should be addressed on two fronts: reducing the production and effects of DHT, and stimulating the hair follicles themselves back into action. This is best achieved by a combination of internally ingested supplements and topically applied formulas.

There are now several well-known natural, plant-based products which either reduce testosterone’s conversion to DHT, block the binding of DHT to receptor sites, or both. The most well-known are Saw Palmetto Berry extract and Stinging Nettle Root extract. These to herbs work in combination to both block the conversion of testosterone to DHT and prevent it’s binding to receptor sites in the scalp . Other herbs and nutrients employed with similar functions include pygeum africanum, pumpkin seed oil, Beta-Sitosterol and Zinc (you’ll find many of these nutrients in “healthy prostate” formulas, which can be taken as effective hair-loss prevention supplements). Also, recent research has shown that men should consume Soy Isoflavones, as they are converted by beneficial bacteria in the gut to “equol”, a chemical which prevents the binding of DHT at follicle receptor sites.

Some nutrients seem to both reduce dihydrotestosterone production AND stimulate hair growth at the same time. The most well-know of these are the plant polyphenols from grape seeds and pine bark, though the most effective for our needs are from the skins of bitter young apples. Saw palmetto, supplemented in combination with grape seed extract was recently part of a patent for a hair loss treatment. Research has shown that topical application of polyphenols stimulates hair growth better than minoxidil, though liquid, topical preparations are hard to come by. Browse the internet for “apple polypheonols”, or make your own formula. Mix your chosen polyphenols into water or an alcohol/water solution at 1-3% by weight: 1 ounce of water weighs about 30 grams, so 1 gram of polyphenols in one ounce of water will produce about a 3% solution – more is not better here, as there was a drop-off in effectiveness with higher concentrations in the research.

Other proven-effective natural products include Emu oil, Flax lignans, green tea extract, taurine, coconut oil, and certain essential oils. Emu oil, massaged into the scalp daily has been shown to stimulate hair growth, even in frontal areas (though some folks are not fond of using animal products in this way). Flax lignans (a DHT production inhibitor) can be found as a supplement, or ground flax seeds can be ingested instead. Green tea extract reduces inflammation (suggested as the cause of hair follicle shrinkage), and taurine, an amino acid, inhibits the stiffening of hair follicles exposed to DHT.

In addition to these polyphenols, certain essential oils have also been shown to significantly increase hair growth. A group of patients with alopecia areata were treated with a combination of lavender, rosemary, cedarwood and thyme essential oils diluted in jojoba and grapeseed oils. Their scalp was massaged with this combination for two minutes a day with the oil left in for some time. After seven months, the treatment group showed significant improvement over the controls. Sage essential oil is also highly valued for stimulating hair growth. There are many recipes on the internet for making your own oil treatment formula, and this may be an excellent choice for the “topical” aspect of your program.

So how to combine all these into an effective hair growth program? Be sure you’re supplementing (or applying) DHT production inhibitors, binding inhibitors, and growth stimulators in the same regimen, and be consistent with your program for at least 3 months. Here’s an example: Take 2-4 capsules of a high-quality anti-DHT supplement (usually found as a “healthy prostate” supplement) daily; consume 2 tablespoons each ground flax seed and coconut oil daily; massage essential oil formula into the scalp each evening and leave on overnight. Want to go all out? Add 1 gram daily of taurine, a capsule of polyphenols (green tea, pine bark and grape seed extracts), and massage-in the polyphenol mixture every other night.

There’s an incredible wealth of information available online if you’d like to learn more. Get inspired! There’s been a lot of positive research indicating that natural supplements and topical formulas can be as effective, if not more so, than prescription or synthetic preparations. And in the long run, these may be healthier for you. Whatever combination of herbs, nutrients and oils you chose, just be sure to stay consistent for several months, and enjoy the process!

The author has made available much information about aromatherapy, such as using clove and other high quality essential oils.

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