Natural and Healthy Remedies for Mens Hair Loss

Since the introduction of Rogaine in the early 1980s, androgenic mediated hair loss, or male pattern baldness has been considered a treatable condition through the use of pharmaceutical preparations. The perception that over-the-counter and prescription drugs are the only means to successfully treat this type of hair loss is perpetuated by the lack of well-funded and publicized studies on the efficacy of natural treatments. However, as the understanding of the biological mechanism of male pattern baldness has become clear through a great body of research, the reality of an effective natural treatment regimen is at hand. After a review of the available natural products, some suggestions will be made for creating your own regimen for treating hair loss naturally.

The overall cause of male pattern baldness 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.

With regards to male pattern baldness, DHT binds to receptor sites on certain hair follicles. Though the exact means is not yet known, the hair follicle stops growing hair normally, shrinking and sometimes dying completely.

There are two areas of primary importance in establishing a program for yourself. ONE: limit the effects of DHT. This is done in two ways - first, limit testosterones conversion to DHT, and second limit the binding and activity of DHT at the hair follicles. TWO: Stimulate the follicles into a healthy, hair growing state. Sounds simple enough, yes?

The prescription drugs Finasteride and Dutasteride, both used for limiting benign prostate enlargement by reducing the production of DHT in the body have also been shown effective at preventing hair loss. Now, though years of study around the world, herbal extract combinations have also been found to have the same effect on the production and activity of DHT. The most important are Saw Palmetto, Pygeum and Nettle Root. These extracts work together to both inhibit DHT production and limit its ability to bind at sites like those on hair follicles. These herb extracts are commonly found together in supplements designed to support health of the prostate gland - they are best absorbed if found in an oil-base capsule.

Next, we want to stimulate healthy hair growth, even in follicles that may have stopped growing normal hair. Japanese researchers decided to test over one thousand different substances for their effect on hair growth. In a very detailed study, the clear winner was Procyanadins - compounds present in the highly esteemed antioxidant, Grape Seed extract. These procyanadins, also known collectively as polyphenols, actually stimulated the natural growth cycle of hair folicles at over twice the rate shown with Rogaine. With further testing, the scientists isolated the most important of the polyphenols, procyanadin B-2, which is found in highest concentrations in the extract from green, unripe apples. The activity of the apple polyphenols was further enhanced with the addition of Forskolin, from an Ayurvedic herbal extract which can be found under the name Foslean.

In addition to the polyphenols, certain essential oils alone and in combination can be effective at hair growth stimulation. In a Scottish study on alopecia areata patients, a blend of Lavender, Thyme, Cedarwood and Rosemary oils based in Jojoba and Grapeseed was found to significantly enhance the regrowth of hair compared to an application of just the base oils alone. Many essential oils, including lavender and rosemary, contain ketones, molecules that have been found to cause the skin to regenerate. Further, these oils could be enhanced with the addition of Rosehip Seed oil, which contains compounds similar to Retin-A, a pharmaceutical which has been used in combination with Rogaine for faster effects.

Given all this wonderful information, how does one combine them into an effective regimen? The best thing to do is keep it simple - the more simple it is, the more likely it is youll stay with it for the several months it will take to see significant effects. So, for the systemic DHT suppression and inhibition, look at formulas either designed specifically for hair, or those for the support of the Prostate gland - they will contain almost the exact same ingredients. Look for a high-quality supplement, with standardized Saw Palmetto extract, Nettle Root extract, and Pygeum extract. Do not take the un-extracted herbs, they will not likely be strong enough in doses you are willing to consume. Saw Palmetto can be consumed in doses between 160 and 320mg daily, Nettle Root a bit more, and Pygeum significantly less. They should be in a gel cap, preferably in Pumpkin seed oil. Take a separate Beta Sitosterol supplement, around 400mg daily, if it is not included already. This is typically found in dry capsules, and there have not been reports of the importance of consuming this in an oil-based capsule, though you can take it with fatty food if you want to be sure (this may help the absorption). Add an oral supplement of Green Tea extract, Grape Seed extract, or Apple Polyphenol extract if you like, along with a good multivitamin.

For the topical application, one can find natural hair care products on the internet using apple polyphenols, or you can make your own for less cost. Apple polyphenols are just now becoming available in bulk and in capsules. You can create your own topical blend by mixing these into water or an alcohol/water solution at 1-3% by weight (1 ounce of water weighs about 30 grams, so 1 gram of apple 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 laboratory). An herbal extract of Forskolin can also be added to enhance the effects. Finally, this can all be made in Nettle Root tea as the base, adding a DHT inhibitor to the blend. Try applying 2 - 3 times daily.

For the essential oils, the recipe used in the scientific study was as follows: 3 drops of essential oil of thyme, 3 drops of essential oil of lavender, 3 drops of essential oil of rosemary 3 drops of essential oil of cedarwood based in 1/8 cup of grapeseed oil and 1/8 cup of jojoba oil. Apply during the day some time, massaging into the scalp, and leaving in for 20 minutes to an hour, then wash out, or apply before going to bed. This will give enough time for the oils to penetrate the skin and have their effect. If you wish to further enhance this blend, you may squeeze some of the gel caps of Saw Palmetto et. al. into the oil, which can reduce the effects of DHT topically, in addition to the systemic effect of the oral supplements.

These are the basics for creating your own natural alternative health and wellness hair loss prevention and growth routine. However you combine these methods, be sure to stick with your program for at least three months before making a judgment call - it takes a little time to get those dormant hair follicles up and running again!