Alopecia Areata Natural Treatments: Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Medically reviewedby Dr. Amy Revene M.B.B.S.
WrittenbyLuat Duong
Last updated

Are you searching for effective natural treatments for alopecia areata? You're not alone. 

Many people are turning to natural remedies to combat hair loss caused by this condition. 

In this article, we’ll explore various natural treatments that can help manage and improve alopecia areata, making your hair care journey easier and more natural.

What is alopecia areata?

alopecia areata natural treatments

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss, usually in small, round patches on the scalp. This condition can affect people of all ages and genders, often starting in childhood. 

While the exact cause remains unknown, genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role. In some cases, the hair may grow back, while the loss can be permanent in others. 

Understanding alopecia areata is crucial in exploring effective treatments, including natural remedies that many find helpful in managing the condition.

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What causes alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is caused by genetic and environmental factors that trigger the immune system to attack hair follicles. Here are the leading causes:

  • Genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of developing alopecia areata.
  • Autoimmune response mistakenly targets hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
  • Stress and traumatic events can potentially trigger or worsen the condition.
  • Viral or bacterial infections might play a role in some cases.
  • Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, can influence hair loss.
  • Exposure to environmental factors or toxins may contribute to the onset of alopecia areata.

Do home remedies work for alopecia areata?

alopecia areata natural treatments

Home remedies can provide some relief for alopecia areata, but their effectiveness varies from person to person. Many people find that natural treatments help manage symptoms and promote hair growth.

Since alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder, it can be difficult to treat. However, some natural treatments have shown promise in relieving hair loss. For example, essential oils such as lavender and rosemary applied to the scalp can promote hair growth in some people, according to Dr. Jerry Friedman of North Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

9 natural remedies for alopecia areata

Exploring natural remedies for alopecia areata can help manage symptoms and promote hair growth. 

Here are nine effective options:

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help promote hair growth and soothe scalp irritation. 

Applying aloe vera gel directly to the scalp can reduce redness, inflammation, and dandruff, creating a healthier environment for hair follicles to grow.

2. Onion juice

Rich in sulfur, onion juice can help regenerate hair follicles and improve circulation to the scalp. Sulfur boosts collagen production, which in turn promotes hair growth. 

To use, blend an onion, strain the juice, and apply it to your scalp for about 15-30 minutes before washing it off with a mild shampoo.

3. Essential oils

Essential oils like rosemary, lavender, and peppermint can stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health. These oils increase blood circulation to the scalp, providing nutrients to hair follicles. 

According to Ghanima Abdullah, a cosmetologist, pumpkin seed oil helps nourish hair follicles, while black seed oil strengthens them. Peppermint oil not only stimulates hair follicles but also helps hair stay in the follicle longer, even in cases of alopecia areata, potentially halting the hair loss process.

4. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid and can penetrate the hair shaft to reduce protein loss and strengthen hair. It also has antibacterial properties that help maintain a healthy scalp. Regular massaging of coconut oil into the scalp can nourish hair and improve overall health.

5. Green tea

The antioxidants in green tea can help stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss by inhibiting DHT production. 

Drinking green tea daily or using it as a hair rinse can help protect hair follicles and promote regrowth. Simply brew a strong cup, let it cool, and rinse your hair after shampooing.

6. Ginseng

Ginseng can help stimulate hair growth by improving the health of hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp. Ginseng supplements or topical treatments can support hair regrowth and overall scalp health.

7. Fish oil

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil can help improve hair density and reduce hair loss. These essential fats nourish hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth.

Consuming fish oil supplements or including fatty fish in your diet can provide these benefits.

8. Garlic

Garlic has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can strengthen hair and prevent hair loss. Applying garlic-infused oil to the scalp can boost circulation and encourage hair regrowth. 

Crush a few garlic cloves, mix with carrier oil, and apply to the scalp, leaving it on for about 30 minutes before washing off.

9. Licorice root

Licorice root can help open pores and strengthen weakened hair follicles, promoting hair growth. It also soothes the scalp and helps alleviate dandruff and scalp irritations. 

Use licorice root powder or tea in a hair mask or rinse to support hair health and regrowth.

Conventional treatments for alopecia areata

Conventional treatments for alopecia areata offer various options to help manage and potentially reverse hair loss and patchy bald spots. Here are some of the most common treatments:

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a topical solution applied directly to the bald patches of the scalp to stimulate hair growth. It is widely used for treating alopecia areata and increases blood flow to hair follicles, prolonging the hair's growth phase. 

Although results vary, many people experience noticeable hair regrowth after consistent use.

Finasteride

Finasteride is an oral medication that helps prevent hair loss by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair thinning. It is commonly prescribed for male pattern baldness but can also be effective for some cases of alopecia areata. 

Users typically see results after several months of treatment.

Dutasteride

Dutasteride, like finasteride, inhibits the production of DHT but is considered more potent. It is used to treat hair loss in men and can be an option for those who do not respond to finasteride. 

Regular use can lead to significant hair regrowth, although it may have more side effects.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Low-level laser therapy uses red light lasers to stimulate hair follicles and promote growth. This non-invasive treatment increases cells' blood flow and energy production, which can help revive dormant hair follicles. It is a safe option for many people and can be done at home or in a clinical setting.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP therapy uses the patient's own blood, processed to concentrate platelets, which are then injected into the scalp. These platelets release growth factors that stimulate hair follicles and promote new hair growth. 

PRP is considered a natural treatment with minimal side effects, often showing promising results after a few sessions.

Hair Transplant

A hair transplant involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body to the balding areas. This surgical procedure is often considered when other treatments have not been effective. 

The transplanted hair follicles grow naturally and provide a long-term solution to hair loss, though the process can be costly and requires a recovery period.

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Conclusion

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss, often in small patches. Natural remedies like aloe vera, coconut oil, and onion juice can help manage symptoms and promote hair growth. 

Conventional treatments include medications like minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride, as well as therapies like low-level laser therapy, PRP, and hair transplants. 

Our Bio-Pilixin® Serum, developed with stem cell technology, has shown clinical results in reducing hair loss and encouraging new hair growth within 45 days.

Try Bio-Pilixin® Serum today for a natural and effective solution to hair loss.

FAQs

1. What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp and other body areas.

2. Are natural remedies effective for alopecia areata?

Natural remedies like aloe vera, coconut oil, and onion juice can help manage symptoms and promote hair growth, but their effectiveness varies from person to person.

3. What conventional treatments are available for alopecia areata?

Conventional treatments include minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, low-level laser therapy, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, and hair transplants.

4. How does Bio-Pilixin® Serum help with hair loss?

Bio-Pilixin® Serum uses stem cell technology and plant growth factors to nurture hair follicles, reduce hair loss, and promote new hair growth, with clinical results visible in as little as 45 days.

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5939003/ 
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537000/ 
  3. https://www.naaf.org/studies/ 
  4. https://www.naaf.org/alopecia-areata/ 
  5. https://news.yale.edu/2022/03/26/new-trials-alopecia-areata-treatment-are-success
Luat Duong

Luat Duong is a Copenhagen-based writer and content strategist specializing in hair loss and health. His work has been featured in MyHealthGuide, The Right Hairstyles, and Woman's Era. He is a graduate of Vaasa University. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.