Over time, our hair can lose its natural shine and vitality. Known as hereditary androgenic alopecia, this condition—often referred to as male and female pattern baldness—affects many individuals as they age. To better understand how herbal remedies can help combat this issue, let’s delve into the science behind its origins.
The dermal papilla, a small bulb located at the base of each hair follicle, is particularly responsive to hormones and other substances produced or ingested by the body, which directly influence hair growth.
Genetic factors leading to a receding hairline, common in men, or hair thinning across larger areas of the scalp, which is more typical in women, result from hormonal fluctuations triggered by an enzyme in the dermal papilla known as 5-alpha-reductase.
This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and since women often have a greater number of androgen receptors in their follicles that DHT attaches to, they are more susceptible to hair loss. An excessive amount of DHT can damage hair follicles and shorten the active growth phase, leading to thinner hair and eventual hair loss. Therefore, products that inhibit this enzyme hold the greatest potential for stopping, slowing, or even reversing hair loss.
Preserve Your Hair
A promising new addition to the hair care sector is flaxseed lignan extract, rich in a phytoestrogen known as SDG, which has been shown to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase. Additionally, ingredients that contain compounds capable of reducing excess cholesterol (which serves as a precursor to testosterone) can help limit DHT production, benefiting hair health.
A blend of B vitamins, folate, and biotin enhances the absorption of these herbal extracts and promotes the growth of strong, healthy hair. Research into the effectiveness of various combinations of these ingredients is currently being conducted in clinical studies, as well as in vitro and preclinical tests.
Since hair typically grows about one centimeter per month, it may take up to three months before a decrease in hair loss becomes noticeable, with new growth possibly evident within four to six months. However, should treatment cease, the hair loss pattern is likely to gradually revert to its original state.
Natural Hair Remedies
Herbal ingredients that have been utilized for over a millennium to address hair loss include:
- Fenugreek seed extracts
- Saw palmetto berries
- Pygeum bark
- Pumpkin seeds
- Burdock root
These herbal products contain important components such as:
- Saponins
- Sterols
- Flavonoids
- Alkaloids
- Free fatty acids
