Hair loss treatments do not inspire much confidence because the processes involved in hair loss are complex. It is often caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors.
Eminent scientists are still trying to understand the mechanisms involved, so products claiming to combat hair loss should receive a healthy dose of skepticism.
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However, research can help separate bogus products from those that actually help you overcome this problem.
Studies have found a number of natural solutions that can effectively attack the specific causes of hair loss.
One of the most surprising revelations is the role that garlic extract can play in inhibiting alopecia areata.
Alopecia areata is a autoimmune conditionwhich means that the body’s own immune system attacks healthy hair follicleswhich makes ite become much smaller and drastically slow down production to the point where hair growth can stop.
According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, patchy alopecia areata is characterized by one or more hairless patches the size of a coin on the scalp or other areas of the body.
So what does the research say?
A study published in Kufa Medical Journal set out to determine the efficacy of topical garlic extract in the treatment of alopecia areata.
Ten patients complaining of single or multiple patches of alopecia areata in the scalp region (a total of 18 patches) were enrolled in the one-year study.
All patches were treated with topical garlic extract twice daily for two months.
Regrowth of coarse terminal hairs (coarse, pigmented hair found on the scalp) was assessed every two weeks.
All patients responded to treatment and hair growth began at the end of the second week in eight patches, within four weeks in seven patches and within six weeks in three patches.
The researchers concluded that garlic is an effective and fast topical treatment for alopecia areata. It’s cheap, it’s available and has negligible side effectsthey noted.
More conventional treatments for alopecia areata
According to the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), treatments that are available include:
Steroid creams and scalp applications.
These are applied to bald patches, usually twice a day, for a limited time.
Local steroid injections.
These can be used on the scalp and eyebrows and are the most effective method for small patches of hair loss.
The injections can be repeated every four to six weeks and are stopped once regrowth is achieved.
A small dimple may develop at the injection sites, but this usually heals after a few months.
Special care should be taken around the eyes when injecting into the eyebrows, as injecting too much can cause glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eyeball).
Steroid tablets.
Large doses of steroid tablets can cause hair to grow back, but when treatment is stopped, alopecia often returns.
Taking steroids by mouth over a period of time can cause many side effects, including high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach ulcers, cataracts, and osteoporosis, as well as weight gain.
Dithranol cream.
Usually used to treat another skin condition called psoriasis, this cream causes skin irritation and occasionally appears to stimulate hair growth when applied to bald areas.
There is only weak evidence for this, but it is safe to use, so doctors can offer it.
Dithranol stains the skin and hair a purplish-brown color, which is particularly prominent in blondes.
Contact sensitization treatment.
This involves making the patient allergic to a substance (usually a chemical called diphencyprone) and then applying very weak concentrations of this chemical to the bald patches, usually once a week to maintain mild inflammation.
Side effects of possible itching, blistering, and enlarged glands in the neck can be bothersome.
Some people may develop generalized eczema.
Loss of skin color (depigmentation) may develop, so it is used with caution in dark-skinned people.
This treatment is only available in specialized centers.
Treatment with ultraviolet light (PUVA).
This involves taking a tablet or applying a cream that makes the skin sensitive to light, and then exposing the bald patches to ultraviolet light two or three times a week for several months.
Relapse of alopecia is common when treatment is stopped.
There is also a possible long-term risk of skin cancer.
Minoxidil lotion.
This is available without a prescription.
If applied to bald spots, it can help some people, but the hair is usually fine and it doesn’t do much good.
Immunosuppressive tablets.
These tablets include sulfasalazine, methotrexate, cyclosporine, and azathioprine.
They suppress the immune system and are occasionally used to treat severe alopecia areata that has not responded to other treatments.
Evidence that they can cause hair regrowth in alopecia areata is limited and these tablets may have potentially serious side effects.
Prostaglandin analogs.
This includes eye drops, latanoprost, and bimatoprost which can cause hair growth on the eyelids; however, more studies are needed to confirm its effect on scalp alopecia.
Tofacitinib, ruloxitinib and baricitinib are potentially new immunosuppressive tablets for alopecia areata.
Treatments are not yet available as more studies are needed to confirm their beneficial effects for alopecia areata.
Additionally, topical formulations of these medications are also being studied for their effectiveness in treating alopecia areata.
Some people with alopecia areata will prefer to wear a wig while waiting for recovery.