Male pattern baldness is the common type of
hair loss that develops in most men at some stage. The condition is sometimes
called androgenetic alopecia. It usually takes 15-25 years to go bald. However,
some men go bald in fewer than five years.
Typically, at first the hair begins to thin
(recede) at the sides (temples). At the same time, the hair usually becomes
thin on the top of the head. A bald patch gradually develops in the middle of
the scalp. The receding sides and the bald patch on the top (the crown)
gradually enlarge and join together, leaving a patch at the front. The patch at
the front eventually thins as well.
A rim of hair is often left around the back
and sides of the scalp. In some men, this rim of hair also thins and goes to
leave a completely bald scalp.
Causes
male pattern baldness
Hair is made in hair follicles which are like
tiny pouches just under the skin surface. A hair normally grows from each
follicle for about three years. It is then shed and a new hair grows from the
follicle. This cycle of hair growth, shedding and new growth goes on throughout
life. The following is thought to occur in men as they gradually become bald:
- Affected hair follicles on the scalp gradually become smaller than
normal.
- As the follicle shrinks, each new hair is thinner than the previous
one.
- Before falling out, each new hair grows for much less time than the
normal three years or so.
- Eventually, all that remains is a much smaller hair follicle and a
thin stump of hair that does not grow out to the skin surface.
Male hormones are involved in causing these
changes. The level of the main male hormone, testosterone, is normal in men
with baldness. Cells in the skin of the scalp convert testosterone into another
hormone called dihydrotestosterone. For reasons that are not clear, affected
hair follicles become more sensitive to dihydrotestosterone, which causes the
hair follicles to shrink. It is also not clear why different hair follicles are
affected at different times to make the balding process gradual. It is also not
clear why only scalp hairs are affected and no other areas such as the beard or
armpits.
The condition is hereditary (genetic).
Various different genes have been shown to be involved.
Remedies
for Baldness
1. Castor
Oil
Castor oil
is one of the natural cures for baldness and works as a humectant. It has been
used for several hair as well as skin problems. All you are required to do is
to pour some castor oil in your palm and gently massage on your head. This will
help in nourishing your hair and boost hair growth.
2. Red
Gram and Pigeon Pea
Red gram
becomes more effective when added with pigeon pea. For the treatment of baldness,
you need to make a thin paste by grinding red gram and pigeon pea. Apply this
paste on the affected area to see the after effects.
3. Aloe
Vera Gel
Being an
herbal plant, aloe vera is the most effective home remedy. It is used to treat
several health problems. Aloe vera gel helps in the growth of hair, naturally.
To cure baldness, place some aloe vera gel on the head and massage it gently.
The enzymes present in aloe vera will open up the clogged hair follicles. It will
also put a stop to hair loss.
4.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil
is one of the natural remedies for treating baldness. Simply dab some coconut
oil on your head and massage it gently. Coconut oil stimulates hair follicles.
Leave coconut oil overnight on the head and wash it off in the morning.
You can also
add a few drops of lemon juice in coconut oil. To prevent hair loss, massage
with the mixed oil.
5. Black
Pepper
Another
remedy for the treatment of baldness is black pepper. This essential ingredient
provides magical benefits. You need to prepare a fine smooth paste by crushing
some black pepper and lime seeds. Apply this paste directly on your scalp
spreading it evenly.
6.
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek
seeds are very effective in treating baldness. All you need to do is to grind
some fenugreek seeds to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste on your scalp,
especially bald patches. Leave it for one hour. During this one hour, scalp
will absorb the paste of fenugreek seeds. Rinse it with water.
7. Lemon
Lemon is the
most common remedy used for hair problems, like hair fall, dandruff, cradle
cap, dry hair, etc. To fight against baldness, lemon juice can be used with
various oils. You can add one teaspoon of lemon juice in two tablespoons of
olive oil. Applying this oil on the head promotes growth of healthy hair.
Lemon juice
can also be used with aloe vera gel. Just add lemon juice and aloe vera gel in
a proportion of 1:3. Stir it well and apply it on your head. Let it rest for 15
minutes. After a stipulated time, rinse your hair with a mild shampoo. For best
results, try this method thrice a week.
8.
Beetroot Leaves
Beetroot
leaves are the wonderful remedy against baldness. Boil some beetroot leaves in
water. When they become softer, grind them. Add henna during grinding
procedure. Apply this paste on the head and leave it for some time. Wash it
with lukewarm water.
You can also
prepare a paste by crushing beetroot leaves and raw turmeric. Add some water to
make a smooth paste. Apply it on the scalp.
9. Onion
The sulphur
present in onion helps in stimulating the blood circulation. It helps in
treating baldness. Simply extract juice from some onions by blending or grating
them. Mix a little quantity of honey in it and apply it on the scalp. Onion
juice helps in killing harmful bacteria and fungus from the scalp.
You can also
rub raw onion on the affected areas, two times a day, for 12-15 minutes.
10.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a
natural conditioner for hair. It is beneficial for curing baldness or hair
fall. Being a protein-rich food, yogurt prevents hair fall. Simply apply yogurt
on the head as a mask. You can also massage your scalp with yogurt for 15
minutes.
Simply
consume a cup of yogurt regularly to promote hair growth.
11. Honey
Honey is a
natural remedy for hair problems, like hair fall, dry hair, baldness, etc. You
just have to mix one tablespoon of cinnamon powder, two tablespoons of honey,
and two tablespoons of warm olive oil. Apply this mix on the affected area.
Leave it for 20 minutes. Wash it with clean water.
You can also
add a tablespoon of honey in a glass of brandy. Put a few drops of onion juice
in it. Rub this mixture gently on the head. Cover your head with a shower cap.
Leave it overnight. Next morning, rinse it with water.
Other than
this, you can also add one tablespoon honey in ¼ cup of onion juice. Massage
your scalp gently with this mixture.
Honey can
also be used with egg yolk for stimulating hair growth. Mix some honey in egg
yolk and rub it on your scalp. After 30 minutes, rinse with water.
To prevent
hair loss, you can add a few drops of lemon juice in honey and apply it on the
head. Honey can also be used with garlic for curing baldness. Make a paste by
crushing garlic and adding it in honey.
12.
Camphor
This
aromatic herb is the best natural treatment for baldness. Add four tablespoons
of curd in a bowl. Add four tablespoons of camphor in it. Mix it well and apply
the mixture on the head.
You can also
add one teaspoon of camphor in ½ litre coconut oil. Massage your scalp with
this oil before going to sleep. It will help in preventing hair loss and
dandruff.
13.
Coriander Leaves
Coriander
leaves are a natural remedy for curing baldness. You need to take some fresh
coriander leaves. Crush them to form a fine paste. Now, apply this paste on
head.
You can also
apply the juice of coriander leaves on the scalp to prevent hair fall.
14.
Liquorice and Milk
Liquorice
and milk together become a natural remedy for treating baldness. All you have
to do is to pour four tablespoons of milk in a bowl. Add two tablespoons of
liquorice powder in it. Stir it well adding a pinch of saffron
in it. Apply this natural blend on the affected area covering bald patches.
Leave it overnight and see the results.
You can also
use liquorice roots in place of liquorice powder.
15.
Spinach Juice
Spinach is
one of the best green leafy vegetables used for treating several health
problems, including cancer. For the treatment of baldness, you need to extract
fresh juice from spinach and drink it. Spinach
is rich in vitamins, calcium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
16.
Lettuce Juice
This remedy
suggests drinking lettuce juice regularly to promote hair growth. It is also
known for maintaining a healthy texture of hair.
A blend of
lettuce and spinach juice is very effective for treating the problem of hair
loss.
17.
Gooseberry Juice
Gooseberry
or amla is one of the most commonly used remedies for hair loss. Most of the
people recommend amla to cure various hair problems. Mix lemon juice and
gooseberry juice in equal proportion. Apply it on the scalp covering bald
patches.
Cut a few
gooseberries into pieces and dry them in the shade. Boil some coconut oil and
put those pieces in it. Boil it until the hard part gets cooked well and turns
dark. Gently massage your scalp with this oil.
Soak dried
gooseberries in water for the whole night. Rinse off your strands with this
water.
You can also
use gooseberry powder to make a hair-strengthening pack. Boil a cup of water
and add two teaspoons of gooseberry powder in it. Stir it well to make a smooth
paste. Add one teaspoon of honey and two teaspoons of yogurt in this paste.
Stir it well and apply it on hair roots and strands. Leave it for 30 minutes.
Wash it off.
18.
Mustard Oil
For treating
the problem of baldness, you need to boil a cup of mustard oil. Add four
tablespoons of henna leaves in it. Strain the oil and massage it on your scalp,
especially on the bald patches.
You can also
use mustard oil with remains of tobacco. Just crush leftovers of tobacco, which
is smoked in a hookah. Add this crushed powder in boiling mustard oil. Let it
cool down naturally. Gently massage it on the affected areas.
19. Red
Henna
To treat
hair loss, red henna is a very effective remedy. Spread some henna on scalp
evenly covering bald patches. Let it rest for one hour. Rinse your hair with
water. For best results, repeat this method after every 15 days.
20.
Almond Oil
To prevent
hair loss, almond oil is the best solution. Mix some almond oil with castor
oil. Massage this mixed oil on your scalp.
Almond oil
can be applied directly on the scalp. It is very light and helps in
strengthening hair. It promotes hair growth.
21. Kanta
Karika Juice
This remedy
suggests adding a few drops of kanta karika juice in honey. Use the mixture for
treating hair loss. For effective results, apply this mixture on the head on a
regular basis.
22.
Natural Concoction
To prepare a
natural concoction, you need to add two teaspoons of amla in 2 eggs. Add
shikakai and soap nut in it. Mix all the ingredients and apply it on the scalp.
After leaving for 30 minutes, rinse hair with a mild shampoo. To experience
effective results, use this remedy thrice a week.
23. Egg
Yolk
Mix egg yolk
with some honey and apply it on the bald patches. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Rinse it off. This will strengthen your hair.
You can also
apply plain egg yolk on the scalp. Beat an egg yolk until its texture gets
smooth and creamy. Apply it on your head for ½ hour. Use cool water to wash
your hair.
24.
Hibiscus
The
rejuvenating properties of hibiscus help in nourishing hair and preventing hair
loss. Put a glass of water to boil. Add some natural hibiscus flowers to it.
After cooling down, strain the solution and add a few drops of lime juice.
Apply it on the bald patches. Practice this remedy after shampooing your hair.
25.
Geranium Leaves
Geranium
leaves are also effective against baldness. You are required to boil some
geranium leaves in water for ten minutes. Apply the cooled solution on the
scalp and bald patches. You can also wash your hair with this solution.
REMEMBER
Although
male pattern baldness is a common and harmless condition, it can occasionally
be linked to metabolic syndrome. This is a combination of obesity, diabetes,
raised blood pressure and raised cholesterol. People with this syndrome have an
increased risk of heart disease. This link is most often seen in men who
develop baldness at a relatively young age.