This blog explains homeopathy for hair loss, its causes, symptoms, risk factors, management & best medicines.
Hair loss refers to the loss of hairs from the body, especially the head and scalp. Hair loss can be mild or severe depending upon the involvement and rate of hair loss.
Hair loss can cause people to become psychologically distressed. Hair loss is not associated with inflammation or scarring.
Hair loss is a very common issue typically faced by adults but it can affect children also.
With approximately 100,000 hairs on the head, the everyday loss is about 50 to 100 hairs, which is normal. Usually, new hairs replace the lost ones.
The problem arises when new growth is affected due to a variety of reasons. Hair loss can be gradual or sudden in onset. It can be temporary or permanent depending upon the cause.
Let’s discuss all aspects of hair loss.
Types of Hair Loss
There are a few main types of hair loss.
1. Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder. In this type, the body’s immune cells start attacking the hair follicles due to unknown reasons.
This results in loss of hair in patches. The intensity can be moderate to severe. This may lead to permanent baldness or total hair loss.
People suffering from alopecia areata may experience hair loss from their eyebrows, eyelashes and other parts of their bodies.
2. Androgenic Alopecia
Androgenic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss. It affects nearly fifty per cent of the population.
It is a hereditary type of hair loss i.e., male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. The onset of Androgenic alopecia is gradual.
The patient might notice symptoms as early as 6 to 11 years or at puberty. Male pattern baldness causes hair loss or bald patches on the centre of the head and temple areas (sides of the head).
The female pattern baldness causes hair thinning on all the parts of the scalp.
3. Anagen Effluvium
This type of hair loss occurs after chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Anagen effluvium causes rapid loss of hairs.
Hairs will regrow after this type of hair loss or when the treatment stops.
4. Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a type of sudden hair loss that occurs after any physical or emotional shocking event, extreme illness or stress.
Telogen effluvium is also caused by hormonal changes such as pregnancy, childbirth and menopause.
Endocrine disorders, hormonal pills, endocrine disorders can also cause Telogen effluvium.
The use of certain medications can also cause this type of hair loss, for example, thyroid medications, beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, oral retinoids etc.
Telogen effluvium is a self-limiting disorder.
5. Tinea Capitis
Tinea Capitis, also known as ringworm of the scalp causes itchy scalp and hair loss. It is a type of fungal infection that can lead to bald patches in the head.
The size of the bald patches gradually increases over time. The head turns grey or red with itchiness and tenderness.
The hair becomes brittle and breaks easily.
6. Traction alopecia
This type of hair loss occurs due to tight hairstyling. When there is increased pressure and tension on the hairs then it may lead to Traction alopecia.
Causes of Hair Loss
Let’s discuss the causes of hair loss.
1. Dieting
Dieting leads to weight loss and rapid weight loss causes hair loss.
2. Hairstyles
The use of excessive heat and hair styling products can cause hair loss.
The chemicals and gels might contain some constituents that may lead to hair loss.
3. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
People who are on radiation therapy and chemotherapy treatments are at greater risk of hair loss.
However, in most cases, the hair will regrow after the treatment stops.
4. Extreme physical stress
Events such as losing weight, childbirth, rapid weight loss, surgery and anemia can also lead to hair loss.
5. Mental stress
Going through severe mental stress such as losing a loved one also causes hair loss.
6. Hormonal changes
Sudden or gradual hormonal changes in the body, for example, pregnancy, menopause.
7. Thyroid problems
Thyroid gland issues i.e., hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism also cause hair thinning and hair loss.
8. Certain medications
People who are on long-term treatment such as arthritis treatment or consuming birth control pills at also prone to hair loss.
Hair Loss Symptoms
Symptoms of hair loss usually include losing more than 100 hairs per day. Although it can be easily noticed, in some cases it can be difficult to identify.
The widening part increases on the head while parting the hairs. When the patient combs the hair, the margins become more visible.
The hairline recedes. The hairline appears higher than usual is a symptom of hair loss.
The hairs become loose when the patient tie it or more hairs will come out in the comb after using it.
The patient may notice bald patches on the scalp. It can vary in size.
If there is some underlying cause to the hair loss, such as infection then the hair loss will be associated with itching, pain and tenderness on the scalp.
Risk Factors for Hair Loss
Let’s discuss major risk factors for hair loss.
1. Aging
People over 40 are more likely to suffer from hair loss in comparison to young people. Nowadays, the incidence of hair loss is increasing in the 25 above age group also.
2. Pregnancy
These days post childbirth hair loss is also very common.
3. Chronic illness
People suffering from chronic illnesses of any kind are also at risk for hair loss.
4. Family history
Family history plays a major role in hair loss issues. If the grandparents or parents have a history of hair loss then the child is more likely to suffer from it.
5. Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a major risk factor for hair loss problems in children or teenagers.
6. Poor lifestyle
People who do not properly care for their hair, use too many hair styling products are also at a greater risk for hair loss.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of hair loss is important for getting proper treatment. The patient must visit the doctor when he notices any of the hair loss symptoms.
The doctor will take the medical history and examine the scalp. If necessary, the doctor will recommend a certain blood test to diagnose any nutritional deficiencies.
In some cases when the hair loss is associated with itching and pain then the doctor may advise you skin biopsy.
A small sample from the scalp will be taken for laboratory investigations to identify the exact cause. It will also detect any autoimmune condition if present.
Hair Loss Management
There are a few tips to be followed to manage hair loss and fast recovery.
Eat a balanced diet. To prevent hair loss from nutritional deficiencies it is important to maintain a healthy diet including enough irons and proteins.
Avoid Hairstyling. Using too many heat products and chemicals on the hairs make them easier to break. Hairstyling tools such as blow dryers, heated combs, hair straighteners, bleaching, colouring should be avoided.
Be gentle with hairs. After washing the hairs, pat it dry with a soft towel. Do not rub it vigorously.
Use medicated shampoo. Use gentle and medicated shampoo and wash the hair only when necessary.
Best Homeopathic Medicines for Hair Loss
Homeopathy offers a holistic approach to the treatment of hair loss. Homeopathy is capable of curing hair loss with treatment from the root cause.
There are a lot of Homeopathy remedies that can easily cure hair loss at any age. Let’s discuss top Homeopathy remedies for hair loss.
1. FLUORIC ACID: For Alopecia areata
Fluoric acid is a very beneficial Homeopathy remedy for the treatment of hair loss that occurs in spots.
This is indicated for people who suffer from chronic illnesses, especially typhoid. People who feel weak and exhausted after their chronic illness.
They are not fully recovered from their past illness. The patient notices small bald patches on the scalp which can gradually increase in size.
The hair gets thin and brittle and is prone to easy breakage.
Potency and dosage:
Fluoric acid 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Fluoric acid 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Fluoric acid in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
2. PHOSPHORUS: For itching and hair loss in bunches
Phosphorus is one of the best Homeopathy remedies for hair loss. The patient suffers from itching of the scalp.
The hair falls out in large bunches. The patient complains of dandruff. The hairs fall out easily and in large bunches.
The patient may complain of premature greying. The tenderness of the scalp is also present. The constitution of the patient is tall and slender.
Mentally the patient is very sensitive. The symptoms get worse due to mental stress. Phosphorus can cure this condition very well when the symptoms match.
Potency and dosage:
Phosphorus 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs.
Phosphorus 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Phosphorus in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
3. WIESBADEN: For regrowth of hairs
Wiesbaden is the best Homeopathic remedy for the regrowth of hairs. People who have trouble with hair regrowth can be benefitted from this remedy.
It is also helpful for people who suffer from scalp infections. The patient complains of intolerable itching and pain.
Large boils can be found on the scalp. Hairs grow much more rapidly and fall more rapidly. The new growths are darker and soft which gradually become hard and brittle.
The hair becomes thin and brittle and is prone to easy breakage. Wiesbaden works rapidly and improves the rate of hair regrowth.
When symptoms match, Wiesbaden is capable of curing hair loss problems with efficiency.
Potency and dosage:
Wiesbaden 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Wiesbaden 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Wiesbaden in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
4. LYCOPODIUM: For premature baldness and grey hair
Lycopodium is a very beneficial remedy for people suffering from great falling out of hair.
The patient complains of grey hairs at a very young age in life.
He may also complain of loss of hair at a young age. The patient lacks self-confidence.
Patients under continuous mental stress with complaints of hair loss can be benefitted from this remedy. The patient notices bald spots in his head.
The hair becomes thin and falls out in bunches. The patient may experience itching due to an infection in the scalp.
Lycopodium can treat greying of hairs and baldness occurring at a young age. It is also helpful for hair loss after childbirth.
Potency and dosage:
Lycopodium 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Lycopodium 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Lycopodium in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
5. PHOSPHORIC ACID: For hair thinning and hair loss
Phosphoric acid is a great Homeopathy remedy for hair loss where the patient suffers from hair thinning and baldness early in life.
The hair turns grey earl in the life. The patient is full of grief and sorrow which might be the cause of hair loss.
The patient is suffering from chronic illnesses. When these symptoms match, phosphoric acid is the best choice.
Potency and dosage:
Phosphoric acid 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Phosphoric acid 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Phosphoric acid in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
6. SILICEA: For hair loss due to malnutrition
Silicea is a very popular remedy in Homeopathy for hair loss due to malnutrition. It helps in strengthening the hair and providing nutrition to the hair.
It works as a growth enhancer. It is also helpful who children who suffer from hair loss.
The patient may experience a scalp infection. Silicea is capable of treating grey hairs permanently by correcting bodies nutritional state.
Potency and dosage:
Silicea 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Silicea 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Silicea in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
7. NATRUM MUR: For hair loss with skin disorders
Natrum Mur is a wonderful Homeopathic remedy used for the treatment of hair loss due to skin disorders, scalp infection or dandruff.
The patient complains of a scaly and rough scalp. It is more frequently used for sensitive and emotional women.
Small children also get benefitted from this remedy. It is also capable of treating hair loss occurring due to an imbalance in the hormones or menstrual disorders. It is helpful for hair regrowth. Natrum Mur patient complaints of dry crusts on the scalp.
Potency and dosage:
Natrum Mur 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Natrum Mur 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Natrum Mur in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
8. KALI SULPH: For hair loss due to dandruff
Kali Sulph is best indicated for hair loss cases where the cause is dandruff or some other skin disorder.
The hair loss occurs in patches causing bald spots in the head. The patient may complain of pain and tenderness in the scalp.
It is capable of treating excessive dandruff problems. By correcting dandruff, kali sulph helps in preventing and treating further hair loss.
Potency and dosage:
Natrum Mur 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Natrum Mur 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Natrum Mur in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
9. VINCA MINOR: For hair matting with corrosive itching
Vinca Minor is an excellent remedy for patients with hair loss who have an irresistible desire to scratch the head.
The patient complains of bald spots on the head. The patient suffers from a scalp infection. The hair gets matted together.
The scalp itch corrosively. Vinca Minor is capable of treating difficult cases of hair loss.
Potency and dosage:
Vinca Minor 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Vinca Minor 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Vinca Minor in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
10. MEZEREUM: For hair loss with pustular eruptions on the scalp
The head is covered with scaly eruptions and white scabs. The head is full of thick leathery crusts under which pus collects.
Mezereum is indicated for hair loss patients who suffer from skin infections. They easily get affected by pustular eruptions on the skin.
The hair becomes glued together and fall off in bunches. When these symptoms are found, Mezereum is the best choice.
Potency and dosage:
Mezereum 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Mezereum 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Mezereum in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
Remember that homeopathic remedies are prescribed based on individual symptoms and characteristics. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified homeopath for proper evaluation and personalized treatment. Homeopathy focuses on treating the whole person, so a detailed case study is necessary to select the most appropriate remedy.
Homeopathic medicines should be taken only when prescribed by a homeopathic physician. Self-medication may aggravate the original conditions.