This Morning: Liz Earle discusses supplements for hair loss
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The impact of hair loss is not confined to physical change – self-confidence can also take a hit. The market for hair loss treatments will therefore continue to grow as more people become affected. Natural products are endlessly appealing because they tend to be non-invasive and do not come with nasty side effects.
A study published in the journal Toxicological Research suggests lavender oil contains hair-growing properties.
Lavender oil is an essential oil derived from the lavender plant.
It is commonly used to alleviate skin complaints, such as acne, but the benefits may extend to hair loss.
The purpose of the study published in Toxicological Research was to determine the hair growth effects of lavender oil in female mice.
Lavender oil was topically applied to the backs of the mice once per day, five times a week, for four weeks.
The changes in hair follicle number, dermal thickness, and hair follicle depth were observed.
The dermal tissue, which is situated at the base of the hair follicle, is responsible for hair growth.
By the end of the study, the mice that received lavender oil showed a significantly increased number of hair follicles, deepened hair follicle depth, and thickened dermal layer.
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“These results indicated that lavender oil has a marked hair growth-promoting effect,” concluded the researchers.
They added: “Lavender oil could be practically applied as a hair growth-promoting agent.”
Tried and tested treatments
There are things you can try if your hair loss is causing you distress.
But most treatments are not available on the NHS, so you’ll have to pay for them.
It’s important to note that no treatment is 100 percent effective.
According to the NHS, finasteride and minoxidil are the main treatments for male pattern baldness.
Male pattern baldness is a permanent type of hair loss that usually runs in the family.
“Minoxidil can also be used to treat female pattern baldness. Women should not use finasteride,” warns the NHS.
Some wigs are available on the NHS, but you may have to pay unless you qualify for financial help.
Other hair loss treatments include:
- Steroid injection – injections given into bald patches
- Steroid creams – cream applied to bald patches
- Immunotherapy – chemical applied to bald patches
- Light treatment – shining ultraviolet light on bald patches
- Tattooing – tattoo used to look like short hair and eyebrows
- Hair transplant – hair is removed from the back of the head and moved to thinning patches
- Scalp reduction surgery – sections of scalp with hair are stretched and stitched together
- Artificial hair transplant – surgery to implant artificial hairs.
Some of the above treatments may not be available on the NHS.
Losing hair can be upsetting – for many people, their hair is an important part of who they are.
“If your hair loss is causing you distress, your GP may be able to help you get some counselling,” advises the NHS.
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