5 Natural Home Remedies for Thinning Hair & Hair Loss

Medical Disclaimer: Freebird provides general information, not medical advice. For any health or medical advice, consult a licensed healthcare professional

As I write this, I remember noticing hair loss decades ago. My first reaction was to find the best products to promote hair growth and treat hair loss.

After trying numerous commercial solutions, I discovered that natural home remedies can be equally effective in stimulating hair follicles and addressing thinning hair and hair loss.

In this article, I'll share five natural remedies that have shown promising results in promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss. Let's dive in!

Determine the Cause of Your Thinning Hair and Hair Loss

Knowing the cause of your hair loss or hair thinning will determine what remedies you can use to boost hair growth.

Pattern Baldness

If it's male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss, let's face it, there's no cure for our hair loss. It will progress from the early stages of the Norwood scale until you reach the late stages. You can use hair growth products to stimulate hair growth or promote hair growth all you want, but sadly, the results will be the same.

Had I known this back then, I wouldn't have wasted time, money, and effort on hair growth products.

It's clear to me now that all the testimonies of hair growth and hair loss being solved by this and that hair growth product were of people who didn't have male pattern baldness like me. The causes of their hair loss were most likely what we'll discuss next.

Tight Hairstyles

If you wear a tight hairstyle or a tight hat, you can trigger traction alopecia. This condition causes hair loss by placing excessive pressure on the hair follicles.

To prevent this, avoid tight hairstyles and wear looser headwear.

If you've experienced hair loss because of this, your hair will grow back (assuming you don't have pattern baldness). You can choose from the best natural remedies for hair growth, which we'll recommend later.

You can read our article on tight hats and hairstyles to learn more.

Medication

Some medicines, including those for arthritis, blood pressure, seizure, heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, lupus, cholesterol, and diabetes, may cause hair loss.

The good news in this case is that hair loss is temporary. It's called drug-induced alopecia.

Hair may grow faster with the help of hair products that promote hair growth.

Read our article to learn more about medication that may cause hair loss.

Cancer Treatment (Chemotherapy)

Chemotherapy is synonymous with hair loss. When you watch movies or TV shows about cancer patients, what do they have in common? They always have shaved heads. Chemo drugs target the bad cells during treatment but also affect the good cells, including hair follicles.

Hair loss due to chemo can be partial or complete, and not just on the scalp. The good news is that it is usually temporary. Once you're done with the treatment, hair will likely grow back within a few months.

If you want thicker hair and more hair density, you can use products that promote hair growth (keep reading).

Stress

Stress causes a temporary form of hair loss known as telogen effluvium. Hair loss occurs a few months after a stressful event (divorce, unemployment, illness, or surgery) and can last up to six months. But don't worry, hair will eventually grow back on its own.

You can use supplements to improve hair growth and achieve faster results.

Smoking

Research shows that smoking can increase the risk of androgenetic alopecia and accelerate balding. If you don't want your hair follicles to be gone in 60 seconds, you better stop while you are ahead. It's better for your overall health anyway.

The Holistic Approach to Regrow Hair Naturally

Restoring our hair follicles requires a holistic approach to achieve better results. Combining natural oils and supplements may help with hair thinning and beat hair loss faster than a single treatment. Here's what I recommend:

Rosemary Oil - Best Natural Hair Oil

Rosemary oil is a potent essential oil that's synonymous with hair growth. It boosts circulation and stimulates hair follicles, which helps solve most hair-thinning problems.

One study shows that rosemary oil for hair loss produces the same results as 2% minoxidil. Minoxidil is one of the top medical treatments for hair loss. It can promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp.

This natural hair remedy promotes hair growth, reduces dandruff, and soothes an itchy scalp.

How to use:

• Dilute a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil

• Massage into your scalp for 5 to 10 minutes

• Leave on your scalp for at least 30 minutes for better absorption before washing it out with shampoo

Use a high-quality rosemary oil like this one from Mielle Organics for the best results.

Pros:

• Enhances blood flow to the scalp
  
• Strengthens hair follicles
• Reduces dandruff and scalp irritation
  
• Effective as medical treatments

Cons:

• Long term use to see results
• Need to dilute with carrier oil
• Strong scent may not be for everyone

Who It's For: Rosemary oil is for anyone looking for a natural, proven remedy for thinning hair and those with an itchy or flaky scalp. It’s also for people who are willing to be patient and stick to a routine.

Scalp Massage - Best Natural Treatment

Scalp massages help you relax and have been shown to increase blood flow to the scalp, helping regrow hair naturally. This Japanese study even showed scalp massages increased hair thickness.

I get a scalp massage once a week, which helps me relax after a week of work. If you can massage daily, that would be better.

If you're doing the massage, remember to apply gentle pressure. Aggressive rubbing may damage your hair and sensitive scalps.

Here are some scalp massage oils you can use:

• Rosemary oil

• Jojoba oil

• Coconut oil

• Sweet almond oil

• Avocado oil

• Grapeseed oil

• Olive oil

Some tips when using oils on your scalp:

• You may warm the oil a little before applying for better absorption

• Massage using gentle circular motions

• Leave oil for 20 to 30 minutes before shampooing out

Pros:

• It's free and natural (if you, your spouse or family does it for you)
• Helps relax
• Increases blood flow to scalp
• Improves hair thickness

Cons:

• Results are not as dramatic as other treatments
• Requires consistency to be effective

Who It's For: Scalp massages are for anyone who wants a simple, no-cost way to improve hair health and thickness. It’s great for people who are stressed and looking for a relaxing solution for hair thinning.

Chia Seeds - Best Natural Hair Growth Supplement

Chia seeds have been a staple in my diet for years. These tiny little seeds are a powerhouse rich in essential fatty acids (Omega 3), protein, amino acids, and minerals necessary for hair health.

They're an excellent addition to our holistic approach to naturally restoring hair health and boosting growth.

Here's how you can add chia to your diet:

Chia water: Soak chia seeds in water for at least 20 minutes for a simple and refreshing drink. As the seeds absorb water, they will have a gel-like texture. You can flavor it with lemon, lime, or fruit slices.

Smoothies: Chia seeds can also be blended with your favorite fruits, veggies, yogurt, or milk for a nutrient-rich smoothie.

Chia pudding is a classic chia preparation. Soak chia seeds in milk overnight. Top with your favorite fresh fruit, nuts, granola, or honey during breakfast.

Oatmeal: Stir in chia seeds into your oatmeal for a protein-rich snack

Salads: Top chia seeds onto salads for a nutritious boost

Energy bars: Homemade energy bars are another way to add chia to your diet

For more hair vitamins, you can read our article on scalp vitamins and supplements to learn more.

Pros:

• Easy to add supplement
• Strengthens hair
  
• Promotes hair growth
  
• Lowers scalp inflammation
  
• Adds shine
  
• Great for overall health

Cons:

• Hair growth effects are indirect (doesn't directly stimulate hair follicles)

Who It's For: Chia seeds are for people who want to boost their hair health from the inside out and those looking for a simple, healthy dietary supplement.

Pumpkin Seed Oil - Best DHT Blocker Oil

Don't throw your Halloween pumpkin leftovers away just yet. The seeds are said to block the formation of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), a hormone known for male pattern baldness.

A study shows that men with male pattern baldness who took 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil supplement had more hair growth than those who got a placebo. The hair growth-promoting effect was due to pumpkin seed oil's ability to block DHT production.

How to Use:

• Warm the oil and apply directly to your scalp

• Mix with carrier oil like jojoba oil or coconut oil (optional)

• Leave for 15 minutes and shampoo out

Pros:

• Natural DHT blocker
• Prevents hair loss
  
• Stimulates hair follicles
  
• Contains zinc, iron, and magnesium, which are beneficial for healthy hair
  

Cons:

• Taking the right amount gets results (400 mg.)
• Effectiveness varies from baldie to baldie

Who It's For: Pumpkin seed oil is for those who are in the early stages of male pattern baldness looking for a natural way to potentially slow down hair loss.

Coconut Oil - Best Oil for Repairing Hair Damage

Coconut oil is a common ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, gels, and other haircare products. Have you ever wondered why?

Coconut oil has many hair-related benefits. It contains fatty acids (lauric acid) that are said to improve hair health.

Another study shows the potential effect coconut oil has in preventing hair damage.

How to Use:

• Warm coconut oil before using by placing a teaspoon into a bowl filled with warm water (not boiling)

• Add a few drops of rosemary oil, lavender, or peppermint for a more potent blend

• For better absorption, apply at night and shampoo off in the morning

• Use a little amount to avoid buildup or clogged pores

Pros:

• Widely available and affordable
• Helps heal damaged hair
  
• Hydrates dry scalp
  
• Reduces dandruff
  
• Base for other treatments like rosemary oil

Cons:

• Greasy and may clog pores

Who It's For: Coconut oil is for anyone with damaged, dry, or brittle hair. It's a perfect choice for people looking to improve the overall health and feel of their hair.

The Best Alternative Solution: Shave It Off

What hair regrowth results do you expect when you use hair loss products? For me, I wanted or expected a full head of hair back. Pattern baldness makes you look old and untidy, especially when the horseshoe gets bigger.

In my experience, products promoting hair growth only restore a minimal percentage of hair. This is not enough for me aesthetically; you're still balding and progressing with minimal hair regrowth.

I finally shaved it off when I reached stage 6 on the Norwood scale.

It set me free!

I said goodbye to worrying about balding and embraced a new look.

Head shaving requires the best tool for shaving your head.

Pros:

• A lifetime solution that frees you from hair loss stress
• Fixes balding problem and boosts confidence
• Gives a clean, neat, and younger look

Cons:

• May be too aggressive for some
• You can't change your mind and grow hair overnight

Who It's For: Shaving is for anyone experiencing hair loss who are tired of fighting it and want to embrace a new, confident look.

We recommend the FlexSeries Pro from Freebird. It's one of the top-selling rotary shavers and is the upgraded version of the bet selling FlexSeries shaver.

Get one now for $.

The Bottom Line

If hair thinning is affecting your mental health, don't worry.

If it's not male or female pattern hair loss, natural remedies for hair loss may promote hair growth naturally.

Be patient with natural hair growth treatments. Compared to medical treatments, they usually take longer before you notice improvements.

If medical treatments are ok with you, you can read our article on the most effective hair loss treatments.

FAQs

Can You Really Grow Hair Back Naturally?

Yes, you can use natural remedies to help your hair grow back, as long as the hair loss isn't caused by genetics. The key is to find the right remedies that work for you, like using rosemary oil or getting a good scalp massage. These natural treatments often focus on stimulating your hair follicles to promote new growth.

Can Stress Cause Hair Loss?

Yes, stress can cause temporary hair loss. It can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, where your hair sheds more than usual a few months after a stressful event. Your hair will typically grow back on its own once the stressful period is over.

Are There Any Natural Remedies for Hair Loss That Actually Work?

Yes, some natural remedies like rosemary oil and pumpkin seed oil can be effective. Rosemary oil has been shown to be just as effective as some medical treatments, while pumpkin seed oil may help block the hormone that causes pattern baldness. 

Which Oils are Best for Hair Loss?

Rosemary oil and pumpkin seed oil are two of the best oils for hair loss. Rosemary oil boosts circulation and stimulates follicles, while pumpkin seed oil may help block DHT, the hormone that causes pattern baldness. Coconut oil is also great for repairing damaged hair.

Does Shaving Your Head Stop Hair Loss?

No, shaving your head doesn't stop hair loss. It just creates a new look that allows you to embrace being bald. Shaving your head doesn't affect your hair follicles or change the underlying cause of your hair loss.