THINNING HAIR? 4 UNCONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS WORTH KNOWING

Not ready to do the big chop? Cutting all your hair off can be an obvious solution but not if you just want to improve hair health. It is possible to save your hair and restore it back to a state of fullness with four unconventional treatments.

1. Polygonum Multiflorum: This ancient Chinese root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and typically addresses hair loss. This root can not only slow down the process of hair loss but support the regeneration process. In addition to increasing blood flow in the scalp, and preventing the early death of cells, the herb can block the impact of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone. This hormone can cause the shrinkage of hair follicles causing hair to grow back thinner over time. Polygonum Multiflorum also activates hormone signals responsible for repairing and growing cells. Using this herb can come with health risks as it does affect the liver and may cause digestive issues. The best way to use this product is as a shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, or hair oil.

2. Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT): Low-Level Light Therapy is considered to be more effective than just your average red light therapy. LLT uses light wavelengths ranging from red to innfrared to stimulate hair growth. The light comes out of the laser diodes and penetrates into the scalp promoting cellular activity in the tissue. In addition to slowing down hair loss progress, the therapy has shown that it can grow the hair back thicker.

3. Topical Melatonin: Is your hair thinning hereditary? Are you experiencing massive shedding? Melatonin does more than just help you sleep. Topical Melatonin when applied to the scalp can protect the hair follicles from oxidative stress and other environmental factors. It is thought that since there are melatonin receptors found in dermal papillae, melatonin binds to the receptors to encourage hair growth.

4. Hair-Stimulating Tablets: Looking for a non-surgical, painless option? There are natural supplements you can get over the counter to promote hair growth. Be very vigilant about your research and always look up which brands are actually effective for women and what health risks certain medication may carry. Drug-Free options like Nutrafol are formulated with vitamins and botanical extracts. If you take the capsules, you can grow your hair back naturally over months. 

When it comes to thinning hair, regardless of whatever method you pick make sure to always consult a dermatologist on what treatment is best for you. What treatment is most ideal will be dependent on factors like sensitivity, age, and health risk side effects.

Sources:

Facial Aesthetics Inc, "5 Hair Loss Treatments That Work Without Surgery" 

American Hair Loss Association, "Understanding the Differences Between Red Light Therapy, LED Caps, and Low-Level Light Therapy Devices for Hair Loss" via Ahla

Women's Health Mag, "An Herb Used In Traditional Chinese Medicine May Reverse Hair Loss, Says New Research" via Korin Miller

ScienceDaily "Ancient Chinese medicine could transform hair loss treatment." KeAi Communications Co., Ltd..