Hair Growth Oil: Does it Really Work?
Folks who struggle with hair loss have heard it all.
They’ve tried the supplements, the health tonics, the acupuncture, and nearly every other natural method under the sun to bring back hair.
But hair oil is one of those things that often go overlooked, and in a battle against hair loss, every little advantage counts.
Today we’re looking at which hair growth oils make the most positive impact on the health of your hair, and how you can see tangible results if you pick the right ones.
Light Essential Oils
In decades past, you had to drive across town and navigate the aisles of an oddball health shop to find essential oils, but times have certainly changed. Now, these products are everywhere and are made affordable for everyone to enjoy.
The question is, do oils really do what they say on the bottle and help you grow back hair?
Let’s just start off by saying we’ve seen mixed results.
Essential oils have a basic definition: oils that are extracted from plants through the methods of distillation or evaporation.
We’re talking about lemongrass, thyme, peppermint, and any other naturally occurring plant species you can think of.
To administer these products to the scalp, you simply mix a few drops in with carrier oil like coconut or olive oil to give it some extra substance and reduce how potent the essential oil extracts are, then you gently massage the scalp with the mixture. Just a few times a week and you can see results.
What kind of results, you may ask?
At the top of our list is tea tree oil, which you may be familiar with if you’ve struggled with dandruff or scalp irritation in the past.
Instead of buying pricey shampoos with trace amounts of tea tree oil, we suggest picking up a bottle of the real, unadulterated thing.
It will last you much longer, cost you way less, and give you a better chance at seeing real results. Plus, you get that amazing tingly sensation that feels so clean and nice.
Our next favorite is lavender oil, which showed impressive hair growth results when tested on lab mice. Its hygiene-boosting properties are great to use after a tough workout or day on the job when you need some extra punch to clean up the scalp.
Finally, we recommend you pick up a bottle of peppermint oil, which is just as soothing and refreshing as it sounds.
When tested on mice, this stuff boosted the growth phase of the follicle cells, mimicking products like Minoxidil, and producing a similar effect for fighting hair loss.
The beauty of these natural products is that you create a unique regimen that delivers real results over time. It just takes some patience and some trial and error.
There is one pretty major caveat to using hair growth oils that you should note: allergic reactions are a real possibility, and it’s important to watch out for anything unusual. Rashes, acne, and irritation can happen if your body rejects these oils, and it’s important that you identify early on which products are not for you.
Luckily, these are not toxic substances by any means, and the risks are ultimately very low. Always try these oils one at a time to see if you react well, then add them to the mix.
Heavier Solutions
If you’ve tried all the oils and tinctures from the health food store and still aren’t seeing the results you want, it may be time to turn things up a notch.
Hair growth shampoos, conditioners, and other over-the-counter products pack more of a punch, without forcing you to get a prescription from the doctor.
One product we’ve seen clients have success with is zinc shampoo. Shampoo with the specific element Zinc PCA has been very helpful in fighting dandruff and promoting overall scalp health.
Dandruff is definitely an enemy when it comes to maintaining a healthy head of hair since it causes us to scratch to no end.
Zinc is an essential mineral that helps nearly every aspect of our physical health, supporting metabolism, bone strength, and our immune systems. It makes sense that it would contribute to a healthy and flake-free scalp, and so supplementing with a zinc shampoo can be a great way to fight balding.
The best part is that there are countless products on the market that don’t require a doctor’s prescription. You are free to try them all and see what works.
Just be aware that zinc shampoo is generally going to function as a preventative measure, rather than something that can reverse the effects of balding.
If you are in a position where you still have most of your hair but anticipate a drop off at some point soon, this is going to be a must-buy product to keep in the shower.
Doctor-Recommended Treatments
As hair restoration experts, we know that while store-bought solutions can help, they aren’t going to make a dramatic impact on balding in the long run.
This is doubly true for individuals who have already experienced a large amount of hair loss in the front and back of the scalp, and who are generally past middle age.
If you find yourself in this situation, more serious options can do the trick.
One of the most widely-prescribed drugs in the hair loss industry is called Finasteride, an oral tablet containing powerful DHT blocking ingredients. Not only does Finasteride help slow the impact of androgenetic balding, but it has also been shown in several clinical trials to help promote growth in follicles thought to be no longer functioning.
Let’s be clear: this is not a magic pill. But millions of men swear by Finasteride to deliver results year after year.
Luckily, it’s more available and affordable than ever before. Just consult with your doctor before starting on any medication like this.
Consider a Permanent Change
We definitely won’t stop you from trying oils, shampoos and lifestyle changes to help fight hair loss–in fact, we’ll often recommend trying that first.
But as men become older, these natural solutions just don’t pack as much of a punch.
It’s no wonder why surgical measures such as Follicular Unit Excision have reached new levels of popularity over the past few years, with people across the globe loving their results.
Technologies have improved, surgical best practices have been established, and the recovery phases from these surgeries are relatively easy.
By all means, use all the natural oils you want to try and help make some small improvements in the short term, but if you think it’s time to make a real, substantive overhaul to your hair, definitely look into a type of transplant surgery.
Just make sure you connect with a clinic with a proven track record of success and plenty of solid testimonials that reflect a top-tier level of work.
Conclusion
When it comes to hair restoration, the presiding philosophy across the industry is pretty simple: if it works, it works!
Never once should a medical expert steer you away from taking advantage of what nature has to offer, especially if it makes you feel good and has no real negative impacts.
But to be 100% honest, the vast majority of the hair growth oils you find online and at the health shop is not going to do much in terms of bringing your hair back once it’s lost.
If you’re ready to take your hair restoration strategy to the next level, consider linking up with an industry professional and see how you can finally make some big strides.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-hair-growth