Almost all hair loss in men results from male-pattern baldness, a genetic trait. Other causes include certain medications, too much vitamin A, or not enough protein. Illness or stress can lead to sudden, heavy shedding called telogen effluvium. Certain medications also cause it. The good news, however: hair loss that isn’t from male-pattern baldness often reverses itself, and there are many natural ways to help prevent it. Nutritional therapy consultations are designed to find the reason behind an individual's hair loss and therefore find a unique way to support you through diet, supplement and lifestyle advice.

Male pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss and is related to both genetics and male reproductive hormones. It can start in your twenties but by the age of 50, the majority of men experience it. Also called male androgenetic alopecia, it can start as either a receding hairline, thinning of the hair or a bald spot that develops on the crown of the skull.

Hormones and hair loss in men

Hormones are your body's chemical messengers. With male-pattern baldness, a hormone called DHT causes hair follicles to shrink. Eventually, they get so small that no hair can grow in them.

Natural remedies to try for hair loss in men

Massage:

Massaging the scalp stimulates the hair follicles. A study found healthy Japanese men who received 4 minutes of scalp massage each day for 24 weeks had thicker hair at the end of the study [i]

Nutrient dense diet:

Ensure you include iron-rich foods, including lean beef, beans, green leafy vegetables, iron-fortified grains, and eggs. Be careful when supplementing iron as levels can get too high this way. Try a gentle formula of iron.

Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, flax seeds, egg yolks, hemp seeds, and walnuts. You can also supplement with fish oils or vegan omega 3.

Ensure you include high protein foods, like eggs, lean meats, and seafood. Bone broth and protein powders are a great way to boost protein intake.

Reduce stress

Hair loss may be a result of a stressful lifestyle. Reduce stress by:

• regularly exercising
• listening to music
• practicing yoga
• relaxing/ meditating/ getting enough sleep

Use oils:

Coconut oil, castor oil, and olive oil are widely recommended. Coconut oil - lauric acid in coconut oil can penetrate inside the hair shaft and reduce protein loss from hair[ii]. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid. This is an omega-9 unsaturated fatty acid that’s been loosely linked to changes in two substances that are thought to affect hair growth[iii]. Extra virgin olive oil in hair does encourage hair growth and health: it reduces hair loss by preventing the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, from binding to the scalp, and olive oil contains antifungal properties and moisturizer that stimulate hair production, also.

Saw Palmetto:

Studies show that it may help with hair growth while having few side effects[iv]. This effect may be achieved by potentially preventing the body from converting testosterone into DHT, saw palmetto may prevent hair loss. Try A Vogel Saw Palmetto (50ml)

Green tea:

Compounds present in green tea show promise as a natural remedy for hair loss[v].

Hibiscus:

Studies completed on mice showed positive effects on hair follicles[vi]. Try Honey and Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor 473ml (16oz)

Probiotics:

Incorporating probiotics into your daily routine may provide benefits for hair health and contribute to a fuller, healthier-looking head of hair. Try Glow (60 Caps)

Quit Smoking:

There’s a clear link between lighting up and how fast male-pattern baldness gets worse. So if you’re looking for one more good reason to quit, add early hair loss to the list.