One of the only things men seek advice from me for is hair loss or thinning hair. OK, occasionally they want job seeking advice, but MAINLY they all want the same thing: A way to keep their hair forever. One of the biggest beauty problems men face is baldness with approximately 40 percent of men experiencing hair loss by age 35. Whether it's from genetics, poor diet, or inflammation which can be caused by a plethora of factors males can face baldness sooner than women. While it's been ingrained in most women's brains to obsess over preventing aging before it happens, men tend to ignore thinning hair and a decreased hairline until it's too late. Even with all the natural remedies available, science still claims that the only cure for hair loss is a hair transplant.
That, my friends, isn't necessarily true. There are cheaper tools that exist in nature for both men and women who suffer from hair loss. Recently, instead of facing the crabby gal again at the drug store, a pal recently came to me for a natural solution. Whenever dudes ask me for beauty advice they usually corner me and I make the assumption that they are in need of a loan or have to hide a dead body and my mind starts to race because of the severity in their face. This time was no different: "I will loan you up to $500 dollars no questions asked, but you didn't get the money from me," I rambled in fear. "No, I think my hair is thinning and I want to find a way to stop it before I go bald." That's when I breathed a sigh of relief, because frankly? I got this shit.
In addition to the obvious cause of baldness or thinning hair (aging), other causes such as stress on the scalp and overall hair care routine can lead to premature baldness in men and women. The trick is getting the baldness before it hatches, so to speak. A simple change in pattern and process can turn those thinning patches into a bed of thick locks.
Personally, I'm about preventative measures; I like to zap beauty anguish before the going gets too tough. These hair growth remedies will help promote healthy growth now: Ain't nobody tryin' to purchase Rogaine for hair loss before the age of 50.
1. Jamaican Castor Oil
Jamaican Black Castor Oil, $10, Amazon
The oil from this beautiful flower is well known to plump up thinning hair, moisturize hair follicles, and cure bald spots. Get your sweetie (or yourself) to the beauty supply store because this thick oil will keep you looking and (most importantly) feeling young in no time.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary is a great preventative measure for baldness. The many health benefits of rosemary make this herb arguably one of the best at stimulating hair growth. Plus, you don't even have to add an extra step to your hair care routine — just throw a bit of rosemary into your conditioner. Bonus: Rosemary is also known to ward off gray hair. Not that gray hair can't be sexy as hell...
3. Apples
Nature's favorite fall candy contains vitamin B2, plus they have arguably one of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit. In fact, a recent study found that apples generated new hair growth in 70 percent of men ages 21 through 29. Puree some apples to turn them into a mask, and apply once a week.
4. Coconut Oil
Bad diets are a common reason for hair loss. While heart disease may still be far off in your future, you may find that once-full head of hair starting to feel a little thin. The first rule of healthy, growing hair is treating our scalp with just as much care as we typically treat our face. Coconut oil protects skin from free radicals and repairs damage. Apply a tablespoon of coconut oil before bed time and rinse out in the shower to start getting full locks out of that dire situation.
5. Aloe Vera
According to Medical News Today, over 50 percent of men suffer from pattern baldness while women commonly suffer from hormonal hair loss, such as alopecia. Aloe contains vitamin E which is incredibly nourishing for a sad scalp in need of some moisture, but the polysaccharides and glycoproteins are known to incite hair growth. Aloe can be used in addition to a conditioner or on its own as a hair sealant.
6. Honey
Raw, unprocessed honey contains moisturizing and antimicrobial properties that will inspire even the saddest bald patch into growing new, healthy hair. Since our hair faces several toxins throughout the day that strip our hair of its ability to grow, honey can promote hair growth by planting those nutrients back in your scalp. Add some into your shampoo to counteract the drying effect some cleansers have.
7. Lemongrass
Speaking of antimicrobial agents, lemongrass can strengthen hair follicles while creating a healthy bacteria-free environment for hair growth. Much like your grass isn't going to grow or get any greener on unhealthy soil, the same can be said for significant others' hair loss. Add a few drops of lemongrass to conditioner or coconut oil daily to accelerate serious gross.
Image: Tippi T, umstwit, Kabsik Park, craigles75, Josh Pesavento/Flickr; Kristin Collins Jackson; Giphy
