The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Iodine
Posted by Sandra (Gwent, South Wales) on 02/23/2009
★★★★★
30 years ago my son lost his hair through nerves he was only 8 year old at the time, a old lady told me to rub in white iodine every night which i did, within 6 week his hair was so thick, i also had very weak nails the iodine strenghened them, now i am in my 60s my hair is thining out and i need to get some white iodine, please tell me where i can buy white iodine. i cannot buy it in the uk. any one know where i can buy it?
TCM
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn.) on 01/10/2009 489 posts
Hello Al,
Are you using a dandruff shampoo such as Head & Shoulders, Zincfrin or any other shampoo with the same active ingredients.
When I was using them, I found myself losing hair until it suddenly dawned on me that it had started a few weeks after switching shampoos. Worked fine for the dandruff, but the hair loss stopped when I threw out the dandruff shampoo. I know several other people who lost hair from the same products. I find the dandruff problem was corrected by using 50/50 apple cider vinegar and warm water final rinse after shampooing.
TCM
Posted by Vee (Ft. Hood, Tx) on 01/26/2011
Well, my hair has been always been thin on the sides, but for the past 5 years since I was diagnosed with fibroids, I see that my thinning has become worse. I was diagnosed with anemia because of the fibroids & I thought this & the medicine that I was on caused the hair loss. Recently, it has become really bad & I almost have no hair on the side of my head but fortunately have enough hair to cover up the bald spot. I see that you mentioned that your hair loss got worse when you used dandruff shampoo. Well, I have had so many changes happen in my body due to this illness & dandruff is one of them & I have been using Head and Shoulders Every time I shampoo, and my hair loss has been worse. So I'll stop using it & try other remedies mentioned here and update when I see results!
Selenium, Coconut Oil
Posted by Dan (Bullhead City, Arizona) on 12/18/2008
★★★★★
I have found that taking Selenium nearly completely stopped my hair loss. With Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, I saw a little hair re-growth - not to mention a fantastic improvement in my overall skin and scalp health.
Mine is typical male pattern baldness, but it started when I was only 16 after a tough bout with Walking Pneumonia. I'm now 39 years old. Hair loss began early with me, most likely by way of an internal systemic fungal infestation that was allowed to flourish in the wake of the heavy antibiotics I was given for Pneumonia.
Read Ted From Thailand's comments on hair loss and causes. You need to detox and get heavy metals out of your body first, then treat with natural anti-fungal remedies and supplements.
When taking 400mcg of Selenium and two to four tablespoons of Organic Virgin Coconut (internally) each day, I saw some very modest hair regrowth. Just some; not a lot. I also was taking as many tablets of Acidophilus as I could to fight fungus in the body, since I don't think there's a way to overdose on Acidophilus.
Consistency is the key. I am not as consistent as I need to be, unfortunately. To see real results, I have to take the Selenium and Coconut Oil each and every day.
Scalp itching is part of my hair loss, and treating itching topically with coconut oil helps a lot.
It is my hunch that if you have dandruff, acne, hair loss, brittle hair, flakes in your eyebrows and crust around your nose or in your ears, you probably have a fungal infection. Again, read Ted From Thailand's recommendations.
Cayenne and Vodka Scalp Treatment
Posted by Aine (Melbourne, Australia) on 07/22/2008
★★★★★
re: female hair loss: Hi all i have been suffering hair loss for quite some time and in some parts you could see my scalp, for 3wks now i have been mixing cayenne pepper and vodka together in a jar and massage in to my scalp it is very messy and don't get it in your eyes as it stings, i cannot get over in the short time i have been using it that i have new hair growing i am so excitied over it and shall keep use up to date on how its goin but so far its great. I use cayenne from supermarket mix it up the way you like it i put half cayenne in and half cup vodka then mix it up massage it in then i usually massage more cayenne just by its self your scalp should be tingling and quiet hot after that i put bit glad wrap over hair and put a woolen cap on take it of before you go to bed and put a towel around your pillow as it is messy in the mornin before i wash my hair i rub alot of it out then wash it do keep eyes closed. I do believe this as it is workin on me just to see new hair growin is amazing i am so happy give it a try and would love to hear if it works for others. goodluck. cheers.
Pine Tar Soap
Posted by Angie (South Pasadena, California) on 04/17/2009
★★★★★
Hi All. Neither one of my older sisters have had any problems with hair loss so I think my hair loss is due to some necessary medication I am taking. Anyway, the problem started once I started taking this medication. I tried the acv rinse and it didn't help. I also tried a lot of supplements but they made my acid reflux worse. Although I didn't expect much, I bought a bar of Pine Tar soap and used it to wash my hair. Ever since the first night, and it's been about a week and a half now, less hair has been falling out in the shower. The one exception is if I've been really stressed out in the twenty four hours since last washing my hair.
The only two complaints is the very strong scent of the soap and that it leaves a residue on your hair since it is made with coconut oil. My hair doesn't look greasy but it looks like it has less volume. Just today I went a step further by installing a shower filter. Even less of my hair fell out tonight in the shower and I am really pleased. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the two people who recommended these two remedies.
Sincerely, Angie
Fungal Hair Loss Remedies
Posted by Vinny (Atlanta, GA) on 04/15/2008
WARNING!
Please let your readers know that this combo should be used only if they know that hair loss is due to fungus & probably use a little once/week. I used this 2-3 times a week and my hair loss was not due to fungus and thus caused some of my hair to fall out.
Brushing Technique
Posted by Sad Ger (Singapore) on 08/19/2008
hi mdm, i would like to try your technique but forgive me, i do not really get what you meant. do i brush the scalp out to the hair tip in both direction? is that what u meant?
Brushing Technique
Posted by Norma (Austin, Tx) on 08/21/2008
I found the brushing technique quite interesting and am anxious to give it a try. I am 67 years of age and have started losing some hair, so hopefully this will help. Thank you for the info.
Brushing Technique
Posted by julie (Sydney, Australia) on 11/21/2008
Just to clarify - when I lean forward I hold my hair in one hand, start at base of scalp and kinda glide the brush through the hair to tips. Do I go round the side and front as well? So I'm not really touching my scalp with brush more like feeding my hair into brush at this point with not much pressure at all. More like I want to wipe my hair through the brush. I do this from base down to tip back, side and front. Then I stand up and apply pressure from front to back tips side to back tips and base underneath to tips. Is this correct? Thanks.
Brushing Technique
Posted by Ana (Linden, New Jersey, USA) on 05/14/2009
i have one question...ive heard about this technique and i really need to try something new for my hair loss,,,,but i have curly hair. Theres no way i can brush the curl...what is a subsitute for brushing?
Brushing Technique
Posted by Kamy (New Delhi, India) on 10/22/2011
Hi, I am 58 years old. I am losing my hair rapidly about 60% hair loss, specially from the crown.. Every time I touch my hair, I get two or three in hand. Do you think brushing technique will be of any help? Please Help. I am so worried.
Brushing Technique
Posted by Shoesan0 (Bath, England ) on 05/15/2012
Hi, can anyone tell me what sort of boar bristle brush to use? Flat, round etc? Many thanks!
Brushing Technique
Posted by Fox (Usa) on 06/21/2012
Marcus, can you share with the guys on here what your brushing technique is? How long do you brush a day? How long until you saw some progress? Thanks! I started brushing and my scalp LOVES it. Can't believe I didn't think of doing this. It's always the simple things....
Brushing Technique
Posted by Denise (Massachusetts) on 09/29/2018 25 posts
I brush my skin like this too and it feels so darn good! I think it wakes it up. What worries me is that I then shower in fluoridated water. Isn't fluoride just a most wicked thing to put in our water? Why do we accept this at all?
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Quetzalcoatl (Tampa, USA) on 01/31/2008
★★★★★
The men in my family lose their hair. As one of those men in the family, I did too and expected to do so..... No one really feels bad about it and each of us have enough "game" LOL that we never feel bad about ourselves THAT SAID Strangely it has not been in the usual MPB pattern .... Just a consistent thinning starting in the 30's..... SO for one month the guys decided to secretly agree on an experiment ..... every other day we pour aluminum FREE!!!! baking soda n our DRY hair, rub in into the scalp, let it sit for 15 minutes and wash it out (no shampoos ever and no metrosexual gel or styling!!!! THEN every other day we add 2 tablespoons of ACV to our tea with as much AGAVE nector to sweeten the flavor flav.(hehe) 2 months later we all noticed less hair falling out and NEW hair growth .... its been over a year and comparing pictures of the guys at thanksgiving the past year and pictures this year and the results are clear and affirmative. worked for us. IMPORTANT: we dont eat red meat.
Nettles
Posted by Tima (JHB, S. Africa) on 12/16/2007
★★★★★
Hi! Thank you for this informative and wonderful site. I have tried Ted's recommendations, used the vitamins as directed as well as the oils. my Hair seems stronger, however when I put ACV on hair seems to fall more rapidly. What I have been told really works, is a Stinging Nettle hair wash. Boil some fresh or dried Nettle leaves for a short time, and use as a hair rinse. You will like the results. Does anyone know about the Samson's secret treatment?
Nettles
Posted by Alena (Praha, Czech Republic) on 11/01/2012
★★★★★
Yes nettles work very well.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Pitbullblonde (Apache Junction, Arizona, Usa) on 09/27/2010
I would like to try the hair loss remedy of using borax and peroxide on my scalp, but was wondering if 1% peroxide would bleach out my hair - it's already blonde, and I don't want to go from pitbullblonde to pitbullplatinum overnight and have to explain my hair issues to my coworkers. Any and all information greatly appreciated, as I had always heard that peroxide would bleach out ones hair.
It's in the Water
Posted by Margaret (San Diwgo) on 10/25/2015
★★★★★
Fluoride in the water in United States cause hair loss to which is illegal in most countries in the world since it's not natural it's chemical waste.
It's in the Water
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 04/21/2018 2041 posts
Chlorine is damaging at excessive levels so it is important to filter your tap water and install a shower-head filter to remove Chlorine as well as other toxic halogens like fluorine, bromine, and fluoride. All these minerals and heavy metals are absorbed by the thyroid gland if there isn't enough Iodine in the diet, so in addition to filtering water, one must also supplement with Iodine/Iodide.
Maple Syrup and Herb Tea
Posted by Joseph (toronto, canada) on 06/20/2007
★★★★★
Dear Ted, i just wanted to say you are a genius, keep up the good work, people over profit. i worked with a master healer in vancouver BC and many of your remedies are the same as hers. She taught me how much dogma and false truths exist even in the alternative community. i have had some hair thinning over the years but have been able to maintain it to a slow loss and stabilization with adequate protein and minerals. My favorite mineral supplement is pure maple syrup suspended in a liquid such as herb tea. Here is a blend:
1 bag green tea with mint and
1 bag stinging nettles sweetened with maple syrup.
all water should be filtered with a brita filter.
thankx
Edgar Cayce's Remedies for Hair Loss
Posted by Jackie (Grand Rapids, Minn) on 11/27/2011
Just read on this site about splenda and hair thinning and loss. Thanks whoever posted this, I wasn't aware. I started using splenda 2 yrs ago, using it in coffee and baking. Claims to block the absorption of vit d and proteins and kills the good bacteria in the colon. I found other side effects others have complained of on the web I have some of them such as the feeling of water dripping somewhere on the body, night sweats( I even started sage capsules to cut down on the perspiration), itching ( which I thought was from dry skin) mental fogginess which I thought was just me. I cut it out completely this am and I do feel more focused. Thanks to all who post here.
Hair Masks
Posted by Mary Martinez (Arcadia, Ca) on 06/02/2025
★★★★★
Melatonin, Topical
Posted by BellaPaolina (Italy - IT) on 01/13/2025
As usual very interesting info, Art, Thank you for your research. Could you better explain how much melatonin should be used daily for stimulating hair growth? And give an example of a good carrier?
ciao from Italy
Paola
Melatonin, Topical
Posted by Frances (Cabarlah) on 01/17/2025
Art, I know a few women who are losing their hair post the cv19 jabs; is there a remedy for this type of hair loss.
Treat for Fluoride Toxicity
Posted by Epiphany (Chicago) on 10/03/2022
Our son, 24 is dealing with this condition. We attribute it to a whacked out immune system caused by tick diseases. Have you ever been bitten by ticks? The infections go into biofilm mode and your immune system gets whacked trying to eradicate things it cannot see. He also has chronic fatigue syndrome, and we recently moved to a very heavily fluoridated/chlorinated city. thanks for posting, I will look into the filters (we rent, not easy). He will not consider iodine, as he is oppositional due to a lifelong experience of me taking him to doctors who have, for one reason or another, not worked out.
Treat for Fluoride Toxicity
Posted by Connie (Horicon, WI ) on 10/11/2022
Sea Salt
Posted by lana (london) on 03/09/2023
Hi,
May I ask what type of salt did you add back and how much per day?
Did you just sprinkle it on your food or added to your water as well?
Thank you
Niacin
Posted by Ruth (Nm) on 01/02/2016
★★★★★
I tried numerous suggestions from Earthclinic and other sites to stop hair loss and none helped, but happily found something simple that works.
While searching for hair loss treatment shampoos I found many pleased with Argan oil, but that seems to be a fad now and the $30.00+ price tag, to me, supports that. I kept searching and discovered Niacin and caffeine shampoo by OGX (sold online and at Ulta Beauty stores) for $7.00. They also carry a conditioner with same active ingredients plus I found a $3.50 off coupon if I spent $10.00.
I thought, why don't I just take some niacin (not niacinamide)? There was a partial bottle of 250 mg niacin with 125 mg calcium I had for lowering cholesterol, I believe. After taking one per day for just 2 days my hair loss stopped. This is what I am taking same brand/dosage but mine is not the prolonged release just plain old niacin and calcium: http://www.swansonvitamins.com/21st-century-niacin-250-mg-110-tabs (and NOT the advanced formula either. they sure like to mess with stuff).
I didn't buy online, but from the corner pharmacy.
Previously, after running my hand through my hair I would find 5 or more hairs in my hand every time and all day finding hair fallout on the clothes I was wearing, in the sink etc. and a massive amount after washing my hair.
I have a disclaimer. I was taking Armour Thyroid and thought that was the hair loss culprit so I switched to Nutri-Pak Thyroid (get online) which has the same exact active ingredients and dosage per 130 mg pill as the armour 120 mg pill. I switched only 2 days before taking the niacin. (I phoned my doctor's office and told them I'm doing it so they would have on record.) I could not determine if that made a difference and I have often read that the thyroid med stays in one's system for days or longer.
I believe the niacin is what helped and am interested in knowing if taking niacin to reverse hair loss will help others. My Google searches support the benefits of niacin for hair, skin and circulation.
Castor Oil
Posted by Marvin (Philippines) on 11/09/2015
★☆☆☆☆
I'm using castor oil for about 1 year and still no luck for stopping the hair fall. But still I'm hoping for a good result, so I still using it. Now I can see my hairline is higher of 1 inch the normal I had before.
Onion Juice
Posted by Reader (Summerville) on 02/16/2024
A hot onion, rather than a sweet onion, as the sulfur is probably the important component. But any type likely works.
Hair Loss and Hormone Issues
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 03/27/2013
Googling around again and one site said to no longer use soap or shampoo on hair but 1/2 cup soda in 1 1/2 cups water and massage in scalp and then rinse with cold water as little as needed and don't mess with hair much, combing , curling , styling , but massage head once in a while until improvement shows.... Hope this helps.
Protein
Posted by Good Light (Granola Munching Tree Hugger Ville, Oregon) on 01/25/2013
★☆☆☆☆
Hi everyone. Thanks for sharing your great information. My hair started falling extremely fast when I started a new physical training program 10 years ago. I thought the hair loss was due to the new exercise stress on my body, but it turned out to be the supplements I was taking. It contained Creatine which was supposed to help with muscle recovery. Once I stopped taking creatine, my hair stopped falling out. I read that Creatine increases testosterone in women which can cause hair loss. Since I haven't taken the supplement in 10 years, I think there has to be a different issue now. Now, my hair goes through severe cycles of loss and growth. I was on progesterone replacement for a while which increased my hair growth, once I was "level" and stopped the supplement, growth stopped. I do think taking creatine was the initial cause and perhaps whatever change in my body for the hairloss to continue. I am taking the ACV and baking soda for Barretts esophagus and GERD. I am hoping the hair growth will be a pleasant side effect. My best wishes for you all to find your cure. :)
Supplements
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 01/25/2013
Hi, I think it could be the lysine. Try taking b50 or b100 and eat eggs.
Cold Showers
Posted by Om (Hope, Canada, Bc) on 01/10/2013
★★★★★
Hair Loss:
I had the same symptoms. I remembered then that hot water is for cleaning but COLD water is for toning and healing for such things. Slowly turn the shower head to cold as you wet your hair (make sure you are not feeling chilled at the beginning) try cold water for about one to two minutes, then towel dry. Remain in temperate surroundings and repeat the towel drying process until you know you could not catch cold.
Repeat this procedure and you will feel the wonderful effects of natural treatment and increased blood circulation and a feeling of well being.
In addition I use urea with great benefit. This is, however not for those that do not know anything about it. I also use coconut oil, undiluted ACV, and colloidal silver in case there might be a parasite infestation. In addition I chew soaked fenugreek seeds, a good teasp. Daily for diabetes but it makes also the hair grow. This may take some months as the action is at first in the hair follicles. Good luck and patience. The itching and burning disappeared quickly at the outset. Om
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Aurora (Palo Alto, Ca) on 11/29/2012
★★★★★
Hi, I just thought I'd share my success with growing out my hair (even if not intentional). It used to be thin and stay shoulder length, it would break off, very fine and dry. This was when I was in my twenties and part thirties. Now, five years later, my hair is shiny, wavy and fairly thick, I cut it about a foot (12inches) every 9 months or so, it reaches my waist right now.
This is what worked:
1. stopped using commercial shampoo.
2. only wash with a natural shampoo with low alcohol content once a week (I started doing this after a trip to Italy, when I got some advise from a lady with enviable curly hair to her hips. She says shampoo is the worst enemy of hair; it strips it of nutrients, opens the fibers and makes it vulnerable to break off).
3. wash everyday (if needed) with a natural, low alcohol content conditioner, or even better; an olive oil based cleaner like available in Italy (not available were I live, so I realized I could use a lightweight conditioner). The reason the conditioner cleanses is that if you think about it; oils cut (mix with) oils. What we want to cleanse is the amount of oils in our hair, right? We don't want to strip out all the good oils from the hair, that makes it break... (commersial or harsh shampoos)
4.Rinse with COLD water when finished, to close the fibers in the hair.
5. Supplements; I started taking selenium, blue-green algae and alpha-lipoic-acid together (to control blood-sugar spikes). It seems the side effect of perhaps Selenium is to support hair-growth. I also took multi mineral or coral calcium and Sublingual Vit-B multi-vitamin in the evening from time to time.
6. Stopped blow-drying. Let air-dry, massage scalp with towel while drying (for blood-sirculation) and only brush hair AFTER its dry. With a natural brush, llike boar, or wood-comb (not plastic or metal - again these will tear and break the hair if it is fine like mine).
This is what I was doing, and it's so nice to have my hair back almost like from my childhood, too bad I didn't know to do this in my twenties! ;-) Good Luck!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Far (Ny, On-canada) on 11/30/2012
What is natural shampoo?
Eggs
Posted by Diana329 (Philadelphia, PA) on 10/14/2012
Eggs are also good for your face. Whites are good for oily skin and yoks are good for dry skin.
Biotin
Posted by Karmala (Templeton, Ca) on 08/06/2012
★★★★☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Good news/bad news regarding biotin. It worked great at growing hair.... I actually had eyebrows for the first time in years! But, I wound up with severe migraines. I have tried different brands and different strengths, but ended up with migraines each and every time. Just to let you know that some of us get negative side effects from biotin. I suffer from multiple chemical sensitivities.... not sure if this has anything to do with it or not.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 01/02/2012
Do you mind telling me what brand you use?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Helen (Austin, Tx) on 01/22/2012
Hello, Barbara, How long did it take for the coconut oil to work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Posted by Cez (Tel Aviv, Israel) on 03/12/2012
★★★★★
I have had alopecia areata for over fifteen years (since my early 20's). At its worst, nearly half of the hair on my head was gone - what was left was scattered in different sized patches. I went through the series of treatments offered by dermatologists including topical ointments, injected and oral steroids (! ) There was always new hair growth but it seemed to eventually get worse.
After a few years a friend encouraged me to consult her sister-in-law who is a Chinese Medicine Practitioner. I will refer to her as 'Z'. Immediately I began a regiment of acupuncture, an herbal remedy (taken for a couple of months only), a combo of tui na, shiatsu, reflexology and, the tool that sealed the deal for real results (in my opinion) was treating each balding area with a tiny tool used in acupuncture known as a seven pointed star (I think that's what it's called). It's pretty much a tiny hammer whose head is covered in small short needles.
Basically, Z would disinfect each area with an iodine solution and lightly (ok, not so lightly) give the bald areas whacks until there was a bit of blood flowing. I know, its sounds horrible and for those with a low threshold for pain or for kids, it'll be a real challenge. All I can say is when I saw the results, I didn't mind the pain at all - if anything, enduring it made me stronger. From my very basic understanding of it, this injury serves a couple of purposes: 1.) It gets blood flowing to the stagnant area and 2.) It does what some of the topical western medicines do - creates an injury/irritation so that the immune system (which attacks the hair in those with alopecia) starts to work on healing the irritation and leaves the hair growth alone to do its thing.
While I still have a bald spot or two at any given time, my condition is nowhere near what it was back then. For now it remains almost entirely a non-issue. I have continued to see Z pretty regularly over the years - taking a few breaks here and there - haven't needed the hammer in years as spots that show up tend to remain smaller and easy to hide until regrowth occurs - hope it stays that way.
For those who have the perserverence to go see someone and know that results could be a good three to six months down the road and will require possible long-term maintenance, I can't encourage you enough to give this a try - oh and you may want to work on a good breathing technique for the few intense moments of pain each appointment but trust me it is well worth it!
General Feedback
Posted by Alastary (Frankfort, Kentucky, Usa) on 02/02/2012
Ted, I have developed hair thinning after drinking senna tea and having acupuncture done in my scalp. The thinning area is directly in the area on my scalp where the needles were inserted.
Also What supplements resemble the actions of ASTRESSIN-B?
Read this article please.
According to reports, researchers came across the discovery when testing a chemical compound on genetically-altered mice. The mice's bodies had been programmed to overproduce a stress hormone, called corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), which, in addition to other things, caused them to lose their fur as they aged.
As part of the study, the balding mice were given five daily injections of a recently-developed anti-stress hormone, astressin-B, and then returned to their habitat. Three months passed, and when scientists returned to collect the rodents for follow-up studies they unexpectedly discovered the once-hairless subjects had re-grown their fur. Reports indicate the injections were 100 percent effective in re-growing hair.
"Our findings show that a short-duration treatment with this compound causes an astounding long-term hair regrowth in chronically stressed mutant mice, " said Dr Million Mulugeta of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
"This molecule also keeps the hair colour (and) prevents the hair from turning grey, " he told the AFP news agency.
"This could open new avenues to treat hair loss in humans, " Dr Mulugeta added.
Here's how MedPageToday characterizes the research:
The mutant mice bred to overproduce the stress hormone corticotrophin-releasing factor become bald on their backs as they age. But after a week of daily injections with a compound to block CRF called astressin-B developed by the group to treat gastrointestinal disease, the mice unexpectedly regrew their missing hair and were indistinguishable from controls.
The effect remained for up to four months, which the researchers pointed out in a press release is a long time in a mouse's less than two-year life span. It far exceeded the mild regrowth produced by minoxidil (Rogain) in the same mouse model, the group reported in PLoS One.
Since CRF is also expressed in human skin, the researchers expressed optimism that a similar approach could be a "breakthrough therapy for alopecia."
