"Male pattern baldness” is a phrase that instills fear and horror in most guys. This type of early hair loss is an unfortunate reality for about 85% of men, with over a quarter starting to lose their hair before they even turn 21. While male pattern baldness is an unfortunate result of high testosterone levels coupled with grabbing the genetic short straw, there are things you can do to halt or slow its progression, and even regrow hair you’ve already lost. Check out this list of surprising herbs and foods that might help you stop male pattern baldness in its tracks.
Gingko Biloba
Researchers at the University of Maryland found that men who took this herb were able to increase their blood flow to the scalp, which aided to grow hair naturally and improved overall scalp health.
Aromatherapy Oils
A combination of essential oils of rosemary, cedar, thyme, and lavender applied directly to the scalp also stimulates blood flow to the follicles, according to University of Maryland Medical Center researchers.
Low-fat Proteins
Since hair is made of protein, a diet full of fish, eggs, beans, and other low-fat, high-protein foods can help supply your hair with the raw materials it needs to grow.
Han Lian Cao
This Chinese herb fights inflammation and swelling in your scalp (preventing further hair loss), and helps to strengthen your hair at its roots.
Raisins
Iron is a key factor in hair production, so any foods rich in this mineral will do. But for those of you who don’t relish the thought of packing in the kale, dried fruits like raisins are a great snack that will help boost your iron levels.
Bean Sprouts
These veggies are full of silica, which your body uses to process the vitamins and minerals (like that iron you got from those raisins) that help your hair grow.
Horsetail Extract
No, you don’t have to cut off a horse’s tail and eat it. This herb is another silica-rich option that will help you absorb the vitamins and minerals you need to reverse your hair loss.
Walnuts
These nuts can pack a huge punch with biotin and vitamin E, which help protect your hair and scalp from sun damage. Low biotin consumption has also been linked with hair loss, so it’s a smart idea to make sure you’re getting enough of it.
Nettle Extract
Another Chinese herb, nettle extract works to just barely irritate your scalp, which causes increased blood flow and improved circulation, and therefore better oxygen absorption by your hair follicles.
Oysters
Not getting enough zinc has been tied to hair loss in both men and women, but just three ounces of oysters give you almost 500% of the daily recommended dose of zinc. They’re also incredibly rich in protein.
Saw Palmetto
This herb helps prevent a specific enzyme from turning testosterone into DHT. It’s testosterone and DHT that cause male pattern baldness in the first place, so lowering these levels slightly can help stop the process at its root.
Are you dealing with male hair loss? Have you tried any of these food or diet solutions? Let us know about what’s worked for you in the comments section.
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