Conditions Back ConditionsDrugs & Supplements Back Drugs & SupplementsWell-Being Back Well-BeingMore Back More Privacy & More Subscribe Log In Search Subscribe Remedies for Hair LossWritten by Medically Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on September 20, 20243 min read — also known as alopecia — has many causes. Many people lose hair on just their scalp, but some people with alopecia also lose hair on their face or other parts of their bodies. Hair loss can take several different patterns including:Thinning at the temples and top of the scalpCircular bald patchesSudden loosening or coming out in handfulsSome amount of hair thinning is normal for everyone. A strand of hair usually grows for two to six years before it sheds. Most people have about 100,000 strands of hair on their respective heads, and the average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs per day. Washing causes loss of about 150 hairs.Excessive hair loss has many causes, including:Chemotherapy or Hair trauma from wearing tight hairstylesMedical conditions such as thyroid problems or major infections Pattern baldness due to genetic and hormonal factorsPoor , particularly when characterized by low iron or protein levelsRapid or significant weight lossSevere Side effects of medication for birth control, depression, gout, and heart problemsSkin conditions like or Remedies and Treatments for Hair LossWhen new hair doesn’t grow fast enough to replace the amount of your hair that falls out daily, alopecia occurs. Hair loss can be a temporary reaction to certain conditions, but it can also be permanent.If you’re experiencing rapid hair loss and want to remedy the situation, there are several ways to encourage new hair growth or make your hair strands stronger and healthier.Biotin Supplements is a that helps hair loss, according to doctors. Many foods naturally contain biotin, including:FishMeatNuts and seedsSweet potatoesBroccoliCauliflowerHowever, taking a supplement with biotin may also help hair loss. For the best effect, doctors recommend taking biotin, , , and together.Scalp MassagesOne preliminary study showed that receiving a scalp massage for four minutes every day for six months improved hair loss symptoms. At the end of the test period, the test subjects had greater hair thickness. Another survey of men experiencing hair loss supported these results. More than 65% of those who tried daily scalp massage reported hair regrowth or at least a slowing down or halting of hair loss. To enhance your scalp massage, you can use lavender, peppermint, and rosemary . Early studies done on mice show that peppermint oil may enhance hair growth with few negative side effects. The same can be said for lavender oil. Further research with human subjects is needed to prove the viability of these oils as hair loss remedies.Giving up SmokingOne of the negative side effects of smoking cigarettes is hair loss. Some of the toxins in cigarettes can damage your hair follicles. Additionally, smoking can affect your hormones — and hormonal imbalance is one possible cause of hair loss. Studies have also shown that smoking leads to early hair loss. When to See a DoctorTalk to your doctor if you find your hair loss distressing. You should also talk to your doctor if you notice a sudden and significant hair loss, as this may be a sign of an underlying condition. Remedies your doctor may recommend include: Liquid or foam Rogaine, an over-the-counter treatment Prescription medication like (), Avodart (oral dutasteride), Carospir (spironolactone), oral Loniten (minoxidil), and ()Hair supplements like Nutrafol and VIviscalLight cap therapyPlatelet-rich Plasma, injections that prevent hair loss and promote new hair growth. Radio frequency microneedling stimulates the scalp and hair follicles, causing hair growth. SourcesUpdate HistorySharePrintSOURCES: Cleveland Clinic: “Hair Loss Treatments.”Cleveland Clinic: “Is Biotin as Good as Advertised for Your Hair Loss?”Dermatology and Therapy: “Self-Assessments of Standardized Scalp Massages for Androgenic Alopecia: Survey Results.”ePlasty: “Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue.”Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Hair Loss.”Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: “Implications of cigarette smoking on early‐onset androgenetic alopecia: A cross‐sectional Study.”Life Sciences: “Muscle sarcomas and alopecia in A/J mice chronically treated with nicotine.”Mayo Clinic: “Hair loss.”National Institutes of Health: “Biotin.”Toxicological Research: “Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Lavender Oil in C57BL/6 Mice.”Toxicological Research: “Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs.” SharePrintMore on Hair Loss Recommended FEATURED Top doctors in , Find more top doctors on Search Related LinksPoliciesAboutFor Advertisers © 2005 - 2025 WebMD LLC, an company. All rights reserved. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. , While sudden or extreme hair loss can be alarming, there are often simple solutions. By addressing the underlying cause and making some lifestyle changes, you may be able to stop or prevent hair loss., This common and sometimes stressful condition may result from heredity, medications or medical conditions. Treatment may reverse or slow hair loss..