Ancient Alternative Remedies for Hair Loss

Alternative hair loss treatments have long been available, with all sorts of herbs, plants, fruit and vegetables claiming to reduce hair thinning for men or women. However, while it is so easy to search through your kitchen cabinets or to spend huge amounts on suggested remedies, seeking expert help at the first opportunity is the best way to deal with baldness.

London Centre of Trichology – Click here to book a free initial consultation at our central London clinic.

Meanwhile, here’s a brief, fun glimpse at ten organic remedies that were used to tackle hair loss centuries ago. However, it is important to remember it is always best to steer clear of any hair loss treatments that don’t have any scientific basis. Instead, it is important to seek advice from those that are highly trained in hair loss solutions.

Onions – This humble vegetable was one of the ingredients used in the Roman era to spread on the scalp to ‘treat’ thinning hair. Onions were eaten regularly by the Romans who believed they could help cure all sorts of problems including failing eyesight, toothaches, and insomnia. They also brought onions with them on their journeys to England.

Beetroot – This was one of the ingredients used by Greek physician Hippocrates to cure his male pattern baldness. This vitamin and mineral packed vegetable was also mixed with a potent concoction of opium, pigeon droppings, horseradish and spices! Needless to say it was unsuccessful as a treatment for receding hair.

Lemon – Along with cold India tea, rubbing lemon on bald patches or a thinning scalp was a popular option in 19th century Britain. It may have been refreshing, but unfortunately it didn’t give the users the results they wanted.

Roots – In ancient Siberia plant roots were boiled until soft, before they were mixed with cognac and a bit of onion juice and used as a daily hair rinse. Again, despite the time it took to make this concoction, there’s nothing to show that this mixture actually worked to curb hair loss.

Aloe Vera – This succulent plant was an ingredient of a solution for hair loss in ancient Egypt. It was applied at night, combined with castor oil and/or olive oil, and rinsed off in the morning. But there’s little evidence that this combination did the trick. However, Aloe Vera does has lots of uses including to help moisturise the skin. It’s also used to help alleviate the effects of sunburn and burns, and is used to condition hair.

Watercress – This peppery flavoured leafy green vegetable was a bit hit in the Anglo-Saxon period to help restore youthfulness and a healthy head of hair. This vitamin rich vegetable has long been used as a food source and for medicinal purposes worldwide. And, according to a study in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) journal it is the top of the list of the ‘powerhouse fruits and vegetables’.

For effective hair loss treatment, the best port of call is to visit our experienced team of trichologists at the London Centre of Trichology.  As leaders in research and development in our field, we are experienced in diagnosis and treatment for men and women. We have an excellent track record and have helped thousands of men and women regain their locks since our central London clinic was founded in 1956. And, with so many satisfied clients, you know that you can count on us to provide you with the best possible solution for hair or scalp problems.

Hair Loss Solutions Through the Ages

Hair loss has been a major concern for both men and women since ancient times. All sorts of remedies have been tried and tested over centuries, from herbal ingredients spread on the scalp, to the use of chicken dung. Here, the London Centre of Trichology looks at hair loss solutions through the ages, from simple treatments, to the downright bizarre.

London Centre of Trichology, W1 – Click on the link to find out about effective hair loss solutions for men and women.

Bronze Age – Hair pieces have been used since ancient times. As far back as 1500 BC they were seen as a solution to cover bald patches.

Roman Era – In early Roman times, men chose an odd solution – they rubbed chicken dung onto their scalp. Another hair loss remedy was to use honey and onions, which were massaged onto the scalp in the hope of stimulating hair growth. The most famous General of Roman times, Julius Caesar, was affected by hair loss. His answer was the comb over, and to sometimes cover his hair with a laurel wreath to disguise his baldness. Wigs were also used during this period, but they stopped being fashionable after the collapse of the Roman Empire.

Anglo Saxon Period – The Anglo-Saxons were extremely fond of their hair and favoured long tresses, flowing beards, and a full head of hair. One of their solutions for baldness was to eat watercress, which was thought to restore youthfulness.

Medieval Times – In the Medieval period hair loss solutions tended to be vegetable, animal or herbal remedies and there were quite a few choices. These included rubbing Aloe Vera mixed with wine onto the scalp, applying onion juice to the top of the head and then laying out in the sun, or boiling Hounds Tongue leaves in pig fat and applying it to the scalp.

Elizabethan Era – According to the Encyclopaedia of Hair: A Cultural History, by Victoria Sherrow, Elizabethan women used various toxic chemicals on their hair and face, which caused their hair to drop out. These included a combination of rhubarb and sulphuric acid, which was used as a hair dye and conditioner. Women also used a cosmetic that contained lead that would lighten their face. However, unfortunately it would also damage their hair, skin and health. As a result it was fashionable for women to have very high foreheads (due to receding hairlines) and not surprisingly, hair loss was common. To disguise their falling locks they used wigs, which were worn by both men and women at the time.

The Victorian Period – In Victorian times, all sorts of hair loss solutions were advertised in magazines. For women, solutions included hair pieces and also a mix of rum and castor oil which was to be rubbed into the roots of the hair at night time to stimulate the follicles. Queen Victoria herself drank wine made from the sap of silver birch trees because she felt if would provide a solution to thinning hair.

The 20th Century – In the early part of the century some strange hair loss remedies were introduced. Among the most puzzling was rubbing irritants into the scalp to make it blister. Another seemingly drastic solution was to use vacuum pumps on the scalp to make the hair grow.

To the Present Day – Fortunately, in the mid 20th century to the present day much more effective solutions became available. In 1956, the London Centre of Trichology was founded which is part of the global team of hair loss specialists. The London Centre of Trichology – has helped thousands of people over the years restore their locks and we pride ourselves at being at the forefront of development of hair loss solutions. If you are looking for effective hair loss treatment, just click on the link above to book a free, no obligation hair loss consultation with one of our leading trichologists based at our Central London Clinic.