A few weeks ago my husband, who is in the late stages of male pattern baldness, breezed past me sporting a faint smell of garlic. On closer examination I found out that he had been using garlic shampoo. Why? He claimed that it helped reduce hair loss. It turns out he bought the shampoo on holiday in Turkey and it triggered his interest as garlic has been used as a hair loss remedy throughout history.
But does garlic, which is part of the onion family, actually work for male pattern baldness or is it just a myth? Here, the London Centre of Trichology, one of the leading clinics for trichology, takes a closer look at the health benefits of garlic including garlic as a treatment for hair loss.
About Garlic
As well as being a popular cooking ingredient worldwide, garlic has been used for centuries to treat a variety of medical conditions. Full of Manganese, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6, garlic has been branded an energy enhancer and is said to combat a multitude of ailments including improving cholesterol levels, helping to reduce blood pressure (only in high doses), boosting the immune system and preventing colds.
In addition to all those health benefits outlined above, this superfood is packed full of sulphur, iron, and copper – all of which are minerals vital for a healthy head of hair.
As an Ancient Hair Loss Remedy
In fact, garlic as a hair loss remedy goes right back to ancient Egypt when it was used to stimulate hair growth and reduce thinning hair. Why? Well lots of the minerals packed in garlic are said to reduce hair loss. Sulphur, for instance, is one of the principal elements of amino acids such as Keratin, which is one of the main components of hair. Garlic is also a rich source of B vitamins, which are said to fight hair loss, and zinc plays a part in the production of hair cells. Add to this Vitamin C and iron, which promote healthy blood flow, and you are onto a winner…or so it seems.
Garlic Solutions
So, what is the best trick for using garlic as a hair loss remedy? Aside from using garlic shampoo, there are various garlic based natural remedies that you can make in your own kitchen. One, for instance, is to rub the affected area with half a clove of garlic, followed by olive oil, and then sleep with a shower cap on. Wash it all out in the morning, then repeat until you notice a difference. Another is to apply a mix of mainly garlic, onion juice and olive oil to the scalp to prevent hair loss.
Of course, these remedies may seem like a fantastic idea…at first. Especially as you can easily get your hands on these ingredients as the chances are you have them stocked up in your kitchen. But aside from the obvious smell at bedtime, like many home remedies it’s likely that that the novelty will soon wear off….and well before you give it time to see if it has any effects.
Natural Remedies
So what is the solution? If you want to use tried and tested natural remedies that bring results (without the headache of making it yourself – or the smell), the best advice is to contact our team at the London Centre of Trichology.
We have 60 years’ experience in the industry and have helped thousands of customers over the years. We offer a full range of natural treatments for hair loss for both men and women. These include three to six month courses of herbal based non-surgical treatments which you can apply in the comfort of your own home.
After your free consultation at our leading London clinic for trichology, we will provide you with monthly check-ups to chart your progress. We will also take detailed before and after photos so you can see the results first hand. Contact us today to get started!
