Natural Ways to Stop Alopecia Areata Hair Loss from Spreading

Understanding Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss on the scalp and sometimes other areas of the body. It affects around 2% of people in the United States. In alopecia areata, the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and dramatically slow down hair production.

This results in patchy hair loss that may come and go over time. While it can happen at any age, alopecia areata often first appears in childhood or young adulthood. The condition has no cure, but there are treatments that may help hair regrow more quickly.

For many people with alopecia areata, the biggest concern is how to stop the hair loss from spreading to more areas of the scalp or body. Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to prevent alopecia areata from progressing or recurring. But there are natural methods you can try at home that may help stop or slow down its spread.

Identify and Avoid Triggers

In some cases, specific triggers seem to set off episodes of alopecia areata or make symptoms worse. Potential triggers include:

• Extreme stress
• Trauma or injury to the skin
• Viral infections
• Hormonal changes

While you cannot always control when you get sick or when life gets stressful, you can try your best to take care of your overall health and avoid potential triggers when possible. If you notice any patterns, such as hair loss after a particularly stressful event, tell your dermatologist.

Let Your Hair Rest

Some natural health practitioners recommend letting your hair rest as much as possible between episodes of alopecia areata. Avoid hairstyles and treatments that pull tightly on the hair or damage the scalp, such as:

• Tight ponytails or braids
• Harsh chemical straightening or perms
• Excessive heat styling
• Hair extensions

Handle your hair gently, using soft scrunchies and headbands rather than rubber bands if needed. Try to avoid harsh ingredients like sulfates and parabens in your shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, and other styling products.

Manage Stress

Stress is one of the most commonly reported triggers for alopecia areata. While stress does not cause the condition, high stress levels may worsen symptoms.

Making time for stress management and self-care is important. Try techniques like:

• Daily meditation
• Yoga
• Journaling
• Relaxing hobbies
• Talking to a therapist

Its also key to get enough sleep and take time to recharge after stressful events. Keep in mind that reducing stress may minimize hair loss, but alopecia areata cannot be cured through stress management alone.

Lifestyle Changes to Promote Hair Health

While they may not stop alopecia areata completely, certain lifestyle measures can optimize overall hair health and create conditions to support regrowth. Some ideas include:

Follow a Hair-Healthy Diet

A nutritious, well-balanced diet supports healthy hair from the inside out. Be sure to eat:

• Protein like fish, eggs, beans, and yogurt to build hair keratin
• Vitamin C from fruits, vegetables, and supplements to improve iron absorption
• Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil for moisture
• Iron-rich foods to prevent deficiency, which can trigger shedding
• Biotin, zinc, and other hair-enhancing vitamins

While taking a daily multivitamin can help fill any nutritional gaps, get as many vitamins and minerals as you can from whole foods.

Increase Scalp Circulation

Improving blood flow to the scalp delivers more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, which need an abundant supply to grow strong and healthy.

Methods to boost scalp circulation include:

• Massaging the scalp for 5-10 minutes daily
• Staying active with regular exercise
• Reducing scalp inflammation and damage
• Quitting smoking to maximize blood flow

Use Essential Oils

Some essential oils contain compounds that may help stimulate the scalp, reduce inflammation, and encourage healthier hair growth. Oils commonly used for alopecia areata include:

• Peppermint oil - increases scalp circulation
• Rosemary oil - may help block DHT linked to hair loss
• Tea tree oil - helps reduce inflammation and open blocked follicles
• Lavender oil - stimulates the scalp and has calming properties

Mix a few drops of oil into coconut or olive oil and massage lightly into the scalp. Do a patch test first to be sure your skin tolerates the oil. Dont use essential oils if you have sensitive skin.

Natural Remedies to Reduce Hair Loss

In addition to lifestyle measures, some natural remedies may help manage patchy alopecia areata hair loss and promote faster regrowth. Options to discuss with your doctor include:

Scalp Massage

Gently massaging the scalp increases blood supply to hair follicles. This delivers more oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors to the area.

Aim for a scalp massage several times a week. Warm a few drops of oil in your hands, then use your fingertips to make small circles all over the scalp for 5-10 minutes.

Onion Juice

Applying onion juice to the scalp may boost hair growth. Onions are rich in sulfur and quercetin, which have strong antioxidant effects and may help improve circulation.

Blend a few onions and strain out the juice. Apply it to the scalp, let sit for at least 15 minutes, then shampoo as usual. Do this 2-3 times per week.

Garlic

Like onions, garlic is loaded with compounds like allicin that combat inflammation and may stimulate stronger hair. Crush a few cloves to release these compounds, then apply to the scalp and let sit 30 minutes before rinsing.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil moisturizes the scalp and makes the hair shaft soft and supple. It may also block production of DHT, a hormone that contributes to male and female pattern baldness.

Apply warmed coconut oil to the scalp and hair overnight, then shampoo in the morning. Or use as a scalp massage oil.

Chinese Herbs

Certain traditional Chinese herbs are believed to restore hair growth, such as:

• Fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum)
• He shou wu (Fallopia multiflora)
• Ginseng
• Dong quai

These are available as dried herbs for tea or in capsules. Follow dosage instructions and consult your doctor before using, especially if you take other medications.

Scalp Needling

Microneedling devices with very tiny needles can be used at home to create small injuries in the scalp. This stimulates blood flow, regeneration, and increased absorption of products applied topically.

Use a professional dermaroller or dermastamp 1-

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.