Many hair loss sufferers are eager use natural ingredients as their first priority of treatment. They are less costly. And there is a much lower risk of experiencing unwanted side effects.

Throughout various sources on the internet, is seems to be quite clear that plant based oils are associated with numerous health benefits.  And furthermore, these types of natural remedies have been used for centuries. But is their usage premised on folk lore? Or are there legitimate reasons to consider the use of natural plant based oils for hair growth?

Research on Topical Essential Oils

Back in 1998, the Archives of Dermatology published research findings on the use of an essential oil blend. This consisted of the following:

(1) rosemary oil

(2) cedarwood oil

(3) lavender oil

(4) thyme oil

By themselves, these oils can irritate and even damage the skin. Therefore they were mixed into a carrier blend of jojoba and grapeseed oil to dilute the effects of this combination.

The participants of this study were asked to massage their scalps consistently with this blend for several months.

The researchers who led this study were surprised to find that many of the subjects were able to experience regrowth of hair.  In fact, 44% were able to to grow back at least half of their hair. And some of the participants completely restored their hair.

It seems that the essential oils were able to stimulate greater blood flow to the scalp.

Food Supplements

The intake of natural oils may also be beneficial for hair restoration purposes as well. For example, researchers in South Korea studied the effects of taking pumpkin seed oil as a supplement.

The participants included men with moderate stage pattern baldness.  They took pumpkin seed oil capsules twice a day for about six months.

44% of the subjects in the treatment group were able to experience new hair growth.

Pumpkin seed oil is believed to work by blocking the alpha-II-reductase enzyme. This prevents testosterone from breaking down into DHT (dehydrotestosterone).  Therefore, pumpkin seed oil works on the same chemical pathway as Finasteride. But at this point, it cannot be officially considered as a full fledged natural alternative to the hair restoration drug.

The Effectiveness of Natural Oils

According to Dr. U, individuals who wish to use natural oils for hair regrowth may want to consider their usage as part of a their overall plans for better health.  Within conservative dosage limits, the potential for side effects is very minimal. And the benefits will likely outweigh the risks.

However, these types of treatments have a greater chance of being effective for early or possibly mid stage baldness.

There are a growing number of physicians who recommend the consideration of treatments with natural ingredients. Plant extracts have other important components besides just the active agent which can create a more balanced and harmonious effect within the entire body. This is far more preferable compared to synthetic drugs whose design only focuses on the active ingredient and may have adverse effects on cells and tissues beyond the treatment area.