There are several oils and ‘natural hacks’ lauded as miracle cures for hair loss on TikTok: rosemary, apple cider vinegar, pumpkin seed oil, green tea – the list goes on. But do they really work, or are they little more than snake oil?
We’ll take a look at some of the popular hair loss hacks specifically considered helpful for hair loss caused by male pattern baldness, including available scientific research.
(And if you’re wondering about a review on the benefits of rosemary oil and microneedling then we’ve already got these on our blog).
Why am I losing hair?
First of all, if you want to treat your hair loss, the first step is understanding why it happens.
The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).
Male pattern baldness is caused by a genetic susceptibility to a hormone naturally present in men, called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The enzyme 5α-reductase is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles and gradually ‘miniaturises’ or shrinks the follicles, which means the anagen (growing) phase gets shorter and shorter with each cycle, and the length of the telogen (resting) phase stays the same or increases. This disrupts the normal anagen: telogen ratio, so the visible impact of miniaturisation is that the hair shaft itself is shorter and thinner, until eventually, no hair grows at all. The hairs are transitioning from ‘terminal’ hairs (aka thick, dark hair) to ‘vellus’ hair, which are short, fine and lightly coloured.
Finasteride is considered a first-line treatment for male pattern baldness because of its proven anti-5α-reductase activity. Finasteride can block the enzyme which converts testosterone into DHT, and thus is effective for preventing further hair loss, by protecting the hair follicles from the harmful impact of DHT.
Pumpkin seed oil
One of many oils you might have heard is helpful for male pattern baldness, pumpkin seed oil (PSO) can be taken either as an oral supplement or applied topically to the scalp. It is said to encourage hair growth due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and some sources claim it blocks DHT.
We found a few studies on pumpkin seed oil as a hair loss treatment.
A 2014 Korean study reported a 40% increase in hair count after 24 weeks of 400mg PSO supplements, compared to 10% in placebo. However, participants took a blend of supplements (not just PSO), so the results of the study cannot be conclusively attributed to PSO. Also, the study was small, with only 76 participants.
In 2019, a study on mice found PSO promoted growth compared to no treatment, but the results were weaker than those with 2% Minoxidil. A 2021 study on women with female pattern baldness found PSO was a promising treatment, but again, the Minoxidil 5% was more beneficial.
More high-quality human trials are needed to provide more support, but early evidence suggests pumpkin seed oil may be beneficial for hair growth.
Low level laser therapy
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) involves shooting rays of red or near-infrared light (wavelengths between 600-950nm) at the scalp to stimulate cell activity in the hair follicles. It is also thought to speed up the hair growth cycle by encouraging hairs in the telogen (resting) phase to re-enter anagen (growing) phase. So, where hairs usually sit around in the resting phase, waiting to be shed, LLLT helps encourage these hairs to fall out and the follicle to re-enter the growth phase. Added value is that it may lengthen anagen, so hairs can grow longer and stronger. It was approved in the US by the FDA in 2007 for treating androgenetic alopecia.
LLLT can be offered in clinics, or devices like caps can be purchased for use at home. Just like all hair loss treatments, consistent use is required to achieve and maintain results. If you do decide to buy a device you can use at home, make sure to get one which has a wavelength between 600-950 to ensure you are getting the benefits.
Caffeine
A popular addition to shampoos and hair serums, is caffeine helpful for hair loss?
As we know, testosterone and its by-product DHT suppress hair growth by shortening the follicle’s growth phase. In lab studies, caffeine has been shown to counteract this effect and stimulate hair follicle cells, helping them stay in the growth phase for longer.
One German study using human hair follicles in culture found that caffeine not only promoted growth but also penetrated the hair shaft and follicles within just 2 minutes of topical application. This suggests that shampoos and serums containing caffeine may deliver the compound effectively to the root of the hair, where it’s needed.
It’s important to note, though, that these benefits apply only when caffeine is used topically. Drinking coffee does not have the same effect, as caffeine taken orally is metabolised by the body before reaching the hair follicles in meaningful amounts.
Sons’ Strengthening Shampoo contains caffeine, which when used consistently can strengthen the hair. Alongside Saw Palmetto, a plant extract, has been shown in studies to reduce DHT levels, it makes a helpful addition to your hair care routine but is unlikely to be potent enough alone to combat the impact of male pattern baldness.
Apple cider vinegar rinses
Research on the benefits of apple cider vinegar for hair health is limited. It is believed to be beneficial based on its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which some claim can help kill the bacteria which cause dandruff, however there is little scientific evidence to support this theory. It is also thought to balance the scalp pH due to its acidity, which may boost shine and smoothness of the hair. Again, the evidence to support this is shaky at best. Research regarding ACV as a treatment for hair loss is even more scarce and unsubstantiated.
Green tea
Green Tea can be consumed as a drink, but it is also a common extract added to cosmetics like hair products. Its potential benefits for hair growth are largely linked to one of its key compounds: epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a type of polyphenol. EGCG is a powerful antioxidant, which means it neutralises free radicals, which cause cell damage, including to hair follicles. By reducing oxidative stress, EGCG may protect follicles and slow down their miniaturisation.
Healthy hair growth depends on good circulation to the scalp. A small study found that green tea extracts increased scalp blood flow and oxygen delivery by 29% in just 12 weeks, which could support stronger, healthier follicles.
Overall, the evidence is promising but limited. Adding green tea-infused products to your hair care routine may help scalp health but it should be seen as a complement, rather than a replacement, for proven medical-grade treatments like Finasteride and Minoxidil.
This is the excuse you needed to get yourself a matcha latte this weekend.
What works for hair loss?
Some of the above remedies can be beneficial supplements for hair loss, such as pumpkin seed oil, LLLT and caffeine shampoo. However, as supplements, they are beneficial for hair health and growth rate, but cannot be solely relied upon to treat male pattern baldness. Minoxidil and Finasteride are the only proven medical-grade licensed treatments for hair loss.
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All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
