Baldness: Comprehensive aspects and its reassuring remedies

Abstract

The medical term for baldness is alopecia. It refers to the condition where hair is lost from one or more areas of the body, commonly from the scalp. Balding can result from various factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, exposure to chemicals, medications, nutritional deficiencies, excessive stress, or prolonged illness. Depending on the pattern of hair loss and its underlying cause, alopecia is categorized into several types. Among these, androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata are of primary concern. Presently, there are numerous synthetic treatments available for managing alopecia (both areata and androgenetic alopecia), including minoxidil, corticosteroids, zinc, dithranol, systemic cortisone, tretinoin, irritants, immunosuppressants, azelaic acid, and finasteride. However, these treatments often fail to provide satisfactory and long-lasting results for individuals with alopecia. Moreover, these synthetic products are associated with adverse effects, such as itching, redness, dermatitis, flaking, and irritation. Natural remedies have been explored to address the challenge of hair loss. A variety of herbs have demonstrated efficacy in managing alopecia. These natural remedies operate through mechanisms such as nutritional support, 5-α-reductase and DHT (dihydrotestosterone) inhibition, aromatherapy, and improved scalp blood circulation. Utilizing these natural treatments offers several advantages, including patient adherence, minimal side effects, easy accessibility, affordability, and diverse modes of therapeutic action for hair loss management. In this review, we highlighted the causes of alopecia and its promising, cost-effective treatments, which might significantly alter the lives of those impacted by baldness by providing them with a road to greater self-assurance, well-being, and quality of life.