Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Hair Loss

May 2023 in “ Elsevier eBooks ”

James T. Pathoulas, Maryanne M. Senna

Studysummary This source reports limited evidence supporting the use of certain diets, supplements, essential oils, and psychosocial interventions for patients with androgenetic alopecia seeking complementary therapies.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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Research cited in this study

39 / 39 results

research Evaluation of Standardized Scalp Photography on Patient Perception of Hair Loss Severity, Anxiety, and Treatment

6 citations , January 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Scalp photography helps patients feel less anxious about hair loss, agree more with doctors on severity, and stay motivated for treatment.

research Nonanal Stimulates Growth Factors via Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP) Signaling in Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells

8 citations , October 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This laboratory study found that nonanal, a plant scent compound, may stimulate growth factors and cell proliferation in human hair follicle dermal papilla cells, suggesting a cAMP-mediated mechanism.

research Unknown Safety Profile of Ingredients in Hair Supplements: A Call to Action for Improved Patient Safety

1 citations , May 2020

This source highlights concerns about the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements marketed for hair loss, citing a lack of FDA testing and potential risks such as adverse side effects, interference with medical tests, and withholding of ingredient information.

research Shared Medical Appointments for Female Pattern Hair Loss

April 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, to address long wait times for alopecia specialists, researchers implemented shared medical appointments for women with female pattern hair loss, modeled on formats previously used for conditions like acne and vitiligo.

research Patch Testing and Contact Allergen Avoidance in Patients with Lichen Planopilaris and/or Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Cohort Study

35 citations , January 2020 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Avoiding certain allergens in personal care products may improve symptoms for some patients with lichen planopilaris or frontal fibrosing alopecia.

research Dermatologic Care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons

47 citations , February 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the unique health issues and preventive care recommendations for LGBT individuals, emphasizing dermatologic considerations and the importance of culturally competent care, but reports no new clinical findings.

research Self-Assessments of Standardized Scalp Massages for Androgenic Alopecia: Survey Results

3 citations , January 2019 in “Dermatology and therapy”

This study found that standardized scalp massages may help stabilize or regrow hair in individuals with androgenic alopecia, as perceived by the participants themselves.

research Compared to Controls, Individuals with Lichen Planopilaris Have More Depression, Lower Self-Esteem, and Lower Quality of Life

16 citations , January 2019 in “Neuropsychobiology”

This study found that individuals with lichen planopilaris reported lower quality of life and self-esteem and higher depression scores compared to healthy controls.

research Photographic Assessment Improves Adherence to Recommended Follow-Up in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata: A Retrospective Cohort Study

1 citations , January 2019 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

research The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review

134 citations , December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

This review discusses the potential role of vitamins and minerals in managing non-scarring alopecia but reports no clinical results; the authors advocate for further controlled trials to explore these relationships.

research Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review

40 citations , August 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders”

This review examines complementary and alternative medicine for alopecia and finds limited support from robust clinical trials, highlighting the need for standardized studies to evaluate efficacy and safety.

research Response to: Rethinking Biotin Therapy for Hair, Nail, and Skin Disorders

4 citations , August 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This response article concurs with Dr. Lipner's critique that biotin supplementation is largely unsupported for routine use in dermatological conditions, with evidence mostly limited to case reports.

research Rethinking Biotin Therapy for Hair, Nail, and Skin Disorders

57 citations , February 2018 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This review critiques the unwarranted promotion of biotin for hair and nail improvements, noting the lack of evidence for routine use and highlighting concerning trends in consumer and physician practices.

research The Combination of Overweight and Smoking Increases the Severity of Androgenetic Alopecia

21 citations , May 2017 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that among Caucasian individuals with androgenetic alopecia, being overweight and smoking were associated with greater severity of the condition.

research A Mixed Methods Survey of Social Anxiety, Anxiety, Depression, and Wig Use in Alopecia

69 citations , April 2017 in “BMJ open”

This study found that people with alopecia who worry about not wearing a wig reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and social anxiety, although wig use increased social confidence for many.

research Comparing the Effects of Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Their Combination, and Minoxidil Solution Regimens on Controlling Hair Loss in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

11 citations , April 2017 in “Journal of research in pharmacy practice”

This study found that the combination of zinc sulfate and calcium pantothenate improved hair density and participant satisfaction in women with hair loss, suggesting its potential as an initial treatment option.

An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% Versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

research An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% Versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

21 citations , January 2017 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

In this noninferiority study, researchers found that a 0.2% caffeine-based topical liquid was not less effective than 5% minoxidil solution in improving hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia over six months.

A 6-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of a Marine Complex Supplement to Promote Hair Growth in Men with Thinning Hair

research A 6-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of a Marine Complex Supplement to Promote Hair Growth in Men with Thinning Hair

25 citations , August 2016 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that a marine complex supplement significantly reduced hair shedding and increased hair growth in men with thinning hair over 180 days.

research A Marine Protein-Based Dietary Supplement for Subclinical Hair Thinning/Loss: Results of a Multisite, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

27 citations , January 2015 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that a marine-extract dietary supplement significantly reduced hair shedding and increased hair diameter in premenopausal women with subclinical hair thinning or hair loss after 6 months of use.

research Impact of Phototrichogram Education on Satisfaction of Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia in Clinical Practice

July 2014 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This article discusses phototrichogram education and patient satisfaction in androgenetic alopecia but reports no new clinical findings.

Differential Effects of Caffeine on Hair Shaft Elongation, Matrix and Outer Root Sheath Keratinocyte Proliferation, and Transforming Growth Factor-β2/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Mediated Regulation of the Hair Cycle in Male and Female Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

research Differential Effects of Caffeine on Hair Shaft Elongation, Matrix and Outer Root Sheath Keratinocyte Proliferation, and Transforming Growth Factor-β2/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Mediated Regulation of the Hair Cycle in Male and Female Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

60 citations , May 2014 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that caffeine enhanced hair growth and keratinocyte proliferation in human hair follicles, with female follicles showing greater sensitivity than male ones.

research Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

36 citations , January 2014 in “Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine”

This study found that men with androgenetic alopecia treated with pumpkin seed oil for 24 weeks experienced a notable 40% increase in hair count compared to a 10% increase with a placebo.

research Analysis of Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Hair Loss

73 citations , January 2013 in “Annals of Dermatology”

This study observed that patients with various types of hair loss had significantly lower serum zinc levels compared to healthy controls, suggesting zinc disturbance may play a role in the condition.

research Nutrition and Hair: The Role of Nutrients in Hair Health

98 citations , October 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

This article reviews the impact of nutritional deficiencies on hair health, detailing how they can cause structural abnormalities, pigmentation changes, or hair loss; it presents no new clinical findings.

research Comparative Effectiveness of Finasteride vs Serenoa Repens in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Two-Year Study

51 citations , October 2012 in “International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology”

In this study, 68% of patients treated with finasteride showed improved hair growth in male androgenetic alopecia, compared to 38% with Serenoa repens, indicating finasteride's superior efficacy.

research Effect of Caffeine and Testosterone on the Proliferation of Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

114 citations , January 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that caffeine can stimulate hair growth in vitro and counteract testosterone-induced growth suppression in hair follicles from male AGA patients.

research The Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Its Potential Relationship to Hair Loss

207 citations , April 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This review discusses the complexities of diagnosing and treating iron deficiency related to nutritional anemia and hair loss, concluding that routine screening and supplementation for hair loss are not yet supported by sufficient evidence.

research Characterization and Isolation of Stem Cell-Enriched Human Hair Follicle Bulge Cells

550 citations , December 2005 in “The Journal of clinical investigation/The journal of clinical investigation”

This study found that bulge cells marked by CD200+ in human hair follicles show high colony-forming efficiency, suggesting successful enrichment of keratinocyte stem cells.

research Tendency to Underestimate the Severity of Androgenetic Alopecia

4 citations , June 2005 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

People often underestimate hair loss severity, with fewer seeking treatment, and it's more distressing for women.

research Burden of Hair Loss: Stress and the Underestimated Psychosocial Impact of Telogen Effluvium and Androgenetic Alopecia

162 citations , August 2004 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study suggests that stress negatively affects hair growth by inducing inflammation and early hair cycle transitions in mice, which might inform strategies for managing stress-related hair loss in humans.

research Women Who Present With Female Pattern Hair Loss Tend To Underestimate The Severity Of Their Hair Loss

29 citations , April 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that women with female pattern hair loss awaiting treatment tend to underestimate their hair loss severity compared to their clinicians' evaluations.

research Decreased Serum Ferritin Is Associated With Alopecia in Women

163 citations , November 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that women with androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata have significantly lower serum ferritin levels than those without hair loss, suggesting a potential link between these types of alopecia and decreased iron stores.

research The Effects of Minoxidil, 1% Pyrithione Zinc, and a Combination of Both on Hair Density: A Randomized Controlled Trial

57 citations , August 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that daily use of 1% pyrithione zinc shampoo modestly improved hair growth over 26 weeks, although these effects were less than those of 5% minoxidil.

research There Is No Clear Association Between Low Serum Ferritin And Chronic Diffuse Telogen Hair Loss

83 citations , November 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found no direct relationship between low serum ferritin and chronic diffuse telogen hair loss in women, questioning the usefulness of serum ferritin measurement and iron supplementation for managing this condition.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Determine the Effectiveness of Botanically Derived Inhibitors of 5-Alpha-Reductase in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Determine the Effectiveness of Botanically Derived Inhibitors of 5-Alpha-Reductase in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

68 citations , April 2002 in “Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine”

This study suggests that botanical 5AR inhibitors like Serenoa repens and β-sitosterol may improve symptoms of androgenetic alopecia, with 60% of treated subjects showing improvement compared to placebo.