Are hair oils helpful in treating androgenetic alopecia?

Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, affects millions worldwide and can be debilitating. In the African diaspora, oils have traditionally been used to promote hair growth, and recently, hair oils to treat alopecia have become increasingly popular. More research is required to determine the efficacy of hair oils, as most studies have primarily used mice subjects.

Jewell Dinkins and colleagues conducted this review to review the existing literature on hair oils in the treatment of alopecia. Castor oil, a popular carrier oil, has been traditionally used in the Black community to promote hair growth. The review article found that while evidence to support the use of castor oil for hair growth is limited, some studies suggest that it may improve hair thickness and density.

Pumpkin oil, another commonly used carrier oil, contains nutrients such as Vitamins E and A and essential fatty acids. The article suggests that pumpkin oil may help increase hair thickness and improve overall health.

The review article also examines the efficacy of four essential oils in promoting hair growth: lavender, peppermint, rosemary and tea tree oil. Lavender oil has been revealed to promote hair growth in animal studies, while peppermint oil has been shown to increase blood flow to the scalp, potentially aiding in hair growth. Rosemary oil has been found to improve hair thickness and density, while tea tree oil has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that may help to improve scalp health.

The review article suggests that hair oils may have the potential as a complementary treatment for androgenetic alopecia in the Black community. More research is needed to determine their efficacy and identify the optimal application methods.

This review article provides essential insights into using hair oils to treat androgenetic alopecia, highlighting the need for further research. As hair loss continues to affect millions of people worldwide, including those in the Black community, exploring new and innovative treatments for alopecia is of utmost importance.

Reference:

Dinkins, J., Iwuala, C., Akintilo, L., Ugonabo, N., Shapiro, J., Sicco, K. L., & Adotama, P. Commonly used hair oils in the Black community: a narrative review in their use to treat androgenetic alopecia. International Journal of Dermatology.