Hair loss is often conspicuous so experiencing it can cause one’s self-esteem to plummet. This makes some people an easy target for charlatans selling sham products. To avoid falling into a trap, it is important to try out products supported by evidence.
No product is guaranteed to work miracles but evidence has found certain remedies to be effective.
For example, a number of studies have linked EGCG extract, a compound that’s most abundant in green tea, to hair growth.
In one small study, researchers added topical [tropical????] green tea-derived EGCG extract to the scalps of three participants with alopecia.
After four days, the participants experienced significant increases in hair growth activity.
READ MORE: Best supplements for hair loss: Apply this natural oil to your head to promote hair growth
Therefore, it’s difficult to know whether the green tea extract led to these improvements.
Furthermore, in a hair loss study in mice, researchers found that 33 percent of rodents that consumed green tea extract experienced hair regrowth after six months, while no mice in the control group experienced improvements.
What is behind the link?
Two hormones, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, can decrease the hair growth phase and increase hair loss.
Some research has shown that EGCG can inhibit the effects of these hormones on hair and slow hair loss.
It is important to note that minoxidil can also be used to treat both male and female pattern baldness but women shouldn’t use finasteride, says the health site.
Before embarking on a course of these treatments, there are important pros and cons to weigh up.
As the NHS explains, these treatments:
- Don’t work for everyone
- Only work for as long as they’re used
- Aren’t available on the NHS
- Can be expensive
Are you looking for additional support?
“If your hair loss is causing you distress, your GP may be able to help you get some counselling,” notes the NHS.
