Hair fall, medically known as alopecia, is a very common health issue. Generally, hair falls every day. It is normal to lose about 50 to 100 strands of hair every day, but the problem of hair loss and thinning begins when the phase of hair growth does not keep pace with the phase of hair loss.
Homeopathy can be a boon for a person who suffers from hair loss. It is a very safe, gentle and natural treatment option for managing hair fall. Homeopathy works well in these cases. It treats the underlying causes of hair fall and strengthens the hair follicles. Homeopathic treatment for hair fall is biphasic. In the first phase, these help prevent worsening of the condition by controlling any progression of hair fall. In the second phase, it helps promote the regrowth of hair naturally by stimulating the hair follicles. Homeopathy is the best alternative to conventional treatment used for hair fall that might have some side effects.
Individualized prescription
Homeopathic treatment for hair fall is not generalized, but rather individualized. This means homeopathy does not prescribe any fixed specific medicine in every case of hair fall. Rather, homeopathic medicines are prescribed based on unique, characteristic symptoms in each and every individual. Therefore, homeopathic prescription varies from case to case. This individualized treatment boosts the body’s self-healing process to overcome hair issues naturally and thus leads to treatment.
Efficient in treating different types of hair fall
Homeopathy is very beneficial for treating various kinds of hair fall. For example, hair fall in spots (i.e. alopecia areata), general hair fall, hair thinning and male/female pattern hair loss. Homeopathy offers remarkable results in all such cases, irrespective of the types.
Homeopathy uses oral medicines rather than hair oil/shampoos
Hair fall occurs from some internal disturbance in the body rather than any external source. So to overcome this issue, focus has to be on dealing and correcting that internal disturbance by administering oral medicines. These medicines work internally and there are no external applications on the scalp. Hair oils/shampoos are never a part of the protocol of homeopathic treatment for hair fall.
Homeopathy addresses the root cause
Homeopathic medicines for hair fall treatment are prescribed after first identifying the root cause of hair fall. These medicines fix the underlying causes of hair fall — hormonal disturbance, stress, anemia, scalp conditions like eczema/ fungal infections, or autoimmune disorder–– and offer wonderful results. The results vary as per the intensity of the hair fall.
Effective for all age groups
Hair fall is a very common problem affecting people of all age groups. Homeopathy is highly suitable to treat hair fall among people of all age groups. These medicines are administered individually for every different case of hair loss and are highly capable of showing excellent results.
Safe Medicines with no side effects
Homeopathic remedies for hair fall are free from any sort of harsh effects. These medicines do not have any harmful chemicals or toxins, and thus, there are no side effects. These are all derived from naturally obtained substances. Therefore, its use can be opted for without any worries of side effects.
Top 8 Homeopathic Medicines For Hair Fall
The five top medicines in homeopathy to manage hair fall are Phosphorus, Fluoricum Acidum, Wiesbaden Aqua, Phosphoricum Acidum, Thallium Metallicum, Kali Sulphuricum, Jaborandi and Vinca Minor.
1. Phosphorus – For Excessive Hair Fall In Bunches
Phosphorus is the best medicine when there is excessive hair fall (in bunches). The hair fall mostly takes place from the front of the head. It helps to control hair fall and stimulate hair growth wonderfully. Those who require this medicine may have dry hair. They may also have dandruff and an itchy scalp. It is also a prominent medicine for premature greying of hair.
When to use Phosphorus?
This medicine is the best medicine for managing excessive hair fall (in bunches).
How to use Phosphorus?
It can be administered in 30C potency two times a day.
2. Fluoricum Acidum – For Hair Loss In Spots
Those who have hair loss in spots (alopecia areata) will find this medicine beneficial. It prevents further progression of hair loss and helps in hair regrowth at the vacant spots. It is also a good medicine when hair strands are brittle and dry that tend to break off easily. It helps in decreasing dryness in the hair and preventing hair breakage. Lastly, it is also the best medicine for controlling hair loss after a fever, particularly typhoid.
When to use Fluoricum Acidum?
Its use is highly recommended to manage hair loss occurring in spots.
How to use Fluoricum Acidum?
Though it can be used in different potencies, in the beginning, it is best to take it in 30C potency two times daily.
3. Wiesbaden Aqua – For Hair Regrowth
It is a natural remedy to aid hair regrowth. It is sourced from the springs of Wiesbaden in Prussia. It helps make the hair dense and darker in colour. It also nourishes the hair roots and makes hair healthy and strong.
When to use Wiesbaden Aqua?
Use of this medicine is frequently recommended to promote hair regrowth.
How to use Wiesbaden Aqua?
Its use is suggested in 30C potency twice daily.
4. Phosphoricum Acidum – For Hair Fall From Grief
It is useful to treat hair loss that takes place after some grief or sorrow. Those who need this medicine experience marked thinning and falling of hair. They may have early greying of hair as well. It is also a useful medicine to treat hair loss in the beard.
When to use Phosphoricum Acidum?
Anyone experiencing hair fall due to grief can take this medicine.
How to use Phosphoricum Acidum?
Initially, Phosphoric Acid 30C can be used twice a day for the best possible results.
5. Thallium Metallicum – For Hair Fall After Acutely Exhausting illness
It is a very suitable medicine to treat hair fall after acute exhausting health conditions. For example, flu, throat infection, and prolonged fever. The hair fall is quite rapid for those who need it. It may be general hair loss all over the scalp or in spots. The hair comes out in handfuls.
When to use Thallium Metallicum?
This medicine can be administered for managing hair fall that takes place after some acute health condition, like flu, or prolonged fever.
How to use Thallium Metallicum?
This medicine can be administered in 30C potency once a day.
6. Kali Sulphuricum- For Hairfall Associated with Yellow Scaly Dandruff
Kali Sulphuricum is used if hair fall is associated with dandruff, especially when the scales are yellow, sticky and moist. It is useful in seborrhoeic conditions of the scalp where hair falls due to chronic scaling or eruptions. The scalp is usually warm, sweaty and itchy, and the patient feels worse in a warm room, but he feels better in fresh air.
When to Use Kali Sulphuricum?
It should be used when hair fall is clearly linked to dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis or previous skin eruptions of the scalp. It suits patients who prefer cooler surroundings and feel uncomfortable in the heat.
How to Use Kali Sulphuricum?
It is mostly prescribed in 6X or 12X potency as a tissue salt, taken three to four times daily in chronic cases. It may also be combined with other tissue salts depending on the totality.
7. Jaborandi – For Excessive Hairfall with Gradual Thinning of Hair
Jaborandi diffuses hair fall that takes place as a result of debility, chronic illness, stress or nutritional weakness. It is particularly indicated when hair becomes thin, dry and lifeless and when there is excessive perspiration of the scalp and body. It also helps prevent premature greying of hair.
When to Use Jaborandi?
It should be used when hair fall follows fever, anemia, weakness or stress, and when perspiration is noticeable. It suits patients whose hair becomes weak rather than those with scalp eruptions.
How to Use Jaborandi?
The mother tincture (Q) is commonly prescribed in doses of 5–10 drops in water twice daily. Lower potencies like 3X may also be used for long-term nutritional hair weakness. It is sometimes applied externally in hair lotions.
8. Vinca Minor- For Hairfall in Patches with Sticky Discharge
Vinca Minor is administered for patchy hair loss, especially when associated with scalp eruptions, crusts or sticky discharge. The hair may become matted, and the scalp can be foul-smelling. It is often useful in alopecia areata and in children with eczematous scalp conditions.
When to Use Vinca Minor?
It is prescribed when hair fall is localized in patches, when scalp eruptions precede hair loss, or when the hair sticks together due to discharge. It is particularly useful in infected or eczematous scalp conditions.
How to Use Vinca Minor?
It is usually administered in 30C potency, once daily or on alternate days, depending on susceptibility. It may also be used externally in dilute lotion form in some scalp conditions.
What causes Hair Fall?
Various causes behind hair fall are listed below:
1. Thyroid – Thyroid causes hair loss in severe and prolonged cases. Since thyroid and alopecia areata are both autoimmune diseases, one can trigger the other. Hair fall due to thyroid can be treated once the underlying hormonal imbalance is fixed, although it can take some time for the hair to grow back.
2. Hormonal changes – cause hair loss, particularlyafter childbirth, during menopause, hypothyroidism, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).
3. Emotional trauma – like constant stress or grief due to loss of a family member/close friend.
4. Nutritional deficiencies and anemia – due to a poor diet, or some other underlying health conditions that prevent the absorption of nutrients, hair fall may occur. Main deficiencies include iron, zinc, protein and vitamin B3.
5. Recovery – from acute fevers like typhoid may lead to even hair thinning.
6. Alopecia Areata – isan autoimmune disease that causes hair loss in spots. In this condition, the immune cells of the body mistake the hair cells for a foreign substance and start destroying them. It is a common cause of hair fall in people under 20 years of age and is common among people with autoimmune thyroid problems.
7. Certain drugs – (like the ones used to treat high blood pressure, joint pains, cancer, or depression) can also cause hair fall as a side effect. For example, anagen effluvium refers to a condition of hair loss due to chemotherapy in a cancer patient. Chemotherapy drugs used as a part of cancer treatment damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
8. Physical trauma/ injury – to the head can also lead to hair fall in some cases.
9. General diseases – like diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, or AIDS tend to cause hair loss due to decreased immunity and nutrition in the body.
10. Certain hairstyles – like tight braids or ponytails, where the hair is tightly pulled back, can lead to traction alopecia. Indiscriminate use of hair color and heating tools can damage the hair and lead to hair fall.
11. Trichotillomania – is a mental disorder in which the affected person voluntarily pulls out his/her hair from the scalp.
12. Hair fall from scalp conditions – like fungal infection of scalp (Tinea Capitis), Lichen Planus (an autoimmune condition affecting skin, hair and mucous membranes), eczema of the scalp (Seborrheic dermatitis), scalp folliculitis (inflammation and infection of hair follicles of the scalp) and dandruff.
Male Pattern Baldness
What is Male Pattern Baldness?
Male balding is a common issue, and surprisingly, men tend to feel isolated when they suffer from it. Anybody with a genetic predisposition towards baldness typically experiences a change in the hair growth cycle, mostly due to the action of the hormone dihydrotestosterone. Male pattern baldness is linked with male sex hormones or androgens, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. The change in levels of these hormones results in the shrinking of hair follicles and the shortening of the growth phase of hair (anagen phase). These two factors result in hair loss.
In young males, male pattern baldness typically begins from the frontal area and the crown. With age, it progresses towards the back of the head. Signs of early hair loss in men can be visible as early as the age of 18. Some common early warning signs of male pattern baldness include:
– Receding hairline from the forehead and temples.
– Bald patch on top of the scalp.
– Reduced density of hair.
– Thinning of hair.
Top 4 Homeopathic Medicines for Male Pattern Baldness
The four top medicines in homeopathy to manage male pattern baldness are Lycopodium Clavatum, Baryta Carbonica, Silicea Terra and Selenium.
1. Lycopodium Clavatum – Top Homeopathic Medicine For Hair Regrowth
It a natural medicine prepared from a plant named club moss and is usually the first choice of medicine for male pattern baldness. It helps any further progression of the hair loss and also aids hair regrowth (though it varies from case to case) in male pattern baldness. Its use is recommended when the hairline is receding and hair loss occurs from the sides of the scalp (temple region). With this, dandruff may be present with a foul smell emanating from the scalp. The scalp may be itchy, and a burning sensation may also be present.
When to use Lycopodium Clavatum?
This medicine can be used as a first line of treatment in case of male pattern baldness when the hairline is receding and hair loss occurs from the sides of the scalp (temple region).
How to use Lycopodium Clavatum?
Though it can be used in both low and high potencies, it is most frequently recommended in 30C power. Lycopodium 30C can be taken once a day for a month or two.
2. Baryta Carbonica – For Hair Loss From Crown Area
It works well for male pattern baldness, where hair loss is mostly visible on the crown or top of the scalp (vertex). The scalp may be sensitive to touch, along with a crawling sensation.
When to use Baryta Carboinca?
This medicine is mainly administered to manage male pattern baldness when hair loss is prominent on the crown area (top of the head).
How to use Baryta carbonica?
Baryta Carb is mostly administered in 30C once or twice a day, depending on the severity of the complaint.
3. Silicea Terra– For Male Pattern Baldness In Young Males
Silicea is useful for male pattern baldness in very young men, where they tend to experience hair loss very early in their lives. Severe itching of the scalp is present. Excessive sweating takes place on the scalp, which gives a foul smell. A sensation of coldness is felt on the scalp.
When to use Silicea Terra?
Men who experience hair loss very early in their life (at 18-19 years of age) can be prescribed this medicine to stop any further progression of hair loss.
How to use Silicea Terra?
It can be used in 30C potency two times a day.
4. Selenium- For Hairfall from the Crown and Temples
Selenium is administered in chronic hair fall associated with constitutional weakness, premature ageing, or sexual debility. It is particularly useful in male pattern baldness, where hair gradually falls from the vertex, temples, and frontal region. The hair becomes dry, thin, and lifeless, and falls easily while combing or washing. It suits patients who are physically weak, mentally exhausted, and have a history of seminal losses, excessive sexual activity, or long-standing debility.
When to Use Selenium?
It should be administered when baldness takes place slowly in a typical male pattern distribution. It is especially accompanied by fatigue, nervous exhaustion, or sexual debility. It is more suitable if there is chronic constitutional hair fall rather than acute shedding after fever or illness.
How to Use Selenium?
Selenium is commonly prescribed in 6C or 30C potency for chronic hair fall. It may be given once daily or on alternate days, depending on the intensity of the symptoms.
Female Pattern Baldness
What is Female Pattern Baldness?
Also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, female pattern baldness is very similar to male pattern baldness. The main difference between male and female pattern baldness is the pattern of hair loss. In females, thinning of hair (and not a receding hairline) is observed.
The early key indication to recognize female pattern baldness is the gradual loss of hair from the parting line of the hair on the scalp. Found around the area of the center of the scalp, most females begin losing hair from their parting line. This progresses to the widening of the parting line, followed by general diffused hair thinning on the scalp. There are very few chances of complete baldness, but excessive thinning of hair throughout the scalp is generally observed. Ninety per cent of female baldness is directly linked to genetics, although there are other contributing factors.
In females, the leading cause of baldness is the shrinking of hair follicles, resulting in the production of short and thin hair. The androgens (hormones) are thought to play a role in female pattern baldness.
The major factor that contributes to female pattern baldness is a genetic predisposition (history of hair loss on either side of the family). It’s more commonly seen among middle-aged women and after menopause.
Female pattern baldness in the 20s is usually related to heredity, lifestyle, or stress.
In rare cases, tumors (benign, non-cancerous) of the pituitary gland/ovaries/adrenals that secrete androgens can also lead to female pattern hair loss.
Top 4 Homeopathic Medicines For Hair Fall In Females
The 4 top medicines in homeopathy to manage male pattern baldness are Sepia Succus, Natrum Muriaticum, Thuja Occidentalis and Calcarea Carbonica.9++
1. Sepia Succus – Top Homeopathic Medicine For Female Pattern Baldness
It is a highly valuable medicine for female pattern baldness and hair fall. In menopausal age, Sepia Succus has been successfully used to treat female pattern baldness. The scalp is painful to touch, the roots of hair seem sore (pain on touching), feels sensitive on combing. Along the margin of hair on the forehead, pimples can be seen.
When to use Sepia Succus?
It can be used to manage hair loss in females around menopause.
How to use Sepia Succus?
The suggested dose is Sepia 30 C once a day.
2. Natrum Muriaticum – For Hair Loss In Women After childbirth
Women experiencing hair loss after childbirth can highly benefit from it. Along with hair loss, a severe headache after childbirth may be felt. Hair loss may be noted on the slightest touch on the scalp and is marked at the sides and forepart of the head. Dandruff with white scales may be seen on the scalp.
When to use Natrum Muriaticum?
It is the best prescription for hair loss among women after childbirth.
How to use Natrum Muriaticum?
It can be taken in 30 C potency once a day.
3. Thuja Occidentalis- For Hairfall with Hormonal Disturbances
Thuja is indicated in hair fall associated with hormonal imbalance, chronic scalp disorders, or constitutional sycotic tendency. It is useful for females who report gradual thinning of hair over the scalp, especially when hair becomes dry, brittle and splits easily. It suits patients with oily skin, dandruff, or a history of warts, leucorrhoea, or ill-effects of vaccination. Hair may fall in handfuls with itching of the scalp.
When to Use Thuja Occidentalis?
Thuja should be considered when female hair loss is associated with PCOD tendency, hormonal imbalance, recurrent dandruff, or other sycotic manifestations like warts and thick discharges. It is especially useful when hair fall begins after childbirth, vaccination, or chronic scalp problems.
How to Use Thuja Occidentalis?
It is commonly prescribed in 30C or 200C potency, depending on the constitution of the person. It is usually given once daily or at longer intervals in higher potency.
4. Calcarea Carbonica- For Excessive Hairfall with Nutritional Insufficiency
Calcarea Carbonica is a major constitutional remedy for hair fall among women with endocrine disturbance, nutritional weakness, or chronic debility. Hair fall is often diffuse and accompanied by dandruff, sweating of scalp, and weakness of the hair roots. It suits fair, flabby females who are easily tired, gain weight and feel chilly. Hair may fall excessively after childbirth, prolonged illness, or menstrual disturbances.
When to Use Calcarea Carbonicum?
It should be used in female pattern hair loss when associated with anemia, hypothyroidism, obesity, irregular menses, or postpartum weakness. It is particularly useful when the patient is chilly, easily tired, and has profuse perspiration of the head.
How to Use Calcarea Carbonicum?
Calcarea carb is often prescribed in 30C or in 200C at longer intervals, depending on case totality.
Note: regarding the use of homeopathic medicines
Use of any of the homeopathic medicines mentioned in this article should be done only in the recommended potency and dose. You may continue these medicines for a month or two. To continue for more than a month, it is strictly advised to consult a qualified homeopath. Also, do not use high potencies of any of these medicines without a proper consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it normal to lose hair daily?
Yes. Losing about 50–100 hairs per day is normal. Excessive shedding beyond this, or visible thinning, may need evaluation.
2. What are the common causes of hair fall?
Hair fall may occur due to stress, nutritional deficiency, anemia, hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, dandruff, illness, medications, or hereditary factors.
3. Can stress really cause hair fall?
Yes. Emotional stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep can disturb the hair growth cycle and lead to increased shedding.
4. Does dandruff cause hair fall?
Yes. Severe dandruff or scalp infection can weaken hair roots and increase hair fall if not treated.
5. Can hair fall be due to a hormonal imbalance?
Yes. Conditions like thyroid disorders, PCOD, menopause, or irregular periods can contribute to hair thinning among women.
6. Is hereditary hair fall permanent?
Genetic hair fall (male or female pattern baldness) is progressive but can be slowed with proper treatment and lifestyle care.
7. Can a poor diet cause hair fall?
Yes. Deficiency of iron, protein, vitamin D, B12, and other nutrients commonly leads to hair fall.
8. Does frequent shampooing increase hair fall?
No. Washing hair does not cause hair fall. It only makes already loose hair fall out. However, harsh chemicals may damage hair.
9. Can oiling stop hair fall?
Oiling nourishes the scalp and improves circulation, but it alone may not stop hair fall if the cause is internal.
10. How long does hair treatment take to show results?
Hair growth is slow. Improvement usually takes 6–12 weeks, and full recovery may take several months.
11. Can homeopathy help in preventing hair fall?
Homeopathy aims to treat the root cause, such as hormonal imbalance, stress, dandruff, or constitutional weakness, so results are gradual but long-lasting.
12. Should I cut my hair short to reduce hair fall?
Hair cutting does not affect hair roots. It may reduce breakage, but does not stop hair fall.
13. When should I consult a doctor for hair fall?
You should consult a doctor if hair fall is sudden, severe, patchy, associated with illness, weight loss, irregular periods, or scalp disease.
14. Can hair grow back after hair falls?
Yes. In most of the cases, hair regrows once the cause is corrected, except in advanced genetic baldness or scarring conditions.