Finding a general treatment for hair loss is really unrealistic, as hair loss has numerous causes. Instead, finding a solution requires a finer-grained approach. Take alopecia areata, also known as spot baldness; a condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body. Alopecia areata has been shown to respond well to specific natural substances, such as garlic.
Garlic has a unique chemical composition that has been shown to have many pharmacological effects. In one study, researchers wanted to know whether these effects could extend to the treatment of alopecia areata. Ten patients complaining of single or multiple patches of alopecia areata on the scalp region (total of 18 patches) were enrolled in the study, which took place over one year. All patches were treated by topical garlic extract twice daily, for two months.
Re-growth of terminal coarse hairs was evaluated by the researchers every two weeks. Terminal hairs are the thick, dense hairs that can be found on the scalp, face, armpits and pubic area. All patients responded well (although to varying degrees) to the treatment.
According to an article on express.co.uk¸ hair growth started by the end of the second week in eight patches, within four weeks in seven patches, and within six weeks in three patches. The researchers concluded that 'garlic is an efficient and rapid topical treatment' for alopecia areata.
