Hello Doctor.
I am a 49-year-old man. Lately, I have developed an itchy scalp.
I had alopecia (a condition that causes hair to fall our in small patches). I have recovered but now have a four finger-sized bald patch on the crown of my head. My hair is thinning too.
I have done my blood test -- my Vitamin D, thyroid, iron... all levels are normal.
There is no stress.
I get seven hours sound sleep too.
I am vegetarian and there is no heredity of balding in my family.
Once a week, I use warm coconut/castor oil with some lemon drops and leave it in my hair for 7-8 hours.
I use Patanjali Coconut Kesh Raksha shampoo.
For conditioner, I use egg yolk and yoghurt and after that I use Dr Hauschka Neem Scalp Tonic.
What are your thoughts on Biotin 500 tablets?
If you can please guide me with any simple home remedies, I will be grateful.
Looking forward to hear from you.
Jay
Ans: Hi Jay.
The fact that you have recovered from alopecia is a good sign.
From your description, it looks like you were suffering from androgentic alopecia or male pattern baldness, starting from your crown area.
While the cause for androgenetic alopecia is mainly hormonal, many factors can add to this.
We should aim at controlling them while preventing you from balding further. We should also try to reverse your hair thinning and bald patch problems.
First, the don'ts
- Don't use too much oil. While oil serves as a conditioner, its overuse and leaving it on for too long can cause blocking of the pores and damage of hair.
- Don't use so many different oils. Use only one thin oil as a conditioner. Don't expect the use of these oils to result in hair growth or prevent balding.
- Don't take high doses of Biotin. While Biotin is no doubt good for hair, it can have side effects when used in excess. First, evaluate whether you have a deficiency in Biotin and then decide what dose to take under the guidance of an expert.
Now, the do's
- Start with a medicated hair oil which will reduce the thinning and help grow thick hair.
- Take multivitamin tablets as vitamin deficiency causes hair thinning.
- Consume proteins, vitamins and Biotin-rich foods on a regular basis.
- Exercise, yoga, meditation and adequate sleep all have a role to play in hair health.
