When it comes to male pattern baldness, there are a variety of treatments and natural remedies that can support hair growth. As of right now, Minoxidil Spray and 1 mg Finasteride pills are the only treatments approved by the HPRA for male pattern hair loss. Minoxidil Spray is an over-the-counter spray, but it is also increasingly used off-label in a capsule format although oral Minoxidil requires a prescription.
Non-medicinal options like natural oils and herbal supplements are gaining popularity online as natural remedies for treating male pattern baldness, though their effectiveness tends to be more limited. Here, we review the current research on these natural hair loss treatments to determine whether they have real benefits or are simply hype.
Minoxidil is thought to stimulate hair growth through a few different mechanisms. It is believed to promote blood flow to the scalp by activating potassium channels. It may also upregulate the expression of a growth factor called VEGF, which promotes angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones). This process improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, creating an optimal environment for hair growth.
Minoxidil may also extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, a key regulator of hair growth. This pathway is thought not only to prolong hair growth but also to help convert vellus hairs – the short, fine hairs covering much of the body – into terminal hairs, which are the thicker, longer hairs found on the scalp, eyebrows, and other areas.
In clinical studies, Minoxidil Spray has a proven track record at being effective in 84% of users at improving hair regrowth and decreasing hair loss.
Rosemary oil is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, and it has been suggested to have anti-androgenic effects. As male pattern baldness is caused by androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT), this property is of particular interest when it comes to its potential benefit as a hair loss treatment. Some studies indicate it may improve hair growth in a similar way to Minoxidil, by promoting blood circulation and supporting follicle regeneration.
One clinical trial reported participants who applied topical rosemary oil for six months saw increases in hair count comparable to those achieved with 2% Minoxidil Spray. In addition, an animal study using mouse models treated with testosterone to induce hair loss resembling male pattern baldness found that rosemary leaf extract appeared to inhibit 5α-reductase and counteract the effects of DHT. This is particularly noteworthy because male pattern baldness occurs when DHT binds to hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.
While these findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of rosemary oil for hair loss in humans. On the plus side, rosemary oil is generally well tolerated, so experimenting with it poses little risk.
Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) is often mentioned as a natural remedy for hair loss and can be taken as an oral supplement or applied directly to the scalp. It’s believed to promote hair growth through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and some studies suggest it may help block DHT, the hormone linked to male pattern baldness.
That said, research into PSO’s effectiveness is still limited.
A 2014 Korean study found that men who took 400 mg of PSO daily for 24 weeks experienced an average 40% increase in hair count, compared to 10% in the placebo group. However, the supplement used contained other ingredients, so the benefits cannot be attributed to PSO alone. The study was also small, involving just 76 participants.
More recently, a 2019 animal study found PSO stimulated hair growth in mice, though its effect was weaker than 2% Minoxidil. Similarly, a 2021 clinical trial in women with female pattern hair loss showed encouraging results for PSO, but 5% minoxidil again proved more effective.
Overall, early evidence is promising, but larger, well-designed human trials are still needed to confirm PSO’s role as a reliable treatment for hair loss.
Caffeine has become a common ingredient in many shampoos and hair serums, but does it actually help with hair loss?
Laboratory studies suggest that caffeine may counteract the effects of DHT, stimulating follicle cells and helping them stay in the growth (anagen) phase for longer.
In a study using cultured human hair follicles, caffeine not only encouraged growth but was also found to penetrate the hair shaft and follicles within just two minutes of topical application. This indicates that caffeine-based shampoos and serums can effectively deliver the ingredient directly to the hair roots, where it can be most beneficial.
It’s worth noting that these effects are limited to topical use – drinking coffee won’t have the same impact, since caffeine consumed orally is metabolised before it can reach the scalp in significant amounts.
Saw palmetto is a natural extract derived from the berries of the Serenoa repens plant. Similar to Finasteride, it is thought to work by reducing levels of DHT, the hormone responsible for male pattern hair loss.
In one clinical trial comparing 320 mg of saw palmetto with 1 mg of Finasteride, about 38% of participants taking Saw palmetto experienced noticeable hair growth, whereas 68% of those on finasteride saw improvement – showing that while saw palmetto can be helpful, it’s generally less potent.
A later study testing a topical saw palmetto serum reported a 4.9% increase in total hair count after 24 weeks, suggesting that applying it directly to the scalp may also support growth.
Overall, saw palmetto appears to promote healthier hair when used as an oral supplement or topical treatment, but its effects are typically milder than medical-grade options like Finasteride, and the long-term efficacy is yet to be determined in large-scale clinical trials. On the positive side, it seems to be well tolerated by most users, with only occasional reports of mild side effects, such as headaches.
These natural remedies show potential benefits for supporting hair growth, but without long-term human clinical trials, it is difficult to compare their effectiveness to Minoxidil Spray, a well-established treatment. They may, however, be worth using as complementary options alongside proven hair loss treatments, provided you follow your doctor’s guidance and stick to recommended usage instructions to ensure safe use.
All of our blog articles are reviewed for medical accuracy by our Medical Director before publication.
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