Shedding More Than Hair: Understanding Hair Loss And Evaluating Evidence-Based Home Remedies

WRITTEN BY HALAMBA OSINI SENARA RATHNASIRI CLASS OF 2026

It is a known fact that we future doctors are concerned about hair loss not just because of the cosmetic aspect of it but also for all the other reasons it leads us into. This blog explores the reasons, the effects and some of the evidence-based remedies for this burden.

INTRODUCTION

As enthusiastic as we are to become future doctors who save others’ lives, numerous side effects of being medical students have to be swallowed. The dedication, the desire, the passion we have, can be outlined with stress and often show up in unexpected areas of our life- including the scalp. This overlooked consequence: hair loss comes due to many concerns we have like high-stake exams, sleepless nights, nutritional deficiencies, negligence of our health, emotional burnouts, and physical toll of being a medical student. I believe hair loss should be talked about because of its frequent occurrence among medical students which can lead to lower self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life.

STRESS AND HAIR FALL

3 phases of hair growth cycle are; anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting). Under stress, the telogen phase elevates leading to sudden shedding of hair. Hair loss emerged due to stress as the primary culprit can be seen in disorders such as alopecia areata or telogen effluvium.

A study conducted among 300 MBBS students relating their stress levels and hair loss has revealed that 85.67% of students experienced hair loss, and most of them had moderate to severe stress. This study proves out the fact that medical students who are exposed to elevated levels of stress can be victims of hair loss despite their age and gender.

OTHER CULPRITS OF HAIR FALL

While stress can be a main inducer of hair loss among us, there can be other factors. Other proven reasons of hair loss are, genetics, poor diet, sleep deprivation, hormonal imbalances, physiological response from covid-19 and side effects of some medications.

Recently, a trend exists where young people use modern hair styling methods including straightening and dyeing. Also, the younger population tends to use different chemicals as hair care products without giving much attention. These can ultimately lead to hair loss and damaged hair particularly, scarring alopecia, increased hair breakage, chemical burns and irritant or allergic dermatitis.

MEDICATIONS

Oral finasteride and topical minoxidil are the currently prescribed medications for the treatment of hair loss in men. Though they do not vouch for full regrowth of hair and response differently to different individuals, they prevent additional hair fall and lengthen existing hair.

In women, estrogen and topical minoxidil are prescribed to improve scalp coverage and slow the hair loss process. Anthralin is considered safe in hair loss treatment and is used for both children and adults with severe hair loss.

HOME REMEDIES FOR HAIR LOSS

Rosemary- Rosemary oil is a popular natural alternative for managing hair loss which is scientifically proven to have similar effect to minoxidil lower number of side effects, and

considered to have diverse MOAs which needed to be more explored.

Saw Palmetto- Saw Palmetto also known as Serenoa repens is an herbal medicine. Its extract is known to be effective in increasing hair count, density, and quality in cases of alopecia.

Onion Juice- Sulphur contained in raw onion juice helps make it a trustworthy remedy for hair loss. A Study conducted with forty-five individuals using onion juice and plain water as control group has resulted in 87% of participants successful hair restoration.

Korean Red Ginseng- It is a renowned medicinal herb which is used as an antioxidant, anticancer, antistress, and antidiabetic. It is believed that Korean red ginseng improves overall hair health by increasing nutrient delivery to hair follicles, scalp and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Pumpkin Seed Oil- This may help in promoting hair growth by adjusting the hormonal surrounding of the scalp.

Azelaic Acid- Azelaic acid is present in our daily consummated crops like rye, wheat, and barley. This remedy helps in promoting hair density and diameter which could be used to substitute minoxidil.

Olive Oil- Olive oil has been used since ancient times for softness, gloss and manageability of hair and variety of scalp issues, including dandruff and inflammation.

Coconut Oil- Coconut oil is an excellent hair moisturizer providing deep hydration and preventing hair dryness and fizz. It has properties that make hair softer and more manageable. Coconut oil helps restore damaged hair and prevent damage from hair styling, heat, environmental factors, and chemical products. It strengthens both damaged and undamaged hair.

 Lawsonia inermis (Henna)- Henna has being used for a long time to treat dandruff, irritation of scalp, hair loss, and inflammation of scalp. It also enhances hair growth, density, and ability to change color of hair.  

Honey- Honey has good moisturizing and conditioning properties when it comes to hair care. It reduces scalp inflammation, fight infections and increase wound healing.

Rice Bran Extract- According to a study, this has exhibited potential for hair growth 3% compared to minoxidil.

Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng)- It is speculated to improve hair health due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Amla- Amla helps prevent hair fall, premature graying and helps maintain a healthy scalp.

CONCLUSION

Rather than going straight for treatment plans, prevention and minimization of hair fall through lifestyle modifications is key. Here stress management is compulsory. Incorporating meditation, yoga, scheduled breaks and relaxation time for ourselves is important for overall quality of life. Despite that, having a balanced diet rich in iron, zinc, biotin, protein, a good sleep schedule, and maintaining scalp health and hygiene are necessary. Let us take care of ourselves first before getting ready to save others. The journey of becoming a healer should not cost us our hair!