Reduce hair loss and promote healthy locks with 2 at-home hair treatments that 'actually work'

Two hair treatments can fight hair loss

GETTY
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 20/11/2024

- 12:55

Updated: 20/11/2024

- 13:26

Hair loss is a concern of many men and women

Factors such as stress, diet and age can cause hair loss in men and women, often leading to a drop in confidence.

Cold weather can also prompt seasonal hair loss, but luckily there are some things you can put on your mane to reduce the risk of this.


Lots of hair tips and tricks are available online, but many of these will not work as well as promised.

Hair transplant experts at Vera Clinic suggested there are two popular DIY hair growth hacks that "actually work". This includes using rosemary oil and rice water.

Woman having her hair washed

A rice water rinse could help your hair

GETTY

The experts said: "Social media is filled with hair growth hacks that promise instant results.

"While most of these are unfortunately unsuccessful, there are two that actually work when applied to the scalp and hair strands correctly.

"Rosemary oil improves hair growth by increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and protecting against cell damage, with research showing that it can be just as effective as minoxidil.

"However, it is important to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or argan, as pure rosemary oil is potent enough to damage hair follicles."

Some studies confirm the benefits of rosemary oil. A small 2023 study in mine showed that using a hair lotion containing 1% rosemary essential oil stimulated hair growth more than the hair loss treatment minoxidil.

Another at-home hair care remedy that has gained a lot of popularity is using a rice water rinse. This can be made at home.

Do this by rinsing a cup of uncooked rice and adding two to three cups of water before soaking for 30 minutes or so.

After shampooing your hair, pour over the rice water and massage it into your scalp. Rinse this out after 20 minutes.

Woman with wet hair

Rosemary oil can be beneficial

GETTY

They continued: "A rice water rinse is another hack that will go far.

"There is no specific research that suggests it will help hair growth, but rice water can improve the health and density of hair as it contains proteins and many nutrients, such as vitamins E and B."

For more advice on combatting male baldness, experts share some key lifestyle changes that can help, including some that are free to do.

You may like