Hair loss, particularly androgenic alopecia, is a widespread concern with limited long-term treatment options. As a result, many individuals explore complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including herbal therapies and essential oils, to support hair regrowth and scalp health (Hosking et al., 2019).

While these treatments are widely used, only a few are supported by rigorous clinical evidence, and product quality is not consistently regulated.

Among herbal remedies, 23 plant or fungal species have been identified with potential benefits for androgenic alopecia. These include phytochemicals known to affect hormone pathways, reduce inflammation, and stimulate follicular activity (Asnaashari & Javadzadeh, 2020).

Key ingredients under review include saw palmetto, green tea, ginseng, and licorice, each with mechanisms ranging from anti-androgenic effects to antioxidant support. While promising in theory and small studies, standardized trials on humans remain limited.

Essential oils are another class of natural therapies often included in over-the-counter hair care formulations. Oils like rosemary, peppermint, lavender, cedarwood, and tea tree have demonstrated potential for improving scalp conditions, reducing inflammation, and even stimulating hair growth in some trials.

For example, rosemary oil has shown comparable effects to minoxidil in treating alopecia with fewer side effects (2015 study cited). However, these oils are typically used in combination, making it difficult to isolate their individual effectiveness.