A group of indigenous Hondurans are famous for their thick, beautiful locks — and a doctor says the oil they use could be the key.
Dr. Matee Rajput said the little-known ingredient could boost hair growth and shared his other top over-the-counter hair strengthening products.
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Dr. Rajput is a hair transplant surgeon and director of the KSL Clinic with locations in Kent and Manchester, England.
In an interview with The US Sun, he revealed various ingredients for longer hair.
OUTSTANDING OIL
Batana oil is extracted from the nuts of the Elaeis oleifera tree, commonly known as the American palm.
Dr. Rajput said it is generally considered beneficial for growth and overall hair health.
“Batana oil is traditionally used by the indigenous Miskito people of Honduras,” he said.
“They are often referred to as ‘people with beautiful hair’ because their hair is thick and healthy thanks to batana oil.
“Batana oil is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins, especially vitamin E.”
Fragrant follicles
Batana oil can be purchased online from holistic beauty websites – but if you’re looking for something more mainstream, the doctor has you covered.
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Scientific evidence and a “wealth of anecdotal” evidence support the use of rosemary oil in hair care.
The ingredient can stimulate growth, improve scalp health and strengthen hair.
“Rosemary oil has been shown to improve blood circulation when applied to the scalp, which can stimulate hair follicles and promote new hair growth,” said Dr. Rajput.
Rosemary oil is often diluted with a carrier oil such as castor oil before topical use.
“Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can support scalp health and promote hair growth,” he said.
Circulatory cure
Dr. Rajput revealed that there are more than just natural oils available over the counter to promote growth and nourish the scalp.
What causes hair loss?
Alexander Armand is a celebrity hairdresser and the inventor of the hair loss oil Flourish by Alexander Armand.
“Some common causes of hair loss include stress, alopecia, hereditary hair loss, chemical treatments, high-impact hairstyles, diet and certain medications,” Armand told The US Sun.
“Androgenetic alopecia, also known as hereditary alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss and is a genetic condition that causes thinning hair on the crown and top of the head in women and thinning and receding hairlines in men.
“Telogen effluvium is the technical term for a temporary form of hair loss that occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase (telogen phase) due to stress, illness, surgery, childbirth, or major life changes.
“Hair usually grows back within a few months.
“Alopecia Areata is another form of alopecia, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss.
“The severity varies. Some people may lose all their hair, while others may grow new hair.
“When it comes to your diet, a deficiency in nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, biotin, zinc and protein can contribute to hair loss.
“Traction alopecia can be caused by tight hairstyles such as ponytails, braids or buns that put strain on the hair follicles.
“Excessive heat styling or chemical treatments can also damage hair.
“In addition, certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners and some antidepressants, can cause hair loss as a side effect.”
He raved about Rogaine, a popular brand of the hair growth drug Minoxidil.
“Minoxidil is a topical treatment that increases blood flow to hair follicles, which can stimulate growth,” he said.
“It is FDA approved for hair loss and is available in 2% and 5% strengths.”
Food for thought
Various dietary supplements can support healthy hair growth.
Diet for hair growth
Star Khechara is the inventor of the Facelift Diet and founder of the Skin Nutrition Institute.
Speaking to The US Sun, she recommended a “naturally anti-inflammatory diet” rich in antioxidants for eyebrow regrowth.
- Orange and yellow foods for beta-carotene
- Pumpkin seeds for zinc and amino acids
- Bananas and mushrooms for biotin
- Cucumber or horsetail and nettle herbs for silica
- Dark berries, raw cocoa and green tea for polyphenols
This includes biotin (vitamin B7), which supports the production of keratin, a key protein in the hair structure.
“Although biotin deficiency is rare, supplements are often used to support hair health,” said Dr. Rajput.
“Nutrafol is a dietary supplement that contains a blend of vitamins, minerals and plant extracts such as ashwagandha, saw palmetto and collagen designed to combat the causes of hair loss.
“Viviscal is a dietary supplement that contains Amino Mar C, a marine complex rich in proteins and nutrients essential for hair growth, as well as biotin, vitamin C and iron.”
These products, combined with a healthy lifestyle and proper hair care, can promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Dr. Matee Rajput
Collagen supplements can also be helpful in strengthening hair, improving elasticity and reducing breakage.
The protein can also promote scalp health by increasing blood circulation.
GREAT TREATMENTS
Consulting a doctor can be helpful in choosing a new treatment, especially if you have existing health problems.
To achieve the desired results, Dr. Rajput says the products must be combined with proper hair care and a healthy lifestyle.
Oils, sprays and supplements for hair growth
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He recommended a selection of treatments that can be used at home to correct hair growth problems.
“Nioxin Hair Care System offers a range of products designed to improve scalp health and strengthen hair,” he said.
“They offer different systems tailored to different hair types and degrees of hair loss.
Vegamour GRO hair serum contains vegan ingredients such as mung beans, red clover and curcumin that stimulate hair follicles and reduce hair loss.
How does a scalp massage promote hair growth?
A recent study in the Dermatology and Therapy Journal found that 69% of 340 participants reported improvement in their hair loss after a scalp massage.
Another 2016 study found that “scalp massage resulted in an increase in hair density 24 weeks after the start of the massage.”
So how does it work? Improving blood flow to the area can make a positive difference.
“When it comes to the scalp, massage can stimulate blood flow and stretch hair follicles to promote growth,” Arran Isherwood, a senior trichologist at FUE Clinics, told The US Sun.
Hair care expert Gaia Tonanzi agrees.
“There is evidence that scalp massage can increase blood circulation, which ultimately supports healthy hair growth,” she told The US Sun.
“Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density is a concentrated formula that promotes thicker, fuller hair by improving hair and scalp health.”
He said people suffering from hair loss could benefit from topical products and supplements containing saw palmetto.
The ingredient naturally blocks the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is associated with hair loss.
Alternatively, he said that ketoconazole is an antifungal drug that can help with hair loss by reducing scalp inflammation and DHT levels on the scalp.
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