Hair Loss Remedies Around the Globe
In our culture, hair loss remedies come with hefty price tags, painful
surgical procedures, ingestion of tablets, and the application
of creams. It seems like a whole lots of work just to keep a
person happy with their physical appearance. Doesn't it? But men
and women have shed hair since the beginning of time. Being
'bald' isn't a new concept. It makes one wonder what remedies
other cultures use to prevent and interrupt the balding process.
Take a glance at some of these historic remedies. They may seem
ridiculous to us-just like some of our remedies will seem
laughable to someone in the year 2070.
In Victorian America
Can you picture yourself applying cologne, spirit of camphor,
and a pigment of cantharides to the roots of your hair each
night? This is one concoction that was used to treat hair loss.
An additional 'treatment,' was the vigorous brushing of hair.
Stiff brushes were used to promote soft and shiny hair, while
soft hair brushes were believed to promote the growth of hair.
In Ancient Egypt
Oh, boy! The ancient Egyptians had some remedies for hair loss
that may appear pretty wacky to us reader. For instance, the
Egyptians believed that the application of chopped lettuce (to
the bald area) would promote hair growth. Why lettuce, you may
ask. Well, to the Egyptians, lettuce was associated with
virility.
Another 'remedy' the Egyptians swore by was the application of
castor oil to the scalp. Because the castor oil didn't exactly
smell pleasant, they often mixed this with sweet almond oil to
create a soothing aroma.
In India
How far would you go to re-grow your hair? Indians once believed
that by boiling sage leaves in coconut oil, that the liquid's
residue (once applied to hair) would cure balding.
In The Amazon
A banana a day keeps the surgeon away? Get this one: In the
South American rainforests, the Taiwano Indians believed that
hair loss and scalp problems could be treated with the heated
extracts of bananas.
Modern Day North America
As you can see, we've come a long way. Or have we? Today our
hair loss remedies promise consumers the moon. But are we ever
happy with results? If you have a genetic disposition for
balding early in life, it's your choice to try pills, products,
and surgical procedures. But ask yourself: will these treatments
make you happy? Can one physical alteration make you feel young
and virile?
Men that do not have genetic balding traits; who are
experiencing hair loss; should take the following into
consideration:
Tight hats, ponytails, and braids promote receding
hairlines and thinning hair. Bathe and groom yourself
regularly. Excessive worrying and stress can cause
redundant shedding of hair and balding. Healthy diets
and a clean lifestyle can reduce the risk of balding.