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. Doesnt it? But men and women have shed hair since the beginning of time. Being bald isnt 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 usjust 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 readers. 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 didnt 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 liquids 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, weve 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, its 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. |
