Finding a cure for baldness has been one of man’s old-age quest. Throughout centuries man has exerted almost every resource he’s been able to get his hands on in search for that elusive cure.

From the east to the west side of the globe, ancient civilisations to the modern age; have all taken a stab at combatting the irkky troublesome problem.

This article will break down all the ingenious, fascinating and outright bizarre remedies throughout history that have promised to save and even bring back those dying follicles.

Ancient Egypt

Perhaps the earliest known attempt to tackle the issue of hair loss was the ancient civilisations of Egypt.

Appearance was seen as an important trait to the Egyptians. It acted as a symbol of status, wealth and held a strong political influence. So it comes as no surprise that the Egyptians tried everything in their power to address the issue.

Once hair loss was experienced by the wealthy and powerful members of society, it lead to hiding, treating and attempting to repair baldness.

Earliest Remedies

During 4000 BC, the first attempt by the ancient Egyptians to reverse hair loss. Through grounding together a mixture of dates, dog paws, donkey hoof and cooking it with oil. The mixture would then be massaged onto the scalp.

The Ebers Papyrus

In 1550 BC the oldest known medical document on treating trauma was recorded; ‘Ebers Papyrus’. This included a number of supposed hair loss cures.

Consisting of combining animal fat from hippos, crocodile, tomcat, snake and ibexi. Another suggested porcupine hair boiled in water and rubbed onto the scalp for 4 days. Finally, a leg of female greyhound sautéed in oil with the hoof of a donkey.

Does it work? No surprise the bizzare animal mixtures did little to reverse hair loss. Eventually, the ancient Egyptians royals had to settle on wearing wigs and fake beards to hide their insecurities.

Ancient Greece

Onion

Ancient Greeks believed that onion applied directly to the scalp with deal with baldness.

A mixture of mashed up onion with honey was rubbed onto the scalp and washed off in the morning.

Does it work? Yes, Onion and it’s juices have been proven to have a good response to more than one form of hair loss. This is especially the case for Aloecia Areta.

Pigeon Droppings

You will have to thank Hippocrates for this one here. The man who is considered the father of western medicine. Hippocrates was born in 460 BC and while his legacy lives on, his cure for baldness was always a drastic idea that didn’t last the test of time.

Hippocrates himself had experienced hair loss and decided that the cure was a mixture of pigeon droppings, opium, beetroot, horseradish, and spices were the answer to receding hair.

Does it work? No, as if it wasn’t bad enough having a pigeon finish it’s business on you, whilst you unsuspectedly walked on the street. Hippocrates wants you to rub that into your scalp? Luckily enough this ‘cure’ didn’t catch on.

Castration

The ancient greek physician Hippocrates also declared that men who had undergone castration did not suffer hair loss.

Does it work? 1960 and 1995 studies found that it might possibly be true and that castrated men keep their hair. Whether it does or not, this is likely to be a step too far for anyone fighting their hair loss.

China

Traditional Massage

Chinese monks claimed that the traditional massage of stretching, tapping and applying pressure would allow for a body wide circulation including to the scalp, minimizing hair loss.

Does it work? Might be an effective method of destressing and sending circulation around the body. Will have little to no effective on hair loss.

Acupuncture

The ancient Chinese medicine of targeting specific points for therapeution and preventation purposes.

The theory is when used on the scalp it will help stimulate the hair follicles, nerves as well as the blood vessels, so that the hair loss will be stopped.

Does it work? Some research has found that it could have an affect on one type of hair loss; Alopecia areata.

Gotu kola (Centella Asiatica)

Stated as the herb of longevity. This is a traditional Chinese medicine, who’s users claim treats several types of disorders such as memory, anxiety and many others including hair loss.

Does it work? Studies have shown that it contains properties that increase the rate of collagen synthesis. Which could possibly heal the inflammation of the hair follicles that occurs due to male pattern baldness.

Indian Subcontinent

India is well renowned for it’s traditional medicines and natural well-being practices. There can be no doubting the Indians are usually blessed with luxurious thick hair, but hair loss is experienced everywhere.

Ayurveda

A form of historical and traditional medicine that had emerged from the Indian subcontinent. Some Ayurveda practices have transferred into the global and modern system of medicine.

The Ayurveda suggested combating hair loss through the use of coconut oil mixed with various types of herbs. The potent mixture was designed to get rid of dandruff as well as stimulate hair growth, with the added bonus of stopping hair turning grey.

Does it work? Some research claims that it contains anti-androgenic effects if applied topically. Could potentially halt hair loss.

Turmeric

A form of spice used in Indian food, Tumeric was suggested to be taken orally by the natives of the subcontinent of India. The idea was to consume large quantities of the spice, that it would act as a powerful hair growth stimulate.

Does it work? There has been literature in the medical field assessing hormones and inflammation, that argue turmeric could well be a hair stimulate. Further research is required.

Rosemary

The fragrant herb was used as a post shampoo hair rinse. To prevent possible inflammation to the scalp and promote hair growth.

Does it work? Rosemary does contain anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. There are no evidence for it reversing hair loss in Male pattern baldness however.

Cow Urine

Now don’t say we didn’t warn you about the bizzare nature of some of these ‘remedies’. Yes, you read that correctly, cow urine is seen to this day as a potential method to fight off hair loss in India.

The cow is a sacred animal in India and as so is considered to treat a wide range of health conditions, including our unwanted friend hairloss.

Cow urine is taken from preferably virgin cows and drunk before sunrise.

Does it work? Goes without saying but cow urine has no scientific data to suggest it can cure baldness. In fact, drinking cow urine can have the reverse effect on your health and cause illnesses. So best to avoid any consumption of that.

Yoga

India has lead the wave for yoga since it’s introduction. A specific pose; the headstand is recognised for its difficulty as well as its benefits. One of those is supposed to be putting a stop to hair loss.

By setting yourself upside down, it’s understood that there will be an increased blood flow to the scalp. Which in turn will prevent hair loss occurring.

Does it work? Headstand will increase blood flow to the the scalp and that is required for the hair follicles to remain healthy and grow.

However, for all the increased blood flow, it will not prevent DHT from affecting the follicles even if you’re upside down for an extended period of time.

Romans

Just as in the superficial civilisation of ancient Egypt, the Romans also prided themselves on their appearance. So much so that balding was regarded as ‘ugly’ to the romans.

Myrrh Berries

Around 50 BC, Roman men would rub myrrh berries onto their scalp to promote hair growth.

Does it work? No evidence that they promote any sort of hair growth.

Laurel Wreath

Later on, step forward Julius Caesar. The Roman emperor that had left his mark on history, forging his name by defending Rome viscously and expanding its walls, however even he couldn’t quite defeat hair loss.

It had troubled him so much that he viewed it as a disfigurement that he needed to hide. Firstly through growing his hair long enough to style it in a combover style.

Once that had failed it was suggested by his mistress, Cleopatra to use ground mice and horse teeth power on the scalp. Yet still no luck for Cesar. Probably best to avoid any hair loss advice from the ancient Egyptians; they really didn’t have any luck at tackling the problem did they.

Cesar decided if he couldn’t treat his hair loss, he would hide it. By insisting on wearing a laurel wreath.

Did it work? Wearing the ancient equivalent of the modern hat to cover the hair loss. All his attempts had failed to treat hair loss, but he did at the very least manage to hide it.

Aztecs

The Aztecs were well known for their agriculture, but they still proposed a remedy to take on hair loss. It was believed that consuming hot chilli peppers would cure hair loss alongside other health issues. The Aztecs would dilute the chilli with water and drink it daily.

Does it work? Unfortunately, this remedy is only likely to heat up your mouth and upset your stomach.

Ireland

Around 1000 AD. The celtics used a particularly stomach churning remedy for hair loss. Stuffing mice in a clay jar, sealed and buried besides a fire. Once a year had passed, the contents were recovered and used.

It even came with a strong warning to wear protective gloves when taking out the jar, for fear that the remedy was so powerful; touching it with bare hands would ensure hair would grow from your fingertips and on your hands.

Does it work? No, this sounds like it’s straight from a horror movie..next!!

Australia

The Aboriginals in Australia swore by Emu oil being the answer for various health conditions including hair loss.

Using the oil on thinning areas on the scalp alongside coconut oil. The aboriginals thought it would stimulate hair growth.

Does it work? There are some studies that back emu oils function as a hair growth stimulate. At the current moment, more research is required to fully study it’s benefits.

Siberia

Meanwhile Siberian’s had used Agrimony root to strength their hair follicles to avoid balding. A herb that is more commonly used nowadays for sore throats and upset stomachs.

Boiling the roots until they softened, the mixture was used to rinse hair daily after washing. It was supposed to deal with hair loss and control dandruff.

Does it work? There is no evidence that Agrimony can affect hair loss.

Russia / Scandinavia

The indigenous people who had resided towards the colder climate had used Rhodiola for treating hair loss caused by stress.

Rhodiola rosea is a flowering plant that grows in the arctic cold regions of Europe. This herb’s root is considered adaptogens. This results in helping the body deal with stress when consumed.

Does it work? Rhodiola has been shown to reduce stress and nowadays can be purchased as a dietary supplement. It has a host of benefits; treating anxiety, fatigue and depression. For Male pattern baldness it’s unlikely to reverse hair loss, though for stress induced hair loss it could be beneficial.

Tibet

Tibetan monks following the religious tradition Taoism; originated from China have long argued that the cure for hair loss is found in withholding semen.

Some Taoist monks practice celibacy as well as avoiding masturbation.

Does it work? Many sources argue that masturbation can increase hair loss, but this is a old age myth that no holds no scientific proof behind it.

France

During the 17th century, noble men and royals had attempted to cure baldness by donning the famous big wig with curls and white powder.

King Louie the XIII of France had paved the way for this to ‘treat’ hair loss. It was ofcourse masking the issue but had gained popularity among society and especially with noblemen in France and England. Later on the wealthy American colonist also got in on the act of wearing the big wigs, that was until the revolution.

Does it work? The French had gone down the route of the Romans and decided to mask hair loss rather than attempt to treat the issue. This sort of masking is still relevant today with hair systems.

UK

Health and Excerise

During 1889 AD, it was believed that the cure for baldness rested on a fit and health lifestyle.

Tea

Whilst in the 19th century, Britain’s favourite form of beverage was believed to possibly be the cure for balding.

Cold Indian tea with chopped up lemons was massaged onto the scalp. It really couldn’t get anymore British than that right?

Did it work? Unsurprisingly, the tea did not work. A fit and healthy lifestyle might contribute to hair loss, but there are many men in incredible shape who have still lost their hair.

USA

Snake Oil

In the 19th century, the iconic snake oil salesmen had taken over the streets and stores. These salesmen had posed as doctors and claimed that they had the remedies for all sorts of medical conditions. All stored in the back of their wagons.

One of these miracle cures was the infamous seven Sutherland sisters hair grower.

Did it work? No, as good as the marketing was in displaying these women with incredible long hair; so much so they could match rapunzel. Alongside the charms of the salesman were still not enough for this snake oil to have any affect of hair loss.

Bull Semen

Just when you thought it couldn’t any disgusting than cow urine, someone had the not so bright idea of using bull semen to treat hair loss (I think I’d rather be bald).

Used in saloons across the United States, bull semen contains a high amount of protein, that in theory could promote hair growth and offer stimulation.

Does it work? Complete and utter nonsense. Can only feel sorry for those who had to go through the ordeal for the added despair of no results.

Yuccatone

In 1908 AD Griffith sold a treatment for baldness named yuccatone.

Yuccatone was made from yucca plants with the claim it could grow luxurious hair.

Does it work? Not at all.

Thermocap

During the 1920’s a crazy looking device was invented to restore men’s hair. It was marketed by New York based Allied Merkel Institute.

It believed that the hair follicles in bald men had only laid dormant and could be stimulated by the device to once again regrow hair. Citing evidence based of the experiments undertaken by french scientists.

It required the individual to spend 15 mins of their day wearing the device, allowing for the blue light to stimulate the hair follicles.

Does it work? No, not only does it have no affect on the hair follicles, it also made you look like a fool with it’s crazy design. It could be noted as a distant cousins of the laser caps used for hair loss nowadays.

Crosley Xervac

In 1936, inventor Dr Andre Cueto had concluded that hair fell out due to a decrease in blood circulation to the scalp. He came up with a device that he believed would treat that issue.

The Crosley Xervac would be placed on the head via a helmet, a hose that was attached to the machine would then use various degrees of suction and air pressure to stimulate blood to the scalp.

The device was found in barbershops and available to rent for home use.

Does it work? No, it was just a whole load of hot air and nothing concrete.

Japan

In the 1913 a Japanese dermatologist; Dr. Okuda had paved the way for the start of hair transplants. He grafted hair from the scalp, eyebrows, face and the body onto the bald areas.

Does it work? Yes! What the Japanese dermatologist had started, was later taken on further in the US and is now one of the major hair loss treatments.

Korea

In 2003, a paper in Korea claimed that hot sauce could grow hair faster on mice. The Korean journal of dermatology stated capsaicin; the main ingredient found in chilli peppers could potentially do the same for humans.

Does it work? No scientific evidence is available to suggest this would work on humans. Not particularly for the faint hearted either.

Conclusion

The search for a cure has resulted in many tried and tested methods, some with hindsight may seem bizzare and daft but it’s important to consider everything when dealing with such a complex issue as hair loss.

Eventually, some key breakthroughs have been made with the development of Finasteride and Minoxidil.

Although a completely safe and faultless cure has yet to be found. It offers encouragement that one day a cure might be made for all those balding men.

Rest assured the hunt for a cure will continue. The hair loss industry is valued at billions. Not only will a cure offer salvation for those bald domes but also unprecedented financial gains for the inventor.

As for some of these natural remedies using herbs and spices, a good base has been established by these ancient civilisations. With further research it could potentially lead to a treatment of some kind.

However, the lack of significant evidence and commercial incentives means it’s unlikely any of these promising natural remedies will be studied further.

They cannot be patented by a pharmaceutical company to see any financial profit from. Therefore, if a cure was to be found, it would be in the lab and not through nature.