Acupuncture for Hair Loss

Acupuncture is a therapy from traditional Chinese medicine that’s been around for centuries as an alternative treatment for pain and stress relief. But what about acupuncture for hair loss? Can this needle-based alternative therapy promote hair growth?

You’re not alone in wondering about natural treatments for hair loss.

There’s very limited evidence that acupuncture may help certain forms of hair loss, but it’s not a proven treatment for hair thinning or male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).

Below, we’ll look into what the research says about acupuncture for hair growth, explain how acupuncture works, and outline research-backed treatments for hair loss.

Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into specific areas of the body (called acupuncture points) to stimulate blood flow. When it comes to hair loss, the idea is that increased blood circulation to the scalp may help stimulate hair follicles.

But is that actually the case?

Currently, there’s no strong evidence supporting acupuncture as a hair loss treatment.

Acupuncture Alopecia Areata Treatment

However, limited research suggests acupuncture might help with a specific form of hair loss known as alopecia areata that results from an autoimmune disease. With alopecia areata, the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, triggering hair loss.

Still, there’s not enough research to support acupuncture’s use for hair loss. And most studies on acupuncture for hair loss have limitations.

One study looked at 87 participants with seborrheic alopecia (SA), a form of hair loss that causes scalp inflammation and intense itching. Researchers found that a combination of Chinese traditional medicine (TCM) therapies, including acupuncture, was effective in treating SA, managing hormone levels, promoting hair growth, and limiting hair loss.

That said, the sample size was small, and the study didn’t have a control or placebo group. There’s also no way to know which TCM therapy was most beneficial for hair loss.

Even though there’s not enough research to support acupuncture as a treatment for hair loss, the treatment itself isn’t likely to produce side effects. And ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not to try acupuncture for hair loss.

Some people may turn to acupuncture after trying Western medicine treatments.

Here’s what you can expect from an acupuncture session with a qualified TCM acupuncture specialist:

• They’ll insert needles on specific points of your body. The thin needles are placed in areas corresponding to different symptoms or conditions (e.g., hair loss) you might be experiencing.

• For hair loss, the needles will likely go into your head and scalp.

• The acupuncturist may also use aromatherapy or essential oils to enhance the experience and create a calming atmosphere.

Acupuncture has minimal side effects. But when getting acupuncture for hair loss, possible side effects may include:

• Headache

• Bruising or minor bleeding

• Soreness or pain

• Muscle twitches

These effects are usually temporary.

You’re more likely to experience side effects with an unlicensed professional. So it’s crucial to do your research and choose someone properly trained and licensed to administer acupuncture therapy.

Here are a few tips for picking someone qualified:

• Make sure they have the right credentials. Opt for a specialist licensed and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

• Check what the regulations are in your state. Not all states require practitioners to be certified.

• Ask for a recommendation. Friends or family might be able to recommend a practitioner. A healthcare professional, such as a primary care provider, may also be able to refer you to a qualified acupuncturist.

No. There’s no evidence that acupuncture causes hair loss. If you’re experiencing hair loss after acupuncture, it’s best to speak with a dermatologist or another healthcare professional specializing in dermatology or scalp health.

There’s no conclusive evidence that acupuncture can help regrow hair or stop hair loss. The good news is that a few research-backed treatment options are available to you — and you can access them through Hims.

Let’s go over them briefly:

• Finasteride. Unlike acupuncture, this oral medication is FDA-approved and proven to stimulate hair regrowth and slow hair loss by reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the body. DHT is a sex hormone that plays a role in male pattern hair loss.

• Minoxidil. This FDA-approved topical hair loss medication is available as a foam or liquid solution. It’s been shown to stimulate the growth phase of the hair growth cycle.

• Saw palmetto. This natural ingredient found in hair loss shampoos and other hair care products may help boost new hair growth, according to research.

• Ketoconazole. This antifungal medicine isn’t the first-line treatment for hair loss, but it may help if your thinning results from a fungal infection known as tinea capitis.

Does acupuncture help with hair loss? Maybe, but there are better, science-backed options to try first.

Let’s recap what we know about acupuncture and hair-related concerns:

• Acupuncture isn’t a proven treatment for hair loss. While some researchers have looked into the effects of acupuncture for hair loss, there’s not enough evidence to show it’s a definite baldness cure.

• It has limited side effects. Even though acupuncture for hair loss isn’t backed by research, you’re unlikely to experience side effects when going with a licensed, experienced practitioner.

• Other, more effective hair loss treatments exist. Minoxidil and finasteride (or topical minoxidil & finasteride spray) are much more effective hair loss treatment options — and they’re FDA-approved.

Worried your thinning might be a sign of male pattern baldness? Our hair care experts can help narrow down the reasons behind your receding hairline and find hair loss treatment options that work for your unique needs.

Want to learn more about acupuncture? Read our blog about acupuncture and ED.