Hair loss in males versus females: An Ayurveda review

Abstract

Objectives: Modern scientific research has distinguished between the male and female hair loss while Ayurveda does not explicitly make that demarcation. The present work describes the male and female hair loss distinctions from Ayurveda perspective. Data Source: The published scientific articles, traditional Ayurveda texts and scientific view-point and opinions of practicing Ayurveda Experts were the data sources. Review Methods: Male and female hair loss differentiation based on Ayurvedic concepts such as Dosha-Dhatu-Mala, Dhatu-Kshaya, and Dosha vitiationare captured. Results: Ayurveda attributes imbalance in the basic body constituents – Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala – for being the responsible factor for any health problem. The same philosophy is extended to the hair-related issues such as hair loss, hair graying, and hair damage. It was understood that male hair loss patterns, reasons and etiopathology are distinct from females due to a variety of factors such as the Dhatu/Upadhatucomposition and their functions. The deficiency/imbalance of Rasa and RaktaDhatu is the primary reason for hairloss in females, while males have relationship with their ShukraDhatu composition and function to be closely associated with hair health. Conclusion: Based on the collated ayurvedic understanding, we concluded that male hair loss needs a different treatment than female hair loss issues.

Keywords

• ayurveda
• dhatu kshaya
• dosha-dhatu-mala
• female hair loss
• male hair loss