Think you’ve tried every potion and pill to promote hair growth or prevent the loss of those luscious locks? Think again—and think natural. A new extract that could save your hair is now making its way into commercially available products. Called “Thuja Orientalis”, but nicknamed “Thuja O”, the extract originates from a variety of evergreen tree native to East Asia. In fact, Thuja O is already a common baldness and hair loss treatment in the region. That success overseas led researchers, reporting in BMC Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, to examine Thuja O in a laboratory setting. After evaluating Thuja O extract on mice, the team found that the product elicited quicker hair growth, along with thicker and more plentiful strands, compared to hair growth in a group treated with minoxidil (a common hair loss treatment) as well as a control group. Of course, an animal test won’t necessarily translate to humans—and research into Thuja O is still in its early stages, experts caution. But if you’re up for giving the extract a shot yourself, several products, including Renokin Hair Revitalizing Shampoo and Essential Dreams Cedar Shampoo, already include Thuja O. There are also plenty of steps you can take to thwart hair loss that don’t involve products. Experts recommend using the cool setting on hair dryers, and minimizing your use of flat irons or hair dye. A diet revamp might also help: Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, seem to keep hair healthy. And, of course, trying talking to your doctor—several conditions, including anemia and thyroid disease, can contribute to hair loss. Questions? Comments? Contact Prevention’s News Team.
