Alopecia and Seborrheic Dermatitis:
- WHOSE TEA TV
- Jul 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 1
My Personal Journey and Natural Remedies
Understanding Alopecia and Seborrheic Dermatitis: My Personal Journey and Natural Remedies
Alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis are two common scalp conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. I am one of those people. Alopecia leads to hair loss while seborrheic dermatitis results in itchy, flaky skin. Both conditions can be distressing, but nature provides many remedies that can soothe the scalp and encourage healthier hair growth. My favorite remedies are simple items stored in my kitchen. I use them daily as part of my scalp and hair routine.
In this blog, I share the conditions, their root causes, natural treatments, and a rejuvenating herbal hair tea recipe that has supported my scalp and hair health. I have even added a picture of my journey. It still makes me cringe because my crown was in distress, and I felt hopeless. I spent years researching, learning, and trying things with the hope of restoring my hair health. If this helps even one person, then the journey was not in vain.
Let Us Explore What Alopecia Is
Alopecia is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss. There are different types of alopecia, and the causes are not always explained clearly, so I wanted to break them down in a way that makes sense.
Causes of Alopecia
1. Genetics Sometimes, alopecia runs in families. While no one openly discussed it in mine, I noticed that many females in my family experience some form of hair thinning or loss. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, especially in androgenetic alopecia, which is responsible for male and female pattern baldness.
2. Autoimmune Disorders Conditions such as thyroid disease, vitiligo, and lupus can be connected to alopecia areata. This happens when the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Medication can help, but many of us look for natural support to help balance the body rather than depending on medications forever.
3. Hormonal Changes Hormonal imbalance, especially during menopause, can lead to increased levels of androgens as estrogen decreases. This can cause thinning hair and pattern hair loss. Many women discover this during midlife.
4. Stress Emotional or physical stress can trigger hair loss known as Telogen Effluvium. When this happens, hair follicles enter the resting phase too early, leading to shedding. Reducing stress is critical if you want to protect your coils, curls, and strands.
5. Nutritional Deficiency Lack of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin D, B vitamins, and protein may contribute to hair loss. A doctor may order blood work to check deficiencies. It is important not to take supplements blindly without medical advice.
6. Infections and Illnesses Fungal infections like ringworm or severe illnesses and surgeries can cause temporary hair loss. Maintaining clean hair tools and avoiding sharing towels is important.
7. Medications Certain medications used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure can cause hair loss as a side effect. If your hair begins shedding after starting a medication, speak to your doctor.
8. Environmental Factors Pollution, harsh hair chemicals, frequent salon treatments, and even some over-the-counter hair products can weaken hair follicles.
Types of Alopecia
Alopecia Areata – Patchy hair loss caused by autoimmune reaction
Androgenetic Alopecia – Male or female pattern baldness caused by genetics
Alopecia Totalis – Complete hair loss on the scalp, autoimmune in nature
Telogen Effluvium – Temporary shedding caused by stress
Traction Alopecia – Hair loss caused by tight hairstyles and prolonged tension
I personally love braids and protective styles, but synthetic hair and tight styles can contribute to hair loss, especially in the African American community. Even though I love versatility and low-heat styling, I have learned that my hair health must come first.
Now, Let Us Visit What Seborrheic Dermatitis Is
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory scalp condition that affects areas rich in oil glands. It causes redness, greasy scales, itching, and flaky patches. My dermatologist prescribed Clobetasol Solution, but it dried my scalp out and smelled like rubbing alcohol, so I eventually turned to natural support options.
The exact cause is unknown, but stress and weather changes often make it worse.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
See a dermatologist or doctor if:
• Hair loss is sudden or unexplained
• You experience severe itching, inflammation, or large bald patches
• Self-treatment has not helped
• You see smooth shiny areas with no follicles• You experience fatigue, joint pain, or other autoimmune symptoms
A dermatologist may order blood work or a biopsy to confirm the condition.
Self-treatment may be fine for mild symptoms or early stages, especially when you know your triggers, but medical confirmation is always best.
Preventive Care and Self-Treatment Tips
• Be consistent with natural remedies
• Always do a patch test to avoid reactions• Maintain a nutrient-rich diet
• Reduce stress with exercise, meditation, or rest
Natural Remedies I Have Tried
Aloe Vera Soothes scalp, reduces irritation, and conditions hair. Avoid if allergic to latex.
Tea Tree Oil Has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Best diluted and used sparingly.
Coconut Oil Deeply conditions the hair and may help defend against scalp infection.
DIY Herbal Hair Tea Recipe
One of my favorite daily scalp stimulants is my herbal hair tea.
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp horsetail
• 1 tbsp peppermint leaves
• 1 tbsp fennel seed
• 1 tbsp dandelion root
• 1 tbsp stinging nettle
• 1 tbsp fenugreek seed
• 1 tbsp rosemary leaves
• A few drops spearmint essential oil
Instructions
Boil 2 cups of water.
Add herbs to a heatproof bowl.
Pour hot water over herbs and steep 30–45 minutes.
Strain.
Let cool, then add spearmint oil.
Store in a glass spray bottle in the refrigerator.
How to Use
• Mist scalp daily
• Use as a final rinse on wash day
Final Thoughts
Hair loss can feel lonely, scary, and frustrating, but knowledge brings power and comfort. Whether you choose medical treatment, natural remedies, or both, your journey matters. Be patient with yourself and your crown.
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