Is castor oil effective in slowing down baldness?

Baldness is characterized by excessive hair loss. This phenomenon is marked by the weakening of the activity of hair follicles. As a result, hair decreases in certain areas of the scalp. Generally, baldness occurs between one's twenties and forties. This hair issue primarily affects men and is quite widespread. It is estimated that about 30% of men exhibit alopecia at 30 years old, 50% at 50 years old, and 80% at 70 years old.

Also known as androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of baldness is linked to a hormonal cause. Both women and men produce androgens, steroid hormones, but the amount synthesized is greater in men. Androgens bind to specific receptors located in the hair follicles of the scalp. This leads to a shortening of the hair growth cycle, a miniaturization of the follicles, and a gradual reduction in hair density. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a derivative of testosterone that is particularly involved in androgenetic alopecia. DHT is formed from testosterone through the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase.

It is interesting to note that hair loss does not occur uniformly across the scalp. Indeed, those located at the top of the forehead and the crown are most affected by baldness, while those on the sides are often protected. These latter are actually insensitive to androgens, and are even referred to as "eternal hairs". Finally, although these hormones play a major role in baldness, other factors can cause hair loss. These include genetic susceptibility, stress, and diet, particularly a deficiency in vitamin D.