The Strangest Baldness 'Cures' in History
Reviewed by Zang and Ridwan
4 Strange Things People Use as a Cure for Baldness
Bizarre Remedies People Thought Could Be a Cure for Baldness
For thousands of years, people have been searching for a cure for baldness. Along the way, many have ventured down some rather unusual paths. Here are a few of the more curious methods they've tried.
By the time they reach 20, around 20% of men will experience hair loss, and that number jumps to 50% by the time they hit 50.
Adjusting to baldness isn’t always easy, and many men find it challenging. In fact, baldness has been linked to depression in some men.
To combat this, many men go to great lengths to maintain a full head of hair. Some, like President Trump, use medications like Propecia, while others, such as footballer Wayne Rooney, spend thousands on follicular unit extraction procedures. While these treatments aren't permanent cures, they can significantly boost a man’s self-esteem.
Over the centuries, countless men have sought a solution for baldness, resulting in many strange and unusual methods. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most intriguing approaches they’ve taken. Let’s dive in!
1. Ancient Egyptians Anti-Baldness Rub
In ancient Egypt, those experiencing hair loss turned to a medical text called The Ebers Papyrus for guidance.
The text recommended creating a special oil or mixture to rub on the scalp, using bizarre ingredients such as fats from animals like hippos, donkey hooves, the leg of a female greyhound, and even porcupine hair.
When these treatments inevitably failed, the go-to solution for baldness was the reliable wig. In fact, ancient Egyptian royalty frequently wore wigs and fake beards as part of their daily attire.
2. Veni, Vidi, Vici, Baldi
Julius Caesar, the Roman politician and military general, was once one of the world’s most well-known bald figures.
When he first noticed his hair thinning, he tried to cover it up with a combover. However, without modern products like gel, wax, or hairspray, his hair wouldn't stay in place. So, Cleopatra, his lover, suggested an odd remedy: grinding up horse teeth and mixing it with mice and bear grease to apply to his scalp. Not surprisingly, this concoction didn’t help his baldness and likely left an unpleasant smell on his pillow.
Instead, Caesar turned to fashion to mask his thinning hair. His famous laurel wreath, often seen in depictions of the Roman era, became his signature accessory to cover his bald spot.
3. Head Hoovers Promote Hair Growth
In the 1930s, Dr. Andre Cueto conducted research to understand the causes of hair loss and determined that poor circulation in the blood vessels beneath the scalp was a key factor.
To address this, Cueto partnered with Crosley to create a device that used air pressure and vacuum suction to boost circulation. The Crosley Xervac gained significant attention and praise at the time. However, it was soon proven that the Xervac had no real effect on hair regrowth and, in fact, caused damage to any remaining hair.
One of the most notable figures to use the Xervac was composer George Gershwin. However, it's rumored that he didn’t use the device for hair loss treatment but rather to alleviate headaches caused by a terminal brain tumor.
4. Mooving Argument for Virgin Pee
Would you choose drinking a cup of virgin cow urine or wearing a toupee? For many in Agra, India, the former is the preferred option.
DD Singhal, the founder of the Agra Gaushala Foundation, strongly believes that drinking warm cow urine before sunrise is the ultimate cure for male baldness.
According to Singhal and his followers, cow urine isn’t just a remedy for hair loss—it’s also believed to cure a range of other health problems, including diabetes, cancer, and tuberculosis.
No Cure for Baldness but There Is Help
Sadly, for those who swear by cow urine and rubbing hippo fat on their scalps, science confirms there is no true cure for baldness.
However, scalp micropigmentation offers a non-invasive solution that mimics the appearance of stubble, helping you regain your confidence.
If you're ready to make a change, contact us today for more information and take the first step toward transforming your look.