The Prophet ﷺ spoke of a stone called "al-ithmid" or "kohl," which is full of minerals, notably those responsible for hair or eyebrow growth. Today it is found in the form of a cream, or a powder. It is applied mixed with olive oil, castor oil, and black seed oil, to the balding area. The Prophet ﷺ also spoke of camel urine, and in the Arabian Peninsula one finds shampoos made from this urine.
What the science says: hair and hair loss
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context — the studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Hair and hair loss
Natural topical remedies for hair loss have been reviewed — rosemary oil, caffeine, and scalp massage with plant oils are among the most studied (Int J Trichology, 2025); a global review catalogs the plants used by menopausal women (Front Pharmacol, 2025). Iron, zinc, protein, and vitamin D levels should be checked in cases of significant hair loss. Precaution: sudden hair loss or loss in patches calls for a medical checkup (thyroid, iron, deficiencies); results from natural care take 3 to 6 months to appear.
