Why Is Garlic Good For Hair?
Garlic is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential promoters for hair growth. Whether you use it topically or in your diet, the properties of garlic can stimulate hair growth. Garlic has a high content of minerals like calcium and zinc (3). These nutrients promote healthy hair. Garlic is also rich in sulfur, which is essential for the foundation of keratin a protein that aids hair growth (4), (5). Furthermore, massaging your scalp with garlic oil is said to strengthen your hair roots. What Are Its Benefits? It increases hair growth, improves scalp health, and protects the tresses from sun damage. Who Can Use It? All except those who have a sensitive scalp. How Often? It can be applied topically on a weekly basis or thrice a week. Caution It may cause chemical burns in some individuals.
Garlic’s nutritional content transfers to your hair and provides the nourishment it needs to prosper. Scroll down to learn about the benefits of garlic for hair.
Benefits Of Garlic For Hair
Garlic possesses antimicrobial properties that help kill the germs and bacteria that can cause damage to the scalp and inhibit hair growth (6). Garlic also contains selenium (3). Selenium helps stimulate blood circulation for maximum nourishment of the scalp and hair. It inhibits the growth of Malassezia and helps treat dandruff (7), (8). Garlic contains allicin, a compound with antifungal properties that can help in preventing dandruff. Raw garlic is highly enriched with vitamin C (3). Oxidative stress can cause hair loss (9). The vitamin C in garlic protects your hair from free radicals and prevents hair thinning and hair loss. It also boosts the production of collagen, which is essential for hair growth. Topical application of garlic gel has been found to improve hair growth and minimize bald patches in alopecia areata patients (2). Garlic also protects keratinocytes (cells responsible for keratin production) from UV damage (10). It is claimed to help purify the hair follicles, strengthen them, and prevent pore clogging to curb hair loss. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove the same.
Now that you know why garlic works, read on to find out how to use it for hair growth.
How To Use Garlic For Hair Growth
1. Garlic And Honey For Hair Growth
Honey is an emollient. It seals the moisture in your hair, keeping it conditioned and shiny (11). It can also help in hair growth and restore nutrients to the scalp and hair. Repeat this remedy 2-3 times a week for the best results. You Will Need
8 cloves of garlic 1 tablespoon honey
Process
2. Garlic And Rosemary For Hair Growth
Rosemary oil can aid hair growth, while castor oil increases its luster (12), (13). While they work together to boost hair growth, the coconut oil deeply penetrates and conditions the hair (14). Repeat this remedy 3 times a week for the best results. You Will Need
5 tablespoons garlic juice (refer to method 1) 1 tablespoon castor oil 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1/2 teaspoon rosemary oil
Process
3. Garlic Oil For Hair Growth
The oil massage stimulates the hair follicles in the scalp while improving blood circulation which, in turn, helps stimulate hair growth (15). Repeat this remedy 3 times a week for the best results. Alex, a YouTuber, documented his experience of applying a mixture of garlic and olive oil to his hair for seven days for his hair loss. Unfortunately, he did not notice any significant changes. He said, “Not much change. Hair kinda felt the same. Little bit greasy (i).” You Will Need
8 cloves of garlic 1/2 cup carrier oil (olive oil or coconut oil) 1 medium-sized onion (optional)
Process
4. Garlic And Ginger For Hair Growth
Research shows that ginger can reduce dandruff (16). It has been used traditionally to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove these effects. You Will Need
2-inch piece of ginger 8 cloves of garlic 1/2 cup carrier oil
Process
5. Onion, Garlic, And Cinnamon For Hair Growth
Onion juice can help stimulate hair growth (17). A study showed that cinnamon can stimulate hair growth and increase the size of hair follicles (18). Repeat this remedy every day for a week. You Will Need
1 small onion 3 cloves of garlic 1 cinnamon stick 2 cups water
Process
6. Garlic Shampoo For Hair Growth
A study done on mice revealed that peppermint oil induces a rapid anagen stage and can promote hair growth (19). Don’t use this shampoo more than 3 times a week. You Will Need
15 cloves of garlic 10 drops peppermint essential oil
Process Note: Garlic can cause burns when applied to the skin or scalp. Hence, talk to your doctor before incorporating it into your hair care routine.
7. Garlic And Mustard Oil For Hair Growth
Mustard oil may help address hair issues and promote hair growth, thanks to its fatty acids, flavonoids, and saponins (20). Furthermore, its antibacterial and antifungal characteristics may help shield the scalp against infections and the associated hair loss. Use this treatment 2 to 3 times a week. You Will Need
10 garlic cloves 4 tablespoons of mustard oil
Process
Can You Leave Garlic On Your Hair Overnight?
You can add garlic to any hair oil like coconut oil or olive oil and leave it on your hair overnight. But, it is not recommended to leave raw garlic on your hair overnight. If you consume excessive amounts of garlic, it may cause some side effects. Scroll down to know more about the adverse effects of using garlic for hair growth.
What Are The Side Effects Of Using Garlic For Hair?
Excess consumption of garlic can cause some side effects. Limited research is available on the side effects of garlic on hair. But, some anecdotal evidence suggests that people with sensitive skin should avoid rubbing raw garlic paste directly on their scalp because it can sometimes cause irritation. Also, you may experience body odor, dizziness, digestive problems, and heartburn. It is always a good idea to perform a patch test before applying garlic to your scalp to avoid any allergic reactions or irritation. It is best to stop using it right away if you notice any burning sensation or discomfort. You can easily prepare garlic oil at home with a few simple ingredients. Check out the process in the next section.
How Do You Make Garlic Oil At Home?
You Will Need
4 cloves of garlic ¼ cup coconut oil
Process Is garlic or onion better for hair loss? Both garlic and onion have scientifically proven their efficacy in hair treatment and hair-related issues (1), (17). However, you may reap the benefits of both by making a combined solution as instructed in the article above. Is garlic good for gray hair? There isn’t any scientific evidence to prove that garlic helps in preventing or reversing gray hair. However, it may improve the health of your hair and prevent premature graying. Can I use garlic for hair growth if I have dyed or chemically-treated hair? Yes, garlic oil can be used on all hair types, from damaged to dyed. How long does garlic oil take to grow hair? With daily topical application, it may show positive results in 3-4 months.
Illustration: Garlic For Hair Growth
Learn how to make your own garlic hair oil to increase your hair growth! Watch this video to know about an effective DIY recipe that can help you get the hair of your dreams.
