Magnesium And Hair Growth: Is There Any Link?
A study conducted in Germany found that magnesium can trigger the hair follicles, resulting in hair growth by more than 50%. The study found out that magnesium is absorbed by the body through the skin by spraying magnesium oil on the scalp and an Epsom salt foot soak (1). Though the sample size and the duration of the study were limited, the results prove that magnesium plays a role in hair growth. What Are Its Benefits? It promotes follicle hair growth and helps in protein production and calcium regulation. Who Can Use It? People dealing with hair loss can use it upon discussion with their healthcare provider. How Often? For magnesium oil, you can try the remedy once or twice a week, and for Epsom salt baths, you can take one every week or every 2-3 days. Caution High doses of magnesium can cause nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that massaging magnesium oil into your scalp is invigorating. You may experience a pleasant tingling sensation that helps you destress and relax. Apart from combating stress (that can cause hair loss), this stimulation of follicles also boosts blood circulation, thus promoting hair growth. That is why it is widely believed that magnesium is beneficial for hair and scalp health. Ensuring your diet includes essential nutrients for hair growth can further enhance your hair’s strength and vitality. At a cellular level, magnesium is one of the most important nutrients for healthy hair growth. It is an essential cofactor for more than 300 enzymes that regulate multiple biochemical processes (2). Magnesium is also an essential trace metal that is involved in numerous metabolic functions in the body such as protein synthesis, calcium regulation, and activation of vitamin D (3), (3). Both calcium and vitamin D play an important role in the development of hair follicles (4). Thus, it is involved in the overall growth of your hair. When considering it for hair loss, it is essential to choose the right type of magnesium. Check out the best forms of magnesium for hair health in the section below.
What Type Of Magnesium Is Best For Hair Loss?
Note: This information is rooted in anecdotal evidence, as there is limited substantial scientific research in this particular area. Please consult a doctor before purchasing any magnesium to use on your hair. So, we have learned how magnesium helps promote hair growth. But, what happens when you face nutrient deficiency? Find out below.
Magnesium Deficiency And Hair Loss
Incorporating specific foods for hair growth into your meals is another effective way to nourish your hair from within. The role of magnesium deficiency in causing hair loss is indirect (5). Since magnesium is involved in multiple metabolic processes, a lack of magnesium can disrupt the mineral homeostasis (mineral balance) (2). This can lead to impaired protein synthesis which, in turn, can trigger hair loss. So, it is recommended to consume magnesium-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, spinach, almonds, avocado, and rice. (2). The recommended daily intake of magnesium for adult men and women is 400 mg and 310 mg, respectively (2). This can be met by following a well-balanced diet. You can also get the benefits of magnesium through topical application as it can be absorbed by the skin. Thus, you can massage your scalp with magnesium oil to fight hair loss (1). Magnesium oil is made from a mixture of magnesium chloride flakes and water. You can learn how to prepare it at home. We have established that magnesium is important for hair growth. Additionally, understanding how to stimulate hair growth naturally can complement your efforts to maintain a full and healthy mane. Find out in the next section how to use it effectively.
How To Use Magnesium to Promote Hair Growth
1. Magnesium Oil For Hair Loss
You Will Need
10-15 drops of magnesium oil Water
Process If you notice any itchiness or irritation, wash off the oil immediately and consult a medical practitioner. Eetiei, a YouTuber, spoke about using magnesium oil for hair growth for two months. She said, “It started to help my hair to grow. I spray it before I go to bed. You can see my edges coming out. My baby hair coming out (i).”
2. Epsom Salt Soak
You Will Need
2 cups of Epsom salt Water (for a bath)
Process Apply a moisturizer to replenish the lost moisture of your skin. The magnesium in the bath water is absorbed by your skin and, thus, may help boost hair growth.
3. Magnesium Pill Or Oral Supplements
You can take oral supplements of magnesium as prescribed by a doctor to fight hair loss.
Risks And Side Effects
It is important not to cross the recommended dietary levels of magnesium. In the case of topical application of magnesium oil, do a small patch test on your forearm to check if you are allergic to it before applying it to your scalp. Some people may experience irritation, stinging, or a burning sensation. Stop using it immediately if this occurs. Do not take magnesium oil orally. Ingestion of magnesium oil may cause adverse effects such as nausea and diarrhea (2). Consult a licensed dietitian or a dermatologist if you notice excessive hair loss even after these fixes. Does magnesium help with baldness? Baldness caused by hair loss due to a magnesium deficiency can be reduced with magnesium supplementation. What are the benefits of taking magnesium daily? Magnesium helps with many body functions like muscle and nerve activation, blood pressure and blood sugar management, and improvement in bone and heart health. Can magnesium reverse gray hair? If the cause of your graying hair is a magnesium deficiency, then taking magnesium supplements can reverse it. Does magnesium block DHT? Magnesium may help prevent hair loss caused by DHT. Increased hormone levels may cause hair loss by reducing mineral supply to the follicles, which may be combated with mineral supplementation. Discover the connection between magnesium and hair regrowth in this insightful video. Unlock the secrets to healthy, luscious hair. Watch now and nourish your strands from within.
