M any people who care about their hair and researchers have investigated the potential of garlic for hair growth. In this article, we will explore how garlic can be a natural solution for hair growth, and how you can add it to your hair care routine. Garlic has a remarkable nutritional profile that helps combat various health problems. It also revitalizes hair and promotes hair growth.
Moreover, garlic as a component enhances hair growth and encourages hair regrowth. In this article, we will examine the relationship between garlic and hair growth, its advantages, how to apply it, and more. Read on to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Calcium, zinc, and sulfur in garlic may help support hair health.
- People with alopecia areata apply garlic gel as it kills germs and bacteria that hinder hair growth.
- Garlic can also be mixed with hair oils like coconut or olive oil.
How To Use Garlic For Hair Growth |
How Does Garlic Benefit Hair?
Garlic is abundant in vitamins and minerals that are vital for hair growth. Whether you apply it on your scalp or consume it in your diet, the properties of garlic can boost hair growth. Garlic has a high amount of minerals like calcium and zinc. These nutrients support healthy hair. Garlic is also rich in sulfur, which is crucial for the formation of keratin, a protein that helps hair growth. Additionally, rubbing your scalp with garlic oil is believed to fortify your hair roots.
Garlic's nutritional content nourishes your hair and helps it thrive. Scroll down to discover the benefits of garlic for hair.
What Are The Benefits Of Garlic For Hair?
Garlic has antimicrobial properties that help eliminate the germs and bacteria that can harm the scalp and hinder hair growth.
Garlic also has selenium. Selenium helps improve blood flow for optimal nourishment of the scalp and hair.
It prevents the growth of Malassezia and helps cure dandruff. Garlic has allicin, a compound with antifungal properties that can help in avoiding dandruff.
Raw garlic is highly rich in vitamin C. Oxidative stress can lead to hair loss. The vitamin C in garlic protects your hair from free radicals and prevents hair thinning and hair loss. It also increases the production of collagen, which is vital for hair growth.
Topical application of garlic gel has been shown to enhance hair growth and reduce bald patches in alopecia areata patients.
Garlic also safeguards keratinocytes (cells that produce keratin) from UV damage.
It is said to help cleanse the hair follicles, strengthen them, and prevent pore blocking to control hair loss. However, there is no scientific proof to support this claim.
Now that you know how 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 a moisturizer. It locks the moisture in your hair, keeping it hydrated and glossy. It can also help in hair growth and replenish nutrients to the scalp and hair. Repeat this remedy 2-3 times a week for the best results.
Ingredients:
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon honey
Method:
- Squeeze the juice from the cloves of garlic. This should give you about a tablespoon of garlic juice.
- Add one tablespoon of honey to the garlic juice and blend well.
- Apply the garlic-honey mixture to your hair and scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off the mixture with a mild shampoo.
There are different types of garlic, such as hardneck and softneck varieties. The hardneck garlic has fewer cloves than the softneck ones.
2. Garlic And Rosemary For Hair Growth
Rosemary oil can help hair growth, while castor oil enhances its shine. While they work together to increase hair growth, the coconut oil deeply moisturizes and conditions the hair. Repeat this remedy 3 times a week for the best results.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons garlic juice (refer to method 1)
- 1 tablespoon castor oil
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary oil
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a jar and shake it well.
- Massage your scalp with two tablespoons of the oil mixture.
- After 15 minutes of massaging, cover the length of your hair in the oil and let it sit for an additional 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo. Conditioning is optional since the oil acts as a conditioner
Fun Fact
Garlic has been used as a seasoning and medicine since Egyptian times. It is also mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus (ancient Egyptian papyrus of herbal remedies).
3. Garlic Oil For Hair Growth
The oil massage activates the hair follicles in the scalp while enhancing blood flow which, in turn, helps improve hair growth. Repeat this remedy 3 times a week for the best results.
Alex, a YouTuber, shared his experience of applying a mixture of garlic and olive oil to his hair for seven days for his hair loss. Sadly, he did not observe any significant changes. He said, not much change. "Hair kinda felt the same. Little bit greasy."
Ingredients:
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup oil (olive oil or coconut oil)
- 1 medium-sized onion (optional)
Method
- Grind the garlic and onion or put them in a blender to get a fine paste.
- Heat the carrier oil in a pan and add the garlic and onion paste to the oil.
- Heat the oil until the paste starts to turn brown. Turn off the heat.
- Once the oil has cooled, strain it and discard the paste.
- Massage your scalp with two tablespoons of oil.
- After 15 minutes of massaging, cover the length of your hair in the oil and let it sit for an additional 30 minutes.
- Rinse off with a mild shampoo. Conditioning is optional since the oil acts as a conditioner
4. Garlic And Ginger For Hair Growth
Research shows that ginger can lower dandruff. It has been used traditionally to stop hair loss and boost hair growth. However, there is no scientific proof to confirm these effects.
Ingredients
- 2-inch piece of ginger
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup carrier oil
Method
- Mash the garlic and ginger or put them in a blender to get a fine paste.
- Heat the carrier oil in a pan and add the garlic and ginger paste to it.
- Heat the oil until the paste starts to turn brown and then turn off the heat.
- Once the oil has cooled, strain it and discard the paste.
- Take two tablespoons of the oil in a bowl and start to gently massage your scalp with it.
- After 15 minutes of massaging, cover the length of your hair in the oil and let it sit for an additional 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo. Conditioning is optional since the oil acts as a conditioner.
5. Onion, Garlic, And Cinnamon For Hair Growth
Onion juice can help enhance hair growth. A study showed that cinnamon can increase hair growth and enlarge the size of hair follicles. Repeat this remedy every day for a week
Ingredient
- 1 small onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cups water
Method
- Boil the ingredients in two cups of water for 15 minutes.
- Let the solution cool down. Strain it for the liquid.
- Pour the liquid through your hair and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm/cool water
6. Garlic Shampoo For Hair Growth
A study on mice showed that peppermint oil triggers a fast anagen stage and can enhance hair growth. Do not use this shampoo more than 3 times a week.
Ingredient
- 15 cloves of garlic
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
Method
- Grind the garlic to get a fine paste.
- Add the garlic paste to a bottle of mild shampoo and add 10 drops of peppermint oil to the mix for scent.
- Use this shampoo to wash your hair.
Note: Garlic can cause burns when applied to the skin or scalp. Hence, consult your doctor before adding it to your hair care routine.
7. Garlic And Mustard Oil For Hair Growth
Mustard oil may help resolve hair problems and boost hair growth, thanks to its fatty acids, flavonoids, and saponins. Moreover, its antibacterial and antifungal properties may help protect the scalp from infections and the related hair loss. Use this treatment 2 to 3 times a week.
Ingredient
- 10 garlic cloves
- 4 tablespoons of mustard oil
Process
- Mash the garlic cloves and squeeze the juice.
- Heat the mustard oil and add the garlic juice.
- Let the mixture cool and gently massage your scalp and hair with it.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
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 advised to leave raw garlic on your hair overnight.
If you eat excessive amounts of garlic, it may cause some side effects. There is not much research on the side effects of garlic on hair. But, some anecdotal evidence suggests that people with sensitive skin should avoid applying raw garlic paste directly on their scalp because it can sometimes cause irritation. Also, you may experience body odor, dizziness, digestive issues, and heartburn.
You can easily make garlic oil at home with a few simple ingredients. Check out the process in the next section.
How To Prepare Garlic Oil At Home
Ingredient
- 4 cloves of garlic
- ¼ cup coconut oil
Method
- Make a tablespoon of garlic paste and heat it in a pan.
- Put the garlic paste and coconut oil in a small pan and heat on a low flame.
- The garlic paste will start to bubble in a few minutes. Then, use a spoon to stir the garlic in the oil.
- Keep heating the mixture until the garlic turns light brown, then turn off the flame.
- Let the oil cool down, strain, and apply it to the hair.
Infographic: DIY Garlic Recipes For Hair Growth
Garlic is a great DIY solution to achieving healthy hair at home. Besides being rich in vitamins and minerals, raw garlic also has natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that may help improve your hair and scalp health. Check out the infographic below to read homemade garlic recipes for amazing hair growth.
Garlic is a natural ingredient with many therapeutic benefits. It is not only effective in treating various diseases but also supports hair growth. It has antibacterial properties that help in killing bacteria and germs that can damage the scalp and prevent hair growth. As a result, garlic can quickly restore the health of your hair at home. Moreover, garlic can be used in different ways to enhance hair growth. Though initial trials look promising, more research is needed to verify the effectiveness of using garlic for hair growth. Therefore, consult your doctor if you are suffering from hair loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is garlic or onion better for hair loss?
Both garlic and onion have scientifically proven their effectiveness in hair treatment and hair-related issues. However, you may get the benefits of both by making a combined solution as instructed in the article above.
Is garlic good for gray hair?
There is no 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.
Can I directly apply garlic on my hair?
Yes, you can apply garlic oil or juice to your scalp and hair, but you should dilute it with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, to avoid irritation or burning. You should also do a patch test on your skin before applying it to your scalp. Garlic has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that may help with hair loss, dandruff, and scalp infections.
How often should I use garlic for hair growth?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different sources may suggest different frequencies. However, a general guideline is to use garlic for hair growth no more than twice a week, and leave it on your scalp for 20 to 30 minutes before washing it off with a mild shampoo. You can also add other ingredients, such as honey, egg yolk, aloe vera, or chamomile tea, to enhance the benefits of garlic and reduce the smell.
How to use garlic for hair removal?
Garlic can also be used as a natural hair removal method, especially for unwanted facial hair. One way to do this is to mix garlic juice with turmeric powder and apply it to the areas where you want to remove hair. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rub it off gently with a wet cloth. Repeat this process twice a week until you see results. Another way is to mix garlic juice with lemon juice and honey and apply it to the hair you want to remove. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash it off with water. Do this once a week for a few months.
How to use garlic for facial hair growth?
Learn how to make your own garlic hair oil to boost your hair growth! Watch this video to know about an effective DIY recipe that can help you get the hair of your dreams.