Fitness

How To Use Garlic For Hair Growth

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8 Mins read

Garlic for hair growth is a possibility that many hair care enthusiasts and scientists have explored. Here, we will dive deeper into how garlic can be a wonder herb for hair growth, and you can incorporate it into your hair care regimen. For starters, garlic has an excellent nutritional profile that helps fight many health issues. It also rejuvenates hair and helps in hair growth. In addition, garlic as an ingredient boosts hair growth and stimulates hair regrowth (1), (2). In this article, we look at the connection between garlic and hair growth, its benefits, how to use it, and more. Continue reading to know more.

In This Article

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.

Garlics 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

  1. Extract the juice from the cloves of garlic. This should give you about a tablespoon of garlic juice.
  2. Add one tablespoon of honey to the garlic juice and mix well.
  3. Apply the garlic-honey mixture to your hair and scalp and leave it in for 20 minutes.
  4. Wash off the mixture with a mild shampoo.

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

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a jar and shake it well.
  2. Massage your scalp with two tablespoons of the oil blend.
  3. After 15 minutes of massaging, cover the length of your hair in the oil and let it sit for an additional 30 minutes.
  4. Wash it off with a mild shampoo. Conditioning is optional since the oil acts as a conditioner.

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.

You Will Need

  • 8 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 cup carrier oil (olive oil or coconut oil)
  • 1 medium-sized onion (optional)

Process

  1. Crush the garlic and onion or throw them in a blender to get a fine pulp.
  2. Heat the carrier oil in a pan and add the garlic and onion paste to the oil.
  3. Heat the oil until the pulp starts to turn brown. Turn off the heat.
  4. Once the oil has cooled, strain it and discard the pulp.
  5. Massage your scalp with two tablespoons of oil.
  6. After 15 minutes of massaging, cover the length of your hair in the oil and let it sit for an additional 30 minutes.
  7. Wash 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 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

  1. Crush the garlic and ginger or throw them in a blender to get a fine pulp.
  2. Heat the carrier oil in a pan and add the garlic and ginger pulp to it.
  3. Heat the oil until the pulp starts to turn brown and then turn off the heat.
  4. Once the oil has cooled, strain it and discard the pulp.
  5. Take two tablespoons of the oil in a bowl and start to gently massage your scalp with it.
  6. After 15 minutes of massaging, cover the length of your hair in the oil and let it sit for an additional 30 minutes.
  7. 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 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

  1. Boil the ingredients in two cups of water for 15 minutes.
  2. Let the solution cool down. Strain it for the liquid.
  3. Pour the liquid through your hair and let it sit for 15 minutes.
  4. Rinse it off with lukewarm/cool water.

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). Dont use this shampoo more than 3 times a week.

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You Will Need

  • 15 cloves of garlic
  • 10 drops peppermint essential oil

Process

  1. Blend the garlic to get a smooth paste.
  2. Add the garlic paste to a bottle of mild shampoo and add 10 drops of peppermint oil to the mix for fragrance.
  3. Use this shampoo to wash your hair.

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.

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.

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

  1. Take a tablespoon of garlic paste and heat it in a pan.
  2. Place the garlic paste and coconut oil in a small pan and heat on a low flame.
  3. The garlic paste will start to sizzle in a few minutes. Then, use a spoon to swirl the garlic around in the oil.
  4. Continue heating the mixture until the garlic turns light brown, then switch off the flame.
  5. Let the oil cool down, strain, and apply it to the hair.

Garlic is a natural ingredient with many therapeutic benefits. It is not only effective in treating a variety of diseases but also promotes hair growth. It has antibacterial characteristics that aid in killing bacteria and germs that can harm the scalp and prevent hair development. As a result, garlic can quickly repair the health of your hair at home. In addition, garlic can be used in various ways to promote hair growth. Though preliminary trials appear encouraging, additional research is needed to confirm the efficacy of using garlic for hair growth. Therefore, seek medical advice if you are experiencing hair loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eating garlic good for hair growth?

Yes. Inner nourishment is as important for hair growth as topical applications.

Does rubbing garlic on the scalp help hair growth?

Rubbing a chopped clove of garlic on your scalp can promote hair growth. However, it is best to stick to the remedies listed above as direct application of concentrated garlic can irritate your scalp.

Key Takeaways

  • Calcium, zinc, and sulfur in garlic may help promote hair health.
  • People with alopecia areata apply garlic gel as it kills germs and bacteria that inhibit hair growth.
  • Garlic can also be mixed with hair oils like coconut or olive oil.

Sources

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. TREATMENT OF ALOPECIA AREATA WITH TOPICAL GARLIC EXTRACT
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260656650_TREATMENT_OF_ALOPECIA_AREATA_WITH_TOPICAL_GARLIC_EXTRACT
  2. Combination of topical garlic gel and betamethasone valerate cream in the treatment of localized alopecia areata: a double-blind randomized controlled study
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314444/
  3. Garlic (Allium sativum L.): A Brief Review of Its Antigenotoxic Effects
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722787/
  4. Organosulfur compounds and possible mechanism of garlic in cancer
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3731019/
  5. The influence of sulfur and hair growth on stable isotope diet estimates for grizzly bears
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5332026/
  6. Antimicrobial properties of allicin from garlic
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10594976/
  7. Therapeutic Uses and Pharmacological Properties of Garlic, Shallot, and Their Biologically Active Compounds
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3874089/
  8. Extracts from the history and medical properties of garlic
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249897/
  9. Oxidative Stress in Ageing of Hair
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929555/
  10. Protective Effect of Garlic on Cellular Senescence in UVB-Exposed HaCaT Human Keratinocytes
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27483310/
  11. Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/
  12. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/
  13. Multifarious Uses of Castor (Ricinus communis L.)
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322222043_Multifarious_Uses_of_Castor_Ricinus_communis_L
  14. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
  15. Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740347/
  16. COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ANTI DANDRUFF ACTIVITY OF SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM AND ZINGIBER OFFICINALE
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286931805_COMPARATIVE_STUDY_OF_ANTI_DANDRUFF_ACTIVITY_OF_SYZYGIUM_AROMATICUM_AND_ZINGIBER_OFFICINALE
  17. Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12126069/
  18. Effect of Cinnamomum osmophloeum Kanehira Leaf Aqueous Extract on Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation and Hair Growth
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5898689/
  19. Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/

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Arshiya Syeda

Arshiya Syeda is an editor at StyleCraze. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and… more

Dr. Sreekar Harinatha

(MBBS, MS, MCh, DNB )Dr. Sreekar Harinatha is a double board-certified and award-winning plastic and cosmetic surgeon. He specializes in various cosmetic surgeries and… more

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