Turmeric For Hair Growth

Turmeric has been used for its medicinal benefits for over 2000 years. Most people believe it can boost hair health thanks to its antiseptic properties. But how effective is turmeric in promoting hair growth? Here, we discuss the benefits of turmeric for hair and how you can use it to stimulate hair growth. Keep reading.

Is Turmeric Good For Hair?

Anecdotal evidence suggests turmeric is effective in improving hair and scalp health. The spice is often used in hair masks to treat scalp issues like dandruff, psoriasis, and even mild acne. But when it comes to hair growth, little is known about its effectiveness.

What does science say? Read on to know.

Benefits Of Turmeric For Hair

• Helps Treat Dandruff: Research shows that turmeric, when paired with coconut oil, can be used as an antifungal treatment for dandruff. The mixture could prevent hair loss, scales on the scalp, and itching caused by Pityrosporum ovale, a fungus known to cause dandruff (1).
• Improves Blood Flow: One major cause of hair loss could be low blood circulation (2). The curcumin in turmeric also helps in the development of blood vessels (3). Turmeric may improve blood circulation and stimulate hair growth (4).
• Fights Inflammation: Turmeric contains curcumin that offers anti-inflammatory support. It may help heal wounds on the scalp and soothe redness or inflammation. The spice also has antimicrobial and anti-androgenic properties (5). Curcumin also provides antioxidant support against the damage caused by free radicals. It can also prevent follicular regression (5).
• Preserves Hair Color: Curcumin can also be used to keep hair from turning gray (6). It can be used as a vegetable hair dye as well (7).
• Treats Scalp Issues: Curcumin can also help treat skin disorders that can affect the scalp. These include acne vulgaris, dermatitis, alopecia, and scalp psoriasis (8), (9), (10).
• Improves Hair Growth: Research shows that curcumin induced hair growth in a murine hair cycle (11).

Turmeric has several benefits for hair health. In the following section, we will explore the various ways you can use turmeric to achieve the same.

How To Use Turmeric For Hair Growth?

1. Egg, Honey, and Turmeric Mask

You Will Need

• Eggs, 2
• Honey, 2 tablespoons
• Turmeric, 2 tablespoons

Prep Time

5 minutes 

Processing Time

30 minutes

Procedure

1. Mix the eggs, honey, and turmeric in a bowl.
2. Apply the blend to your hair thoroughly.
3. Leave it on for about 30 minutes.
4. Wash it off with some warm water and regular shampoo.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Eggs are rich in protein (12). Research also shows that the egg yolk may stimulate hair growth (13). Honey is a good emollient and protects the hair from dandruff and the associated hair loss (14).

2. Milk, Honey, and Turmeric Mask

You Will Need

• Milk, 1 cup
• Honey, 2 to 3 tablespoons
• Turmeric, 3 to 4 tablespoons

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

30 minutes

Procedure

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to the hair thoroughly.
3. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Wash it off with warm water and shampoo.

How Often

Once a week

Why It Works

Milk is rich in protein. It can help treat hair damage, hair loss, and baldness (15). Honey can be used to treat hair loss, hair damage, baldness, and alopecia. It also preserves hair endings, treats scalp acne, and prevents head lice and dandruff (15).

3. Coconut Oil And Turmeric Mask

You Will Need

• Coconut oil, 4 to 5 tablespoons
• Turmeric, 2 tablespoons 

Prep Time

2 minutes 

Processing Time

45 minutes 

Procedure

1. Mix the coconut oil and turmeric.
2. Apply the mixture to the hair thoroughly.
3. Leave it on for 45 minutes.
4. Wash it off with warm water and shampoo.

How Often

Once every week

Why It Works

Coconut oil is known to stimulate hair growth (16). It also improves blood flow, and hair density and thickness (17). It prevents protein loss even in damaged hair. It is a well-known hair moisturizer too. It can also be used to combat dandruff when paired with turmeric (2).

4. Turmeric Shampoo And Conditioner

Turmeric can be added to your regular shampoo and conditioner. The spice has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that help cleanse the scalp thoroughly. It also has antifungal properties and can be used to treat dandruff and the associated hair loss.

5. Turmeric Supplements

Research shows that dietary supplements containing turmeric may help treat chronic telogen effluvium (18). These supplements are shown to have an effect on scalp hair and may stimulate hair growth.

Though incorporating turmeric into your hair care routine is easy, it is important you exercise caution. The spice may also have certain adverse effects.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Using Turmeric For Hair?

Turmeric should not be kept on hair for too long as it may harden it and pull it out. This is one reason it is used as a natural hair removal paste for vellus and axillary hair. Applying turmeric to hair may cause adverse effects in some. These could include allergic reactions or itching. The curcumin in turmeric may also cause adverse effects, including rashes (19).

Does Turmeric Kill Hair Follicles?

While turmeric is used to remove hair from the skin, it does not kill hair follicles. Turmeric could stimulate blood flow and induce hair follicle growth. Turmeric can also be used as a hair cleanser due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It keeps the scalp clean from dirt, product residue, build-up or grime.

Does Turmeric Help Treat Alopecia?

A study showed that turmeric might actually aid hair growth. The curcumin in turmeric is anti-androgenic (5). Its anti-androgenic properties keep testosterone from turning into dihydrotestosterone, a process known to cause hair loss. Turmeric also has antioxidant properties that may help curb hair loss caused by free radical damage.

The curcumin extracted from Curcuma aeruginosa, a plant from the turmeric family, inhibits 5-alpha reductase (an enzyme) known to cause hair loss in men (20). It may help in the treatment of androgenic alopecia.  However, more research is warranted to understand similar effects in turmeric.

Conclusion

With its many benefits it’s no wonder turmeric is touted as a miracle-worker. Incorporating it to your hair care routine will improve hair health and keep the scalp clean. Have you used turmeric for hair care before? Comment and let us know how it helped you!