Garlic, a close relative of onions and shallots, is renowned not only for its culinary uses but also for its potential health benefits. Beyond adding flavor to dishes, garlic consumption has been linked to combating colds, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and potentially reducing the risk of dementia. Its sulfur compounds have been studied for their ability to slow or halt the growth of certain cancer cells, and its antioxidants may protect the skin from the aging effects of free radicals. Garlic has also garnered attention as a possible remedy for promoting hair growth.
The short answer is yes, garlic may help with hair growth. When used topically or as part of your diet, garlic possesses properties that could promote hair growth, although further research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Garlic's nutritional profile may extend to hair health. Raw garlic is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamins B-6 and C, manganese, and selenium, all of which contribute to healthy hair.
The natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties of garlic may also promote hair health by helping to eliminate bacteria and fight germs, thus maintaining a healthy scalp.
A study conducted in 2016 revealed that garlic protected keratinocytes, the skin cells that produce keratin, from ultraviolet (UV) damage. These cells are located on the outer layer of the skin, including the scalp and hair follicles. The study suggested that garlic could potentially reduce the appearance of aging.
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While the research is encouraging, more scientific evidence is necessary to substantiate the benefits of garlic for hair.
Several garlic-infused hair treatments and garlic oils are available on the market. It is essential to distinguish between garlic cooking oil and garlic essential oil. Garlic essential oil is highly concentrated and often contains alcohol as part of the extraction process. Therefore, when making a hair mask, it is crucial to use a carrier oil to dilute the concentration and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Carrier oils, such as coconut oil or olive oil, mix with essential oils to lower their concentration and minimize the risk of skin irritation. Remember that the sulfur compounds present in garlic can make garlic oil potentially irritating to the skin and eyes.
You can create your own garlic conditioner using ingredients readily available in your kitchen. To minimize the risk of skin irritation, it is essential to dilute garlic with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil, both of which are beneficial for hair.
You can also make a garlic hair mask by adding equal parts honey to the homemade garlic treatment and following the same application steps. For example, combine 8 tablespoons of honey with 8 tablespoons of oil.
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The application of garlic shampoo is straightforward. Apply it to wet hair, gently massage it in circular motions for about 4 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with water. For optimal results, repeat this process three times a week. It is advisable to avoid using other types of shampoo to achieve the desired outcome.
Consumers who have used black garlic shampoo have reported positive experiences. One user noted that it is preferred over commonly available shampoos due to its high quality and long-lasting nature. Another user expressed satisfaction with the results, noting that their scalp felt refreshed after each use, and they observed hair growth and a reduction in shedding, along with significant new hair growth.
Before trying any at-home treatment, it is essential to consult with your doctor. While garlic is considered a "natural" remedy, there are potential side effects and risks to consider before applying it topically to your scalp or hair. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether topical or supplemental garlic is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
It is crucial to conduct a skin patch test before applying any new ingredient to a larger area of your body. Apply a small amount of your garlic hair mask, conditioner, or diluted essential oil to the inside of your elbow. If no reaction develops after 24 to 48 hours, the garlic product is likely safe to use on your hair and scalp.
If you develop a reaction, such as a rash or hives, discontinue the use of topical garlic and consult a doctor if the side effects do not improve after a few days.
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It is also essential to follow the instructions for making a garlic hair mask or conditioner, including the recommended timing. Leaving garlic on your scalp or hair for too long may cause more serious side effects, such as burns.
As with other natural remedies, there are risks to consider when using garlic on your hair or any other part of your body, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. Garlic can cause burns when applied to the skin, and there are documented cases of serious chemical burns resulting from garlic used as home remedies. This risk extends to products containing garlic, such as essential oils, which can also irritate the skin and eyes. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor before starting any treatment that incorporates garlic.
There are other natural treatments that may help you grow thicker, healthier hair or prevent hair loss. Some of these include:
In addition to these treatments, eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can improve the health and appearance of your hair and prevent thinning.
The internet is rife with anecdotal remedies for hair loss, three of the most commonly repeated include rubbing onions into bald spots, having scalp massages using ginger, and using garlic-based solutions and rubs. When it comes to how to use them, it is far easier, arguably more beneficial and definitely less smelly, to eat these foods than to apply them topically. When included as part of a balanced diet, they can have a positive influence on the condition of your hair.
Onion and garlic are both Allium vegetables belonging to a plant group called the Alliaceae family. Like other vegetables in this family, such as leeks and chives, onion and garlic have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. When taken in the context of hair care, both onion and garlic are said to possibly promote better hair growth. However, like garlic though, onion may also carry the risk of burns due to its sulfurous nature and more conclusive evidence is needed.
While research suggests that garlic may help promote hair growth and reduce thinning hair, there is no evidence to support garlic as a possible cure for baldness. According to one clinical review, topical garlic was considered one alternative form of medicine that could possibly help treat alopecia areata. However, researchers also note that there is inconsistent evidence supporting such uses.
Early research on garlic and hair loss shows promise. However, until there is more evidence supporting topical garlic as a viable cure for baldness, it is best to talk with a dermatologist about all of your treatment options first.
No. Any homemade garlic mask or conditioner should be rinsed out after the designated time, which is about 10 to 15 minutes. While garlic is considered a natural remedy, it also carries a risk of chemical burns. According to one clinical review, topical garlic caused second-degree burns in some users, especially on the legs. It is believed that sulfur compounds in garlic may be responsible for such burns, and it may even carry the risk of necrosis in more serious cases.
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