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. However, in the study, this mixture was found to be less effective than a 2% ketaconazole shampoo (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: In a study, a dietary supplement of curcumin was found to help 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 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 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 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
Turmeric can be added to your regular shampoo. 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. You may use turmeric on your scalp. But ensure you do a patch test before that. Stop use if you observe any allergic reactions.
