Turmeric, the bright golden spice, has been loved for generations for its therapeutic benefits. But, can this marvel spice live up to the buzz of increasing hair growth and benefits for hair?
About Turmeric
Turmeric, native to India, has a long history in Ayurvedic treatment. Curcumin, its major bioactive ingredient, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug. Curcumin, which gives turmeric its characteristic yellow color, is a powerful antioxidant that promotes general health.
Is Turmeric Good for Hair?
Yes, turmeric’s numerous benefits extend beyond the dinner table to possible benefits for hair health. Turmeric has gained recognition for its comprehensive approach to hair care, from improving scalp conditions to encouraging hair growth.
Benefits of Turmeric for Hair
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Turmeric includes curcumin, a bioactive molecule with powerful anti-inflammatory effects. This may contribute to a healthy scalp by managing inflammatory disorders inhibiting hair development.
Antioxidant Action
Turmeric’s antioxidants may help battle oxidative stress, protecting hair follicles from damage and providing a hair-growth-friendly environment.
Improved Scalp Health
Turmeric’s antibacterial characteristics may help to treat scalp disorders like dandruff or inflammation, producing an ideal environment for hair follicles.
Improves Blood Circulation
Curcumin stimulates hair development by increasing blood flow to the scalp and supplying crucial nutrients to hair follicles.
Dandruff and Scalp Health
Its antifungal and antibacterial properties can aid in the fight against dandruff-causing germs and promote a healthy scalp environment.
Hair Conditioning
The natural oils in turmeric can give luster and smoothness to hair, making it more manageable and less prone to breaking.
Curcumin as a DHT Blocker
Curcumin’s ability to prevent dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone implicated in pattern hair loss in both men and women, is particularly promising. While additional study is needed, preliminary findings indicate that curcumin can bind to DHT receptors, reducing shrinkage and hair loss.
Can Turmeric Help with Hair Loss?
While turmeric is not a miracle cure for total hair regeneration, it might be a useful tool in your hair growth arsenal. It can treat underlying concerns such as scalp inflammation and DHT sensitivity, resulting in better conditions for current hair to thrive and perhaps stimulating new growth.
How to Use Turmeric
DIY hair masks: Apply turmeric powder to your scalp for 30 minutes before washing with natural substances such as yogurt, honey, or coconut oil.
Hair rinses: To enhance shine and soothe the scalp, steep turmeric in hot water for 30 minutes, drain, and use as a last rinse after washing.
Incorporating turmeric in diet: Including turmeric in your diet guarantees that the advantages are received by your body, potentially affecting overall hair health.
Turmeric is a flavorful spice that may be easily used in curries, eggs, rice, and other foods. However, the modest amount of turmeric used in many foods may have little influence on your health. Many cookery websites include lists of nutritious turmeric-containing meals.
Turmeric should be taken with a high-fat meal: Turmeric is fat soluble, which means it dissolves in oils and other fats. Taking a turmeric supplement with a meal high in fat content may aid in improved absorption.
Oral supplements: Include turmeric capsules in your diet for overall health advantages that may extend to hair health.
Turmeric shampoo: Turmeric and curcumin are active components in shampoos, conditioners, and other hair treatments. These are perfect if you want to reap the advantages of turmeric without including it in your diet.
Is There a Risk of Using Turmeric on Your Hair?
Turmeric is usually considered a safe substance. However, like with any supplement, it is critical to utilize it as directed to minimize side effects and safety concerns.
When taken orally or applied to the skin in authorized dosages, curcumin, and turmeric products are regarded as probably safe by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
Turmeric, when ingested in excessive quantities, can induce digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.
Turmeric can induce contact dermatitis and/or urticaria (hives) when applied directly to the skin.
Turmeric DIY Masks for Hair Growth
Milk, Honey, and Turmeric Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey
- 3–4 tablespoons of turmeric
Procedure:
- In a mixing dish, combine all of the ingredients.
- Apply the mixture evenly to the hair.
- Allow it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Remove it with warm water and wash.
How Frequently
Every week
Turmeric and Coconut Oil Mask
Ingredients:
- 4 to 5 teaspoons of coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of turmeric
Procedure:
- Combine the coconut oil and turmeric in a mixing bowl.
- Apply the mixture evenly to the hair.
- Set it for 45 minutes.
- Remove it with warm water and wash.
How Frequently
Every week
Turmeric and Lemon Juice Mask
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder
- 1 lemon juice
Procedure:
- In a mixing dish, combine the turmeric and lemon juice.
- Apply the paste evenly from the roots to the tips of moist hair.
- Wear a shower cap or plastic wrap to improve absorption and prevent leaking and turmeric stains.
- Allow the hair mask to sit on your hair for 30-40 minutes.
- Rinse it completely. It may take some time to wipe away all of the yellow residue.
- After that, use a shampoo to thoroughly cleanse your hair and a conditioner to replenish moisture.
Conclusion
While definitive proof of turmeric’s capacity to directly regenerate hair is still emerging, its ability to improve scalp health, counteract hair loss causes, and boost general hair well-being is obvious. By introducing this versatile spice into your hair care routine, you may harness its natural advantages and promote a healthier, happier head of hair.
Keep in mind that consistency is important. While you may not see immediate improvements, frequent turmeric usage can gradually enhance the strength, gloss, and general health of your hair.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read this article on Turmeric to Relieve Headaches.
*This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice tailored to individual needs.
Po-Chang Hsu, M.D., received his medical doctorate from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. During his medical school training, Dr. Hsu worked with various patients, including adult and pediatric patients with acute and chronic conditions. Dr. Hsu’s interests include neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics, and sleep medicine.
Before medical school, Dr. Hsu finished a master’s degree at Harvard University and wrote a thesis on neuroimaging in schizophrenia patients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospital. Dr. Hsu was also a part of the 2008 NASA Phoenix Lander Mission team, which sent a robotic spacecraft to the North polar region of Mars. Dr. Hsu also had research experience on neuroimaging in neonates at Boston Children’s Hospital, another Harvard Medical School-affiliated Hospital.
Since graduating from medical school, Dr. Hsu has worked as a full-time medical writer and consultant. In addition, he has experience writing and ghostwriting books and articles for physicians and health technology start-up companies. Dr. Hsu believes good communication between healthcare providers and patients creates the best results.
Publications
-Peer Reviewed Journal Article:
Kounaves, S.P., Hecht, M.H., West, S.J., Morookian, J.-M., Young, S.M.M., Quinn, R., Grunthaner, P., Wen, X., Weilert, M., Cable, C.A., Fisher, A., Gospodinova, K., Kapit, J., Stroble, S., Hsu, P.-C., Clark, B.C., Ming, D.W. and Smith, P.H. The MECA wet chemistry laboratory on the 2007 phoenix mars scout Lander. Journal of Geophysical Research. 2009, Mar; 114(E3): 10.1029/2008je003084.
-Poster Presentation:
2011 Harvard Psychiatry Mysell Poster Session; Boston, MA
Hsu, P.C., Rathi, Y., Eckbo, R., Nestor, P., Niznikiewicz, M., Thompson, E., Kubicki, M., Shenton, M.E. (March, 2011). Two-Tensor Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Acoustic Radiations in Schizophrenia
