Herbs for Hair Growth: Herbs, Spices, and Plants That May Help Regrow Hair (2024)

Most people experience some level of hair thinning or hair loss in their lifetime. In many cases, such as following pregnancy or illness, hair will start to regrow on its own. However, it can also become a longer-term issue.

There's no shortage of products that claim to grow or thicken hair. Research suggests natural options such as certain herbs may also help regrow hair.

This article covers herbs, spices, and other plants that may help hair to grow.

What Causes Hair Loss or Thinning?

Some hair loss (alopecia) is described as scarring, which means hair follicles are permanently destroyed. It's more common to have non-scarring hair loss, which can be:

• Patterned (progressive, symmetric thinning)
• Focal (loss of hair in patches)
• Diffuse (even loss across the scalp)

Patterned hair loss is usually hereditary and caused by exposure to the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), with onset after puberty. Focal hair loss is typically the result of an autoimmune disorder called alopecia areata. Diffuse hair loss can occur for many reasons, including:

• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Major surgery
• Malnutrition
• Medications such as fluoxetine, isoniazid, lithium, propranolol, retinoids, valproate, and warfarin
• Pregnancy
• Rapid weight loss
• Severe illness
• Stopping oral contraceptives that contain estrogen
• Thyroid disease
• Vitamin D deficiency
  

Do Herbs Help With Hair Loss?

Some studies show that certain plant extracts and phytochemicals can help promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. However, strong clinical evidence from human studies is lacking.

There are no firm guidelines on how much, in what form, and for how long to use medicines for hair loss. If you take them, discusscomplementarytreatments with a medical professional. Even natural ingredients can interact with drugs.

The Best Herbs for Hair Growth Based on Science

People have been using natural products for hair loss since ancient times. Various phytochemicals and their active elements can promote hair growth.

Lavender

One study found that applying lavender oil stimulated hair growth in mice. The result was hair that grew thicker and faster than average. However, using topical products containing lavender may cause an allergic skin reaction. In addition to stimulating hair growth, lavender has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects when used as aromatherapy. It also helps promote good sleep, which can help you recover from illness.

Horsetail

Horsetail contains silica (silicon dioxide), which research suggests can improve hair growth in women with temporary thinning hair. This study involved taking oral silicon tablets twice a day for 90 days. Another study found that taking silicon daily for nine months strengthened hair and made it less vulnerable to breakage. However, more research on safety and effectiveness is needed.

Red Clover

While some research suggests that red clover can improve hair and skin, more rigorous studies are needed. Red clover has not been proven to benefit any health condition. Avoid red clover supplements if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle has long been used in foods and as a medicine for various ailments due to its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It's also a popular ingredient in hair care products. However, research into stinging nettle and hair growth is lacking.

Rosemary

Research suggests that rosemary oil may help promote hair growth. One trial found that after six months of use, rosemary was as effective as minoxidil 2% ointment (sold as brand-name Rogaine) in increasing hair growth.

Ginseng

Ginseng helps regulate the expression and activity of proteins involved in hair-cycling phases. This suggests it may stimulate hair growth and help prevent hair loss.

Peppermint

There's evidence that topical peppermint oil can increase the number of hair follicles and follicle depth in mice after four weeks of use. However, there isn't enough human research to know if it helps promote hair growth.

Aloe Vera

Topical aloe vera lotion treats seborrheic dermatitis, which can lead to hair loss. Aloe vera is also an ingredient in many shampoos and conditioners. In a study that combined aloe ferox gel, oregano oil, and finasteride (a drug to treat male-pattern hair loss), researchers found that it could effectively treat alopecia.

Hibiscus

Animal studies show that ethanol extracts from hibiscus leaves may increase hair growth. While hibiscus may have healthy properties, it has not been proven to increase hair growth in humans.

Sage

Sage is popular for cooking and medicinal purposes, including skin healing. Sage extract has been found to enhance hair growth in male mice, but more human studies are needed.

Other Evidence-Based Natural Treatments for Hair Loss

While more human research is needed on herbs for hair growth, there are other evidence-based natural treatments for hair loss.

Onion Juice

Research suggests sulfur and phenolic compounds in topical onion juice may stimulate hair regrowth. Researchers compared treatment with onion juice to placebo(a substance with no therapeutic effect, given to people in a clinical trial control group) in participants with alopecia. After eight weeks, 87% of those using the topical onion juice experienced hair regrowth vs. 13% in the placebo group. The unpleasant odor was the most common side effect.

Saw Palmetto

In one study, oral and topicalsaw palmettooil reduced hair fall, increased hair thickness, and promoted hair regrowth in people with alopecia.Saw palmetto is thought to block the production of DHT, which may be useful in treating male- and female-pattern baldness.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

In a study, participants with female pattern baldness applied topical pumpkin seed oil for three months and saw a significant improvement in hair regrowth. However, more research is needed.

Green Tea

Green tea is packed with healthy antioxidants and has long been used for medicinal purposes. One study found that hair density and thickness improved with a combination of green tea and sophora fruit extracts after 24 weeks. Drinking up to 8 cups per day of green tea is believed to be safe.

Rose Petals

Research suggests that rose water may help protect collagen and elastin from breaking down. Rose petals also have anti-inflammatory effects that may help the skin and scalp.

Moringa

Moringa seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals. Seed extracts have antibacterial properties and help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. It's commonly used in skin and hair care products. In animal studies, moringa seed oil was found to have properties that help with alopecia due to its fatty acid and phytosterol compounds.

Are Herbal Hair Treatments Right for You?

People have been using herbal hair treatments for a long time. Some may help strengthen hair, slow hair loss, or promote new growth, but they're not likely to grow a full head of hair. And what works for one person won't necessarily work for another. Also, while many are safe, some can cause unwanted side effects. Beware of hair growth products that promise quick or amazing results.

If you're experiencing hair loss, a dermatologist (specialist in conditions of the hair, skin, and nails) can help determine the right treatments.

How to Use Herbs for Hair Growth

Talk to a healthcare provider before taking herbs as a dietary supplement for hair growth. Many can interact with medications or be harmful when pregnant or breastfeeding. Using herbal shampoos, rinses, and other topical treatments may be the safest option.

Hair Growth Tips

In some cases, changing your hairstyle may help. Frequently wearing styles that pull on your hair, such as tight ponytails, cornrows, and hair extensions, can contribute to hair loss.

Research suggests that topical shampoos and conditioners containing caffeine could help prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth. Topical caffeine also shows promise, but more studies are needed.

Other hair growth tips include:

• Use shampoo that's gentle to hair and scalp.
• Use conditioner or detangler to reduce breakage.
• Avoid hot oil treatments, home coloring, perming, chemical straightening, and relaxing.
• Limit the use of blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons, and hot combs.
• Quit smoking, as it causes inflammation that can make hair loss worse.
• Maintain a nutrient-rich diet.

Before taking any supplement to improve hair growth, see a healthcare provider to determine if you're deficient in vitamins or minerals. On the other hand, too many nutrients, such asselenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E, are linked to hair loss.

Hair may start to regrow on its own when hair loss is caused by an event like having a baby, surgery, or illness.

Summary

Research suggests that some herbs and natural products may help promote hair growth. For the most part, though, large-scale controlled studies on humans are lacking. Most people can safely use topical herbal products on the scalp and hair.

But there's some risk of scalp irritation or an allergic reaction. Herbal or other dietary supplements taken orally can interfere with medications or cause unintended side effects. If you have hair loss, consult with a healthcare provider.