How To Use Garlic For Hair Growth

Garlic for hair growth is a possibility that many haircare enthusiasts and scientists have explored. Here, we will dive deeper into how natural remedies like garlic can be a wonder herb for hair growth, and you can incorporate it into your hair care regimen. For starters, garlic has an excellent nutritional profile that helps fight many health issues. It also rejuvenates hair and helps in hair growth. In addition, garlic as an ingredient boosts hair growth and stimulates hair regrowth (1), (2). In this article, we look at the connection between garlic and hair growth, its benefits, how to use it, and more. Continue reading to know more.

Know Your Ingredient: Garlic

What Is It?
A perennial bulbous flowering plant widely used as a flavoring agent and in herbal medicine.

What Are Its Benefits?
It increases hair growth, improves scalp health, and protects the tresses from sun damage.

Who Can Use It?
All except those who have a sensitive scalp.

How Often?
It can be applied topically on a weekly basis or thrice a week.

Caution
It may cause chemical burns in some individuals.

Why Is Garlic Good For Hair?

Garlic is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential promoters for hair growth. Whether you use it topically or in your diet, the properties of garlic can stimulate hair growth. Garlic has a high content of minerals like calcium and zinc (3). These nutrients promote healthy hair. Garlic is also rich in sulfur, which is essential for the foundation of keratin a protein that aids hair growth (4), (5). Furthermore, massaging your scalp with garlic oil is said to strengthen your hair roots.

Garlic’s nutritional content transfers to your hair and provides the nourishment it needs to prosper. Scroll down to learn about the benefits of garlic for hair.

Benefits Of Garlic For Hair

• Garlic possesses antimicrobial properties that help kill the germs and bacteria that can cause damage to the scalp and inhibit hair growth (6).
• Garlic also contains selenium (3). Selenium helps stimulate blood circulation for maximum nourishment of the scalp and hair.
• It inhibits the growth of Malassezia and helps treat dandruff (7), (8). Garlic contains allicin, a compound with antifungal properties that can help in preventing dandruff.
• Raw garlic is highly enriched with vitamin C (3). Oxidative stress can cause hair loss (9). The vitamin C in garlic protects your hair from free radicals and prevents hair thinning and hair loss. It also boosts the production of collagen, which is essential for hair growth.
• Topical application of garlic gel has been found to improve hair growth and minimize bald patches in alopecia areata patients (2).
• Garlic also protects keratinocytes (cells responsible for keratin production) from UV damage (10).
• It is claimed to help purify the hair follicles, strengthen them, and prevent pore clogging to curb hair loss. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove the same.

Now that you know why garlic works, read on to find out how to use it for hair growth.

How To Use Garlic For Hair Growth

1. Garlic And Honey For Hair Growth

Honey is an emollient. It seals the moisture in your hair, keeping it conditioned and shiny (11). It can also help in hair growth and restore nutrients to the scalp and hair. Repeat this remedy 2-3 times a week for the best results.

You Will Need

• 8 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon honey

Process

1. Extract the juice from the cloves of garlic. This should give you about a tablespoon of garlic juice.
2. Add one tablespoon of honey to the garlic juice and mix well.
3. Apply the garlic-honey mixture to your hair and scalp and leave it in for 20 minutes.
4. Wash off the mixture with a mild shampoo.

Trivia

Among the different types of garlic, hardneck, and softneck varieties are commonly available. The hardneck garlic has fewer cloves than the softneck ones.

2. Garlic And Rosemary For Hair Growth

Rosemary oil can aid hair growth, while castor oil increases its luster (12), (13). While they work together to boost hair growth, the coconut oil deeply penetrates and conditions the hair (14). Repeat this remedy 3 times a week for the best results.

You Will Need

• 5 tablespoons garlic juice (refer to method 1)
• 1 tablespoon castor oil
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary oil

Process

1. Combine all the ingredients in a jar and shake it well.
2. Massage your scalp with two tablespoons of the oil blend.
3. After 15 minutes of massaging, cover the length of your hair in the oil and let it sit for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Wash it off with a mild shampoo. Conditioning is optional since the oil acts as a conditioner.

Fun Fact

Garlic has been used as a flavoring agent and medicine since Egyptian times. It’s also mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus (ancient Egyptian papyrus of herbal remedies).

3. Garlic Oil For Hair Growth

The oil massage stimulates the hair follicles in the scalp while improving blood circulation which, in turn, helps stimulate hair growth (15). Repeat this remedy 3 times a week for the best results.

Alex, a YouTuber, documented his experience of applying a mixture of garlic and olive oil to his hair for seven days for his hair loss. Unfortunately, he did not notice any significant changes. He said, “Not much change. Hair kinda felt the same. Little bit greasy (i).”

You Will Need

• 8 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 cup carrier oil (olive oil or coconut oil)
• 1 medium-sized onion (optional)

Process

1. Crush the garlic and onion or throw them in a blender to get a fine pulp.
2. Heat the carrier oil in a pan and add the garlic and onion paste to the oil.
3. Heat the oil until the pulp starts to turn brown. Turn off the heat.
4. Once the oil has cooled, strain it and discard the pulp.
5. Massage your scalp with two tablespoons of oil.
6. After 15 minutes of massaging, cover the length of your hair in the oil and let it sit for an additional 30 minutes.
7. Wash off with a mild shampoo. Conditioning is optional since the oil acts as a conditioner.

4. Garlic And Ginger For Hair Growth

Research shows that ginger can reduce dandruff (16). It has been used traditionally to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove these effects.

You Will Need

• 2-inch piece of ginger
• 8 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 cup carrier oil

Process

1. Crush the garlic and ginger or throw them in a blender to get a fine pulp.
2. Heat the carrier oil in a pan and add the garlic and ginger pulp to it.
3. Heat the oil until the pulp starts to turn brown and then turn off the heat.
4. Once the oil has cooled, strain it and discard the pulp.
5. Take two tablespoons of the oil in a bowl and start to gently massage your scalp with it.
6. After 15 minutes of massaging, cover the length of your hair in the oil and let it sit for an additional 30 minutes.
7. Wash it off with a mild shampoo. Conditioning is optional since the oil acts as a conditioner.

5. Onion, Garlic, And Cinnamon For Hair Growth

Onion juice can help stimulate hair growth (17). A study showed that cinnamon can stimulate hair growth and increase the size of hair follicles (18). Repeat this remedy every day for a week.

You Will Need

• 1 small onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cups water

Process

1. Boil the ingredients in two cups of water for 15 minutes.
2. Let the solution cool down. Strain it for the liquid.
3. Pour the liquid through your hair and let it sit for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse it off with lukewarm/cool water.

6. Garlic Shampoo For Hair Growth

A study done on mice revealed that peppermint oil induces a rapid anagen stage and can promote hair growth (19). Don’t use this shampoo more than 3 times a week.

You Will Need

• 15 cloves of garlic
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil

Process

1. Blend the garlic to get a smooth paste.
2. Add the garlic paste to a bottle of mild shampoo and add 10 drops of peppermint oil to the mix for fragrance.
3. Use this shampoo to wash your hair.

Note: Garlic can cause burns when applied to the skin or scalp. Hence, talk to your doctor before incorporating it into your hair care routine.

7. Garlic And Mustard Oil For Hair Growth

Mustard oil may help address hair issues and promote hair growth, thanks to its fatty acids, flavonoids, and saponins (20). Furthermore, its antibacterial and antifungal characteristics may help shield the scalp against infections and the associated hair loss. Use this treatment 2 to 3 times a week.

You Will Need

• 10 garlic cloves
• 4 tablespoons of mustard oil

Process

1. Crush the garlic cloves and extract the juice.
2. Heat the mustard oil and add the garlic juice.
3. Let the mixture cool and gently massage your scalp and hair with it.
4. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
5. Rinse it off with a mild shampoo.

Can You Leave Garlic On Your Hair Overnight?

You can add garlic to any hair oil like coconut oil or olive oil and leave it on your hair overnight. But, it is not recommended to leave raw garlic on your hair overnight.

If you consume excessive amounts of garlic, it may cause some side effects. Scroll down to know more about the adverse effects of using garlic for hair growth.

What Are The Side Effects Of Using Garlic For Hair?

Excess consumption of garlic can cause some side effects. Limited research is available on the side effects of garlic on hair. But, some anecdotal evidence suggests that people with sensitive skin should avoid rubbing raw garlic paste directly on their scalp because it can sometimes cause irritation. Also, you may experience body odor, dizziness, digestive problems, and heartburn.

You can easily prepare garlic oil at home with a few simple ingredients. Check out the process in the next section.

How Do You Make Garlic Oil At Home?

You Will Need

• 4 cloves of garlic
• ¼ cup coconut oil

Process

1. Take a tablespoon of garlic paste and heat it in a pan.
2. Place the garlic paste and coconut oil in a small pan and heat on a low flame.
3. The garlic paste will start to sizzle in a few minutes. Then, use a spoon to swirl the garlic around in the oil.
4. Continue heating the mixture until the garlic turns light brown, then switch off the flame.
5. Let the oil cool down, strain, and apply it to the hair.

Infographic: DIY Garlic Recipes For Hair Growth

Garlic is a great DIY solution to achieving healthy hair at home. In addition to being rich in vitamins and minerals, raw garlic also has natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal characteristics that may help improve your hair and scalp health. Check out the infographic below to read homemade garlic recipes for amazing hair growth.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is garlic or onion better for hair loss?

Both garlic and onion have scientifically proven their efficacy in hair treatment and hair-related issues (1), (17). However, you may reap the benefits of both by making a combined solution as instructed in the article above.

Is garlic good for gray hair?

There isn’t any scientific evidence to prove that garlic helps in preventing or reversing gray hair. However, it may improve the health of your hair and prevent premature graying.

Can I use garlic for hair growth if I have dyed or chemically-treated hair?

Yes, garlic oil can be used on all hair types, from damaged to dyed.

How long does garlic oil take to grow hair?

With daily topical application, it may show positive results in 3-4 months.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Learn how to make your own garlic hair oil to increase your hair growth! Watch this video to know about an effective DIY recipe that can help you get the hair of your dreams.

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Dr. Sreekar HarinathaMBBS, MS, MCh, DNB

   

Dr. Sreekar Harinatha is a double board-certified and award-winning plastic and cosmetic surgeon with 18 years of experience. He specializes in various cosmetic surgeries and treatments, including liposuction, gynecomastia surgery, hair transplantation, mommy makeovers, Brazilian butt lifts, rhinoplasty, lasers, and other skin treatments. He is also the author of the bestselling book titled, 'The Male Breast: What You Should Know...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over two years of experience in writing on health and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach. She writes on skin care and aims to present well-researched...more