The vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols in nettle stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. Additionally, nettle extracts can help prevent dandruff.
What are the benefits of nettle for hair?
When used correctly, nettle can be an excellent remedy, especially for hair and skin.
Anti-inflammatory effects: The active biomolecules have strong anti-inflammatory properties that help treat skin and scalp conditions, such as eczema.
Controls hair loss: By maintaining a clean scalp, nettle extracts prevent hair loss. Nettle can also strengthen hair roots by healing clogged cuticles, thus preventing baldness. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this.
Antimicrobial effects: The leaves and flowers of nettle have antimicrobial effects, fighting against bacteria and fungi such as E. coli and Candida albicans. Therefore, you can use this remedy to manage scalp infections often caused by such microbes in humid conditions.
Manages dandruff: Massaging nettle oil onto the scalp or using a shampoo that contains nettle combats dandruff and scalp flaking.
How to use nettle for hair?
1. Nettle extract ointment
This ointment uses nettle leaves and seeds that are rich in nutrients and polyphenols. These active molecules nourish the scalp and strengthen hair fibers. Applying this ointment can help prevent baldness and dandruff.
You will need:
Dried nettle seeds
Surgical spirit (alcohol/ethanol): enough to cover the seeds
Nettle plant: 1 part
Olive oil: 3 parts
Muslin cloth or sieve
Essential oils of rosemary or lavender (optional)
Small or medium-sized glass bowls or mixing bowls
Preparation method:
In a bowl, soak 1 part of nettle plant in 3 parts of olive oil for 7 days. You can cover the bowl.
Moisten the dried seeds with alcohol in a glass bowl.
Mix the seeds and the treated herbs together.
Let the mixture steep and filter the contents into a clean bottle or bowl.
Add a few drops of essential oil of rosemary or lavender.
Rub this mixture onto the scalp. Let it act for 5-10 minutes, then shampoo.
2. Nettle hair rinse
This hair rinse uses herbs such as nettle, rosemary, sage, and lavender. The leaves of rosemary and flowers of lavender increase the number of hair strands and control hair loss and alopecia. Sage has strong anti-inflammatory effects.
You will need:
Dried nettle leaves: 10 tablespoons
Dried lavender flowers: 7 tablespoons
Dried sage plant: 6 tablespoons
Rosemary plant: 5 tablespoons
Filtered water: 2 cups
Medium-sized mixing bowl
Pot
Bottle (small/medium)
Preparation method:
Add the dried and fresh herbs and flowers into a pot.
Add 2 cups of water.
Boil the mixture for 10-15 minutes.
Let the mixture cool. Strain the contents into a bottle.
Pour the mixture over all the hair after shampooing as a final rinse.
Gently massage it onto the scalp.
Let it act for about 4-5 minutes.
Rinse with water.
3. Anti-dandruff rinse with rosemary-nettle
Rosemary extracts can penetrate easily into the scalp to treat dry scalp and dandruff. When combined with apple cider vinegar and nettle leaves, it is said to effectively maintain scalp and hair health.
You will need:
Dried nettle leaves: 1 tablespoon
Dried rosemary leaves: 1 tablespoon
Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons
Filtered water: 2 cups
Pot with lid
Preparation method:
Boil two cups of filtered water.
Add the dried herbs to the boiling water.
Cover and let steep for 10 to 20 minutes.
Let it cool.
Strain the infusion through a fine sieve into another container.
Mix with the apple cider vinegar.
Use the mixture as a final rinse after shampooing the hair.
Massage it onto the scalp and wait for about 4-5 minutes.
Rinse with water.
You can also store the remaining mixture for about 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Other ways to use nettle for hair health
Nettle leaves are not limited to external use and local application. They retain nutrients even when cooked or boiled. Some Native American tribes eat nettle as the first green food of the season. Here are some common ways to use nettle to improve hair health. However, keep in mind that not all have scientific evidence to support them.
Nettle oil:
Add a few fresh or dried nettle leaves to a container with olive oil. Let it infuse for about a month. Massage the oil onto the scalp regularly before washing your hair. The active molecules in this oil infusion can help control hair loss.
Nettle tea
Boil one tablespoon of dried nettle leaves in 2-3 cups of filtered water. Let it steep for 4-5 minutes. Strain and serve the tea hot or cold.
Nettle stems and roots:
Boil or steam the tender nettle stems and roots. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on them. Add a bit of butter and mix well. This can be a nutritious side dish or salad, as the toxic chemical substances in nettle are deactivated during the cooking process.
Does nettle have risks and side effects?
Not using proper equipment during the harvesting or handling of nettle can cause severe skin rashes and irritations.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised not to use nettle. It can induce abortion and uterine contractions.
Nettle juice can cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal disturbances.
If you are taking blood-thinning medications, diuretics, blood pressure medications, or diabetes medications, consult your doctor before using nettle products.
