Who doesn’t love the aroma of garlic in their food? Garlic is a natural ingredient found in every kitchen and is good for more than just making food tasty. It has been used to treat numerous ailments with its medicinal properties since ancient times. But did you know it is also an effective remedy for hair growth? It is a hair care ingredient that has the potential to stimulate hair growth.
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 such as calcium and zinc. These nutrients promote healthy hair. Garlic is also rich in sulfur, which is essential for the foundation of keratin, a protein that aids in hair growth. Furthermore, massaging the scalp with garlic oil is said to nourish the hair roots.
The nutritional content of garlic transfers to your hair and provides the nourishment it needs to thrive.
Benefits of Garlic for Hair
Garlic has antimicrobial properties that help destroy germs and bacteria that can cause scalp damage and inhibit hair growth.
Garlic contains selenium. Selenium stimulates blood circulation for maximum nourishment of the scalp and hair.
It inhibits the growth of Malassezia and helps treat dandruff. Garlic contains allicin, a compound with antifungal properties that can help prevent dandruff.
Raw garlic is rich in vitamin C. Oxidative stress can cause hair loss. The vitamin C in garlic protects your hair from free radicals and prevents thinning and hair loss. It also stimulates collagen production, which is essential for hair growth.
It has been found that topical application of garlic gel improves hair growth and minimizes bald patches in patients with alopecia areata.
Garlic also protects keratinocytes (cells responsible for producing keratin) from UV damage.
It is claimed to help purify hair follicles, strengthen them, and prevent clogged pores to reduce hair loss. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this.
How to Use Garlic for Hair Growth and Health
1. Garlic and Honey for Hair Growth
Honey is an emollient. It seals moisture in the hair, keeping it fluffy and shiny. It can also help with hair growth and restore nutrients to the scalp and hair. Repeat this remedy 2-3 times a week for best results.
You will need
8 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon of honey
Preparation Method
Extract the juice from the garlic cloves. This should yield about one tablespoon of garlic juice.
Add one tablespoon of honey to the garlic juice and mix well.
Apply the garlic-honey mixture to your hair and scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes.
Rinse the mixture with shampoo.
2. Garlic and Rosemary for Hair Growth
Rosemary oil can help with hair growth, while castor oil enhances shine. Together, they work to stimulate hair growth, and coconut oil penetrates deeply and softens the hair. Repeat this remedy 3 times a week for best results.
You will need
5 tablespoons of garlic juice (refer to method 1)
1 tablespoon of castor oil
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
1/2 tablespoon of rosemary oil
Preparation Method
Combine all the ingredients in a jar and shake well.
Massage your scalp with two tablespoons of the oil mixture.
After 15 minutes of massaging, cover the length of your hair in oil and leave it on for 30 minutes.
Rinse with a mild shampoo. Conditioning is optional, as the oil acts as a conditioner.
3. Garlic Oil for Hair Growth
Massaging with oil stimulates hair follicles in the scalp while improving blood circulation, which in turn helps stimulate hair growth. Repeat this remedy 3 times a week for best results.
You will need
8 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup of carrier oil (olive oil or coconut oil)
1 medium onion (optional)
Preparation Method
Crush the garlic and onion or place them in a blender to obtain a fine paste.
Heat the carrier oil in a pan and add the garlic and onion paste to the oil.
Heat the oil until the paste starts to brown. Turn off the heat.
Once the oil has cooled, strain it and discard the paste.
Massage your scalp with two tablespoons of the oil.
After 15 minutes of massaging, cover the length of your hair in oil and leave it on for 30 minutes.
Wash with a mild shampoo. Conditioning is optional, as the oil acts as a conditioner.
4. Garlic and Ginger for Hair Growth
Research shows that ginger can reduce dandruff. It has traditionally been used to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these effects.
You will need
A piece of ginger (5 cm)
8 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup of carrier oil
Preparation Method
Crush the garlic and ginger or place them in a blender to obtain a fine paste.
Heat the carrier oil in a pan and add the garlic and ginger paste.
Heat the oil until the paste starts to brown and then turn off the heat.
Once the oil has cooled, strain it and discard the paste.
Take two tablespoons of oil in a bowl and start to gently massage your scalp with it.
After 15 minutes of massaging, cover the length of your hair in oil and leave it on for 30 minutes.
Rinse with a mild shampoo. Conditioning is optional, as the oil acts as a conditioner.
5. Onion, Garlic, and Cinnamon for Hair Growth
Onion juice can help stimulate hair growth. A study showed that cinnamon can stimulate hair growth and increase the size of hair follicles.
Repeat this remedy daily for a week.
You will need
1 small onion
3 cloves of garlic
1 stick of cinnamon
2 cups of water
Preparation Method
Boil the ingredients in two cups of water for 15 minutes.
Let the solution cool. Strain it.
Pour the liquid through your hair and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Rinse with warm/cool water.
6. Shampoo with Garlic for Hair Growth
A study conducted on mice showed that peppermint oil induces a rapid anagen phase and can promote hair growth. Do not use this shampoo more than 3 times a week.
You will need
15 cloves of garlic
10 drops of peppermint essential oil
Preparation Method
Blend the garlic to obtain a smooth paste.
Add the garlic paste to a bottle of mild shampoo and add 10 drops of peppermint oil to the mixture for fragrance.
Use this shampoo to wash your hair.
Note: Garlic can cause burns when applied to the skin or scalp. Therefore, consult your doctor before incorporating it into your hair care routine.
What are the side effects of using garlic for hair?
Excessive consumption of garlic can cause some adverse reactions. Limited research is available regarding the side effects of garlic on hair. However, some anecdotal evidence suggests that people with sensitive skin should avoid rubbing raw garlic paste directly on the scalp, as it can sometimes cause irritation. Additionally, you may experience body odor, nausea, digestive issues, and heartburn.
How to Make Garlic Oil at Home?
You will need
4 cloves of garlic
1 cup of coconut oil
Preparation Method
Take a tablespoon of garlic paste and heat it in a pan.
Place the garlic paste and coconut oil in a small pan and heat on low flame.
The garlic paste will start to sizzle in a few minutes. Then, use a spoon to stir the garlic in the oil.
Continue heating the mixture until the garlic turns light brown, then turn off the flame.
Let the oil cool, strain it, and apply it to your hair.
Conclusion
Garlic is a natural ingredient with rich medicinal properties. It is useful not only in treating many ailments but is also effective in promoting hair growth. You can restore your hair’s health with garlic at home easily. There are various ways you can use garlic for hair growth. Although preliminary studies seem promising, more research is needed to establish the benefits of garlic for hair. Therefore, make sure to consult a doctor if you are facing hair loss.
