Herbal Remedies for Hair Growth

Does it Really Work?

Herbal remedies can support hair growth for some people, though results may vary. Research has shown that some herbs may slow hair loss or help promote new growth. However, much of the research has been done on animals and additional studies are needed to prove its effectiveness on humans.

19 Best Herbal Remedies for Hair Growth

Let’s look at 19 herbal remedies that can help maintain healthy hair growth, soothe the scalp, and work wonders for our mane.

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera cools down the irritated scalp, reduces dandruff, and maintains a well-moisturised scalp for hair to grow. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it helps strengthen hair strands, too.

How to use: Applying fresh aloe vera gel on the scalp with your fingertips and keeping it for 30 minutes will do the work; wash it off using a mild shampoo to get softer and stronger hair.

2. Rosemary Oil

It is on of the most popular essential oils considered for hair growth and natural hair loss prevention. Rosemary oil stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, which in turn helps strengthen hair follicles. It also fights dandruff and prevents early greying of hair.

How to Use: Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with a base or carrier oil like coconut/olive oil. Massage the scalp with it, leave it for 30 minutes, and then wash off with a mild shampoo.

3. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil causes a cooling sensation and may promote hair growth because the blood flow to hair cells improves and hair roots open. This activates the hair follicles which thereby grow thicker and longer strands.

How to use: Dilute peppermint oil with a carrier oil and lightly massage onto the scalp. Let your scalp absorb the goodness for 20 minutes, and then wash off with a herbal shampoo.

4. Ginseng

Ginseng is a typical quintessential traditional Chinese medicine primarily used for stimulating hair growth. The health of the dermal cells in the scalp gets better, strengthening the hair follicles and roots.

How to Use: Ginseng supplements can be ingested or applied topically as a treatment for hair loss. One may consume ginseng extract after consulting a healthcare expert.

5. Fenugreek Seeds

The seeds, rich in proteins and nicotinic acid, rebuild the hair follicles and promote new hair growth. Fenugreek seeds eliminate dandruff and inhibit hair loss.

How to Use: Soak a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Grind into a paste and apply it on the scalp and hair. Leave for 30 minutes, then wash off with a mild shampoo. 

6. Hibiscus

Hibiscus is rich in amino acids, which strengthen the hair roots and add sheen to hair.

How to Use: Crush hibiscus flowers and mix them with coconut oil to make a paste. Apply it to the scalp and wash it after 45 minutes.

7. Bhringraj

A natural remedy for hair loss, Bhringraj is considered the "king of herbs" for hair growth. Bhringraj nourishes the scalp, promotes hair growth, and reduces hair fall.

How to Use: Massage your scalp with Bhringraj oil or mix powdered Bhringraj with water and prepare a hair mask.

8. Neem

Neem’s anti-bacterial properties work effectively for scalp conditions like dandruff and itching. Hair follicles grow stronger, and the scalp gets healthier too. 

How to Use: Boil neem leaves in water, let it cool, and use it as a hair rinse after shampooing.

9. Lavender Oil

The calming properties of lavender oil have been widely acclaimed, but this essential oil is even good for hair health. It balances the natural oils present in the scalp.

How to Use: Blend lavender oil with coconut oil and use this mixture on the scalp. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and wash off with a mild shampoo. 

10. Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is an herbal medication highly recommended against hair thinning and hair loss issues, specifically among men. It blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone — the hormone responsible for baldness in men.

How to Use: Saw palmetto can be taken as an oral supplement or applied as a topical treatment. Supplements should always be taken with a prior consultation with your doctor.

11. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla is rich in vitamin C, which promotes collagen production and gives way to faster hair growth.

How to Use: Massage your scalp with amla oil or make a hair mask using amla powder.

12. Green Tea

Rich in antioxidants, green tea prevents hair loss by protecting the hair follicles; it also fosters the healthy growth of hair since it reduces scalp inflammation. 

How to use: Brew some green tea and let it cool. Rinse your hair with it after shampooing.

13. Onion Juice

Onion juice is rich in sulphur, which enhances the production of collagen. This, in turn, leads to the re-growth of hair. The anti-bacterial properties present in onion juice help in warding off infections of the scalp.

How to use: Extract the juice of an onion and then apply it directly on the scalp. Leave it for 20 minutes, and then wash the hair with a mild shampoo.

14. Liquorice Root

Liquorice root, a natural remedy for hair loss, soothes the scalp and opens up the pores, leading to strong and dense hair.

How to use: Take powdered liquorice root, mix it with milk, add a pinch of saffron, and apply to the scalp before going to sleep. Wash it the following morning.

15. Curry Leaves

Curry leaves contain beta-carotene and protein, which impede hair thinning and hair falling. Curry leaves nourish the roots of your hair and, thus, prevent premature greying of hair.

How to use: Boil some curry leaves in coconut oil and then apply the resultant mixture on the scalp. Keep it for 30 minutes before washing off with a herbal shampoo.

16. Shikakai

Shikakai is a natural cleanser that strengthens hair roots and nourishes the scalp to promote hair growth. It is normally used as a substitute for shampoo.

Use: Mix shikakai powder with water and apply for cleaning hair.

17. Burdock Root

The Burdock root is full of nutrients which provide additional strength for hair growth; it helps improve blood circulation to the scalp and reduces dandruff.

How to use: Massage Burdock root oil into your scalp. You can also boil the root in water, strain the liquid, and use it as a rinse.

18. Ginger

Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory properties that nourish your scalp and encourage hair growth by improving blood flow.

How to use: Apply ginger juice to the scalp and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.

19. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids that help boost hair growth. It nourishes hair and prevents the breaking and thinning of hair strands.

How to use: Mix ground flaxseeds with water to form a gel. Slather the gel onto the hair, wear it as a mask, or use flaxseed oil as a leave-on treatment.