Does Ginger Aid Hair Growth? Benefits, Uses, And More

Does Ginger Aid Hair Growth?

Ginger has traditionally been used to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth. However, the scientific research related to this is conflicting:

• Ginger contains antioxidants and circulatory agents that help stimulate blood circulation. This, in turn, may trigger healthy hair growth. A study conducted on people with alopecia areata found that ginger extract reduces oxidative stress and improves the rate of hair growth (1).

• A study conducted in India concluded that a herbal gel containing ginger extract has the ability to promote hair growth (2).

• Moreover, the active ingredient and antioxidant, i.e., gingerol, found in ginger helps relax the blood vessels and improves the circulation of blood (3). This allows for the improved nourishment of hair follicles, which may promote faster hair growth.

• But, on the contrary, a study conducted on gingerol on mice found that it can inhibit hair growth (4).

Taiba Rana, a blogger, shared her experience of using ginger root for hair growth. She said, “Within a few weeks, I noticed a reduction in hair fall, and my hair started to feel thicker and stronger. The mask not only promoted hair growth but also left my hair smelling fresh and looking shiny (ⅰ).”

As you can see, there is conflicting evidence surrounding the hair growth-promoting effect of ginger. However, ginger does offer a few other benefits for hair. Check them out in the next section.

Other Benefits Of Ginger For Hair

1. Prevents Hair Loss

Fresh ginger root contains magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins (5). These nutrients nourish your hair follicles, making them strong and preventing hair loss. It also contains essential fatty acids like linoleic acid (6). A deficiency of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid can result in hair loss (7). Thus, having ginger with this essential acid may help prevent hair loss.

Furthermore, free radicals can cause hair thinning and hair loss. Ginger is rich in the antioxidant gingerol, which helps fight free radicals (8).

Excess amount of DHT (a hormone) can shrink the hair follicles, which in turn, results in hair loss. Ginger has the ability to inhibit the enzyme 5α-reductase, which plays a key role in converting testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) (9). Hence, it could be an excellent remedy for those who are suffering from androgenic alopecia.

2. Controls Dandruff

Dandruff and hair loss often go hand in hand. This happens because the dead skin cells clog your follicles, leading to hair fall. Ginger has potent antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties that help control dandruff (10), (11).

Ginger can be used in various forms for its hair benefits. Check out the next section to find out more.

How To Use Ginger For Hair?

While the properties of ginger make it an excellent hair treatment, there is often some confusion when it comes to what form of ginger to use in remedies. You can use ginger in the form of ginger oil, ginger juice, and ginger hair mask along with other carrier or essential oils. Using ginger in its powdered form may be a convenient option, but fresh ginger root contains more of the essential nutrients that make it beneficial for hair care. Scroll down to find out how to use ginger for its hair benefits.

1. Ginger With A Carrier Oil

Ginger, combined with the conditioning properties of olive, coconut, or jojoba oil, can nourish and strengthen your hair (12), (13).

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon carrier oil (olive, jojoba, or coconut oil)

Process

1. Combine the ginger paste and the carrier oil in a bowl.
2. Section your hair and massage the ginger oil into your scalp using your fingertips.
3. Once your entire scalp is covered in the oil, massage it for an additional 5 minutes to improve blood circulation.
4. Leave the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes, then rinse it out with shampoo.

How Often?

2 times a week.

2. Ginger And Lemon Juice Mask

The collagen-boosting properties of lemon combined with the antimicrobial properties of ginger, work to restore the pH of the scalp while promoting hair health (14), (15).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons grated ginger
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Process

1. Blend all the ingredients until you get a smooth, consistent paste.
2. Apply this paste to your scalp and hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with shampoo.

How Often?

2 times a week.

Quick Tip

Lemon may not suit all skin types. You can substitute it with other effective, acidic ingredients such as diluted apple cider vinegar and yogurt.

3. Ginger Paste For Hair Growth

Ginger paste, with its potent antimicrobial and nourishing properties, can help tackle hair fall and stimulate hair regrowth. However, limited studies are available to prove this claim. This is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to use ginger in your beauty and hair care routine.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons grated ginger
• Water

Process

1. Blend the grated ginger with a small amount of water until you get a slightly runny paste.
2. Apply this paste to your scalp and let it sit for 45 minutes to an hour.
3. Rinse it off with water.

How Often?

2 times a week if you have been experiencing severe hair fall.

4. Ginger And Moringa

Moringa leaves contain calcium, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. They are also rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, and K and other antioxidants that help keep hair healthy and free from damage (16).

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• A handful of moringa leaves
• 2 cups of water

Process

1. Boil the moringa (drumstick) leaves and grated ginger in two cups of water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Once the concoction has cooled, strain the liquid and set it aside in a jug.
3. Shampoo and condition your hair and then pour the liquid through it as a final rinse.

How Often?

Once a week.

5. Ginger With Cucumber, Coconut Oil, And Basil Oil

Cucumber can boost hair growth, while basil exhibits anti-pityrosporum activity, which can help curb dandruff (17), (18).

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon basil oil

Process

1. Blend all the ingredients until you get a consistent paste.
2. Apply the paste to your scalp and hair in sections.
3. Once your hair is covered in the paste, let it sit for 30 minutes.
4. Wash it off with shampoo.

How Often?

2 times a week.

6. Ginger And Onion For Hair Growth

Onion is a rich source of sulfur, which helps in follicle regeneration (19). This mixture helps stimulate hair growth from the dormant follicles, making your hair thicker while speeding up hair growth.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons grated ginger
• 1 grated onion

Process

1. Squeeze the grated onion and ginger in a cheesecloth and collect the juice.
2. Use a cotton ball to dab this ginger juice onto your scalp.
3. Wait for 20 minutes and then wash your hair.

How Often?

3 times a week.

7. Ginger And Garlic Paste

Garlic is another ingredient that is rich in sulfur. It helps stimulate hair growth from dormant hair follicles (20). This mask also helps repair hair damage with the help of honey, coconut milk, and coconut oil. While honey acts like a conditioner for your hair, coconut milk and oil nourish the hair with essential vitamins and minerals, making it healthy and damage-free (21), (22).

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 tablespoons coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 cloves of garlic

Process

1. Blend the ingredients until you get a smooth paste.
2. Section your hair and apply the mask to your scalp and hair.
3. Once all of your hair is covered, let the mask sit for 30 minutes.
4. Wash it off with shampoo.

How Often?

2 times a week.

Quick Tip

You can also consume ginger tea, ginger supplements, or ginger powder (500mg/day) to help boost your antioxidant levels. This may help with hair growth (1).

8. Ginger Shampoo For Dandruff

Ginger exhibits antiseptic and antifungal properties that make it beneficial for treating dandruff (23). It is rich in antioxidants and displays antimicrobial properties, which helps keep the scalp clean and itch-free.

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 1 cup water
• A few drops of rosemary essential oil
• ½ cup castile soap

Process

1. Boil the water and add grated ginger.
2. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, then strain the liquid in a bowl.
3. Add a few drops of rosemary oil and castile soap to the water.
4. Stir well and transfer to a clean bottle.
5. Use it like a regular shampoo.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

These are some simple yet effective ways to use ginger for its hair benefits. But, can you apply ginger juice to your hair daily? Scroll down for the answer!

Can You Apply Ginger Juice Daily On Your Hair?

You can apply ginger juice twice or thrice a week to reap its maximum benefits. Apply this juice to your hair and rinse it off after 30 minutes with mild shampoo for good results.

Ginger is an effective remedy for hair. But does it help treat bald spots? Find out more about gingers role in treating bald spots below.

Does Ginger Help Reduce Bald Spots?

There is limited research available in this regard. The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants available in ginger may aid in hair growth and improve the health of your hair. A scalp massage with ginger can help stimulate the hair follicles and further circulate the DHT away from the scalp, which causes the thinning of hair.

White hair is a sign of aging. However, you may encounter graying hair at an early age due to many reasons. Does ginger help you to deal with hair graying? Find out more in the following section.

Is Ginger Good For Reducing Gray Hair?

As you age, your body is not able to produce melanin, which is responsible for your natural hair color. Ginger contains essential vitamins and minerals that are responsible for melanin production. Though it is said that it can help prevent graying at an early age, there is no scientific research to prove this claim.

Though ginger is generally safe for many people, it does have some side effects that you need to keep in mind. Check them out in the next section.

Side Effects Of Using Ginger

Generally, ginger is regarded as safe for most people. But, if you are allergic to ginger, you should avoid applying it to your hair and scalp. Make sure to do a patch test (rub a piece of ginger on the inside of your elbow) and wait for 24 hours before using it on your scalp to check for any adverse reactions like itching, inflammation, redness, and burns. If you observe these kinds of reactions, do not proceed with using ginger in any form.

Infographic: 5 Easy Ways To Use Ginger For Healthy Hair

While ginger is a common ingredient used in cooking and medicine, it contains essential nutrients that may improve your overall hair health. We have rounded up five simple ways you can add ginger to your regular hair routine. Check out the infographic below to know more!

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which one is best for hair growth – ginger or onion?

Both ginger and onion may help promote hair growth. Ginger nourishes the hair follicles, while onion promotes follicle regeneration. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a combination of both may be effective for hair growth.

Can I leave ginger on my hair overnight?

There is no evidence suggesting a specific time to leave ginger in your hair. However, leaving it on for 30 minutes to an hour is enough.

Can ginger be used for both men and women experiencing hair loss or thinning?

Yes. Anybody experiencing hair loss or thinning can try using ginger to remedy their condition, regardless of their gender. However, as we have seen that ginger’s efficacy in aiding hair growth is inconclusive, it may not show impressive results.

How long does it take to see results when using ginger for hair growth?

While ginger’s effectiveness in promoting hair growth is not scientifically proven, it does improve your hair and scalp health. With 2-3 months of regular use, you may notice improvement in your overall hair health.

Should I use fresh ginger or ginger essential oil for hair growth?

You can use both fresh ginger as well as ginger essential oil for hair growth. However, when using the essential oil, remember to dilute it using a carrier oil to avoid probable side effects.

Can I consume ginger to promote hair growth?

You may consume ginger to experience improved blood circulation in the scalp which may promote hair health. However, eating ginger and enhanced hair growth do not share a scientific relation.

Can ginger be used on chemically treated or colored hair?

Using ginger on chemically or color-treated hair may damage the effects of the treatments. There it is best to avoid applying ginger to your hair if you wish to enjoy the effects of your hair treatment.

What should I do if I experience any adverse reactions or allergies to ginger when using it for hair growth?

If the symptoms are mild, topical creams for irritated skin may help. However, if you notice severe symptoms, it is best to see a doctor.

Discover the amazing benefits of ginger juice for promoting hair growth in this informative video. Watch the video to learn how to make and apply ginger juice to nourish your scalp and achieve healthy, vibrant hair. Check it out now!

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Tiffany YoungCertified Trichology Practitioner

     

Tiffany Young is the CEO and founder of ThinHairThick and a certified trichology practitioner with 6 years of experience. She is also a recognized expert in the hair and beauty industry with celebrity clientele. Her own personal struggles with hair loss created an opportunity for her to deep-dive into learning all things related to medical conditions and external factors that...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

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach. Her passion for and understanding of all things related to skin, hair, and beauty propelled her to pursue a career in writing....more