If you have a ton of split ends or just lost some hair, you might be tempted to try a new treatment. Some people swear by ginger as a way to grow hair and get rid of dandruff—but is it true? This spicy root can help with other skin conditions, so we wondered if there was any scientific evidence behind this claim. Here’s what we found out about ginger for hair growth!
Ginger for Hair Growth
Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a regular food spice, has been used for therapeutic pursuits for centuries. The plant’s roots have been used to treat inflammation, nausea, colds, weight gain, and male sexual and gastrointestinal disorders in traditional and time-honored routines. You may have also read anecdotal facts about ginger’s power to mend hair and scalp health. Though ginger may have anti-inflammatory godsends for scalp infections, some clinical trials have indicated that some compounds may diminish hair growth.
Knowing more about ginger and its proper usage is essential before self-curing any dermatologic ailment. Read this before you try the trending spice.
Benefits of Ginger for Hairs
Existing studies entirely discourage ginger when applied topically; ginger can be beneficial when taken as a supplement.
“Ginger could be healthy for hair when digested,” says Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmad Khan (Reconstructive Surgeon & Hair Transplant Surgeon with over 17 years of experience) “Ginger is loaded with calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper, to quote a few.”
Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmad Khan also clarified that ginger could have specific advantages for those struggling with scalp health problems when appropriately used.
1. Reduce brittleness:
Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmad Khan says ginger can support and intensify the hair and reduce the signs of brittleness.
2. Lower inflammation:
According to Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmad Khan, “when the scalp is inflamed, the hair doesn’t have a good forum from which to develop or grow.” Since ginger facilitates blood flow, it can lead to less inflammation altogether.
3. Diminish acne and breakouts:
Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmad Khan advises using ginger as a spot remedy on the scalp if you’ve breakouts.
4. Enhance hair resilience:
Ginger has concentrated fatty acids, which Dr. Naveed Ahmad Khan says can help improve the strength of each hair strand.
The effects of ginger on hair are different than you might think!
Trichologists said while ginger won’t assist you with hair growth, as TikTok asserts, ginger can be useful if you face inflammation or breakouts on the scalp. Ginger acts as an anti-inflammatory, decreases signs of aging, and clears up scalp-based breakouts.
Reduce the effects of hair aging:
According to Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmad Khan, the antioxidants in ginger will help stem the strands from signs of aging in the mind. Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmad Khan guarantees the statements from Dr. Zain Ul Abidin and other experts. “While you may read several items about ginger for hair loss, clinical analyses do not abide by this data in a meaningful way,” he says. “For hair loss, the facts are not convincing for me to recommend including it in an influential way, regardless if you have an exposed scalp that is itchy and red, use of ginger can potentially benefit.”
Hair Type Concerns
Ginger should be believed less as a wash and more as a treatment to help enhance the scalp’s health. Experts said if your scalp health is in good form, it may be best to omit the use of ginger across the board. Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmad Khan also remarks that people with brittle hair could undergo some benefits from using ginger. This is due to the antioxidants that it possesses. There are different ways to incorporate antioxidants into your hair care regimen without the added chance of negative effects from ginger. If brittleness is your only problem, look elsewhere.
Finally, Dr. Zain Ul Abidin and Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmad Khan comments that people should sidestep using ginger with lemon juice if they own color-treated hair. While no direct unfavorable effects are reported about the use of ginger for color-treated hair, experts note that people should be extra prudent when combining the active ingredients from any color-prioritizing shampoos or hair care products.
Ginger is a rich source of antioxidants.
You might be thinking, “Well, that’s great and all, but I don’t have time to ponder the magical properties of ginger. I’m too busy staring at my thinning hair in the mirror.” But before you get upset about your receding hairline and those pesky gray hairs, take a deep breath: ginger can actually help promote healthy hair growth. That’s because it contains antioxidants like vitamin C and carotenoids (found in sweet potatoes), both of which act as powerful protectors against cell damage. And when it comes to hair growth specifically, cell damage is what causes follicles to become dormant—so preventing that from happening helps keep them active instead.
Ginger promotes blood flow, which might help hair growth.
It contains active ingredients that encourage blood flow, which is essential in boosting hair growth. You can use it as a tea or a supplement, and it’s also used to make things like soup and sushi. It can even be applied directly to the scalp simply by consuming it raw. (If you don’t like the taste of ginger, try making your own ginger ale!)
When applied topically, ginger can help nourish the scalp and stimulate blood flow—two factors that may impact hair growth.
Ginger has antimicrobial properties that might help your scalp.
It is a natural remedy for many types of scalp infections, including ringworm, seborrheic dermatitis (a type of eczema that causes flaky skin on the scalp), and dandruff. Ginger has antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it can be used to treat scalp infections. The essential oils in ginger also help fight off harmful bacteria that might otherwise cause your hair follicles to become inflamed or infected.
If you have dandruff or another type of scalp condition, such as psoriasis or dermatitis (an inflammatory skin disorder), ginger may be able to help keep them under control by reducing inflammation and itching associated with these conditions. You can use fresh ginger root instead of taking pills; however, if you choose this method, make sure not to chew on any part of the root because this could irritate your mouth or throat!
The vitamin C in ginger helps to support the immune system.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that aids in fighting free radicals. Free radicals are a by-product of the body’s natural processes and can be good, but in excess, they can cause damage to cells. Vitamin C helps to prevent infections that can upset your hormone balance and stop hair growth.
Vitamin C also increases the body’s resistance to infections and may help reduce fever, which may mean you have more energy for washing your hair or styling it!
Ginger treats some kinds of hair loss.
GINGER FOR HAIR GROWTH: PROBABLY NOT
The research on ginger as a treatment for promoting hair growth is anecdotal and needs to be more well-documented. Ginger does contain compounds that have been shown to help with some kinds of hair loss, but it’s unclear whether this applies to all cases of balding. The truth is that there are many treatments available that have been proven effective in helping people with various types of alopecia (hair loss). You should think carefully before deciding on one over another since they can vary wildly in cost and effectiveness. If you’re considering using ginger as an alternative or adjunct to these treatments, you should consult your doctor first.
Ginger may help treat some kinds of hair loss, but it is not a proven treatment for hair growth.
It is not a proven treatment for hair growth, but it may help treat some hair loss. Ginger has been shown to promote blood flow, which can help treat the scalp. It has antimicrobial properties, which might help with treating dandruff or other conditions associated with the scalp.
However, ginger is known to be an effective pain reliever and digestive aid. It’s also said to have anti-inflammatory properties; this explains why it is able to soothe irritation on your skin when used topically (on your body).
If you’re looking for an herbal supplement that will stimulate growth or prevent further loss, we recommend trying Saw Palmetto extract instead—it’s been proven effective at both!
How to Use Ginger for Hair Care
If you notice ginger included in any store-bought shampoos, they’ll likely be derivatives that are intended to relieve irritation. If you’re using it as spot therapy at home, they explain how you may make it. Also, the internet is full of formulae that purportedly assist with hair growth. While scientifically unsupported, laying ginger on your scalp and hair can be refreshing. Here are a few styles to test.
Ginger essential oil
It is available in extracts or essential oils, which must be cut (diluted) with a carrier oil before spreading. Use the product throughout your scalp and hair for a zesty, invigorating scent. Rinse out after 15 to 30 minutes.
Ginger scalp mask 1:
Ginger should only be used if you sense your scalp is prickly and inflamed. Trichologists instruct this with a fresh ginger root that you operate to pulverize into a paste. To prepare the paste, use a grinder and then put a little quantity on the scalp or apply a thin coating over especially irritated spots. Please leave it in the area for about 15 to 25 minutes, then simply wash it out. Apply this up to three times a week. Consult a dermatologist if you strive to experience redness or irritation.
Ginger hair mask 2
For this ginger hair mask, you can use ginger juice, essential oil, or extract blended with equal parts of carrier oil, such as argan, coconut, or jojoba. Place a hat over your hair and leave it on for up to half an hour before rinsing it. Massage gently into the scalp and wrap your hair evenly.
If treating the scalp solely, you may include something acidic to the mask, such as curd, lemon, or apple cider vinegar.
Ginger juice
You can make it straight from ginger root. You may cut off a rim of a fresh root and rub it directly onto your scalp. Another mode is to puree the root in a blender and use it all over your hair.
Ginger-based supplements
Ginger supplements are available in teas, capsules, and pills. When taking ginger by mouth, mind all product instructions carefully and quit if any gastrointestinal side effects appear. Also, it has amplifying effects on health if used with turmeric.
Chitchat with a doctor before assuming supplements of any kind. Remember that ginger supplements have yet to be scientifically connected to hair growth.
Potential side effects of using ginger
As a cuisine spice, ginger is safe for most individuals. If you have any known ginger allergic reactions, you should avoid spreading extracts, essential oils, and any other shape of ginger to your hair.
PATCH TEST: Massage some ginger inside your elbow a day before applying it on your hair or scalp to notice if you have any negative comebacks. If you do, don’t use it.
Conceivable signs of a skin reaction can be:
- red rash
- hives or bumps
- itchy skin
- risen inflammation
- burns
Traditionally, ginger excerpts for the hair and scalp are used topically. It would be best if you didn’t take ginger by mouth for such pursuits unless supervised by a doctor. Doing so may navigate to the following harmful effects:
- cramps
- diarrhea
- undue gas
- heartburn
- drug interactions, particularly if you’re on blood thinners (anticoagulants)
FAQs
Can ginger improve hair growth?
In Eastern Asian medication, ginger is occasionally used to stimulate hair growth. However, some experimenters have reported that no scientific proof has confirmed that ginger helps treat baldness issues. It’s considered that when scalp disorders alleviate, hair growth may start improving. Regardless, such benefits are merely anecdotal. Some instead focus on the possible benefits of ginger for scalp inflammation.
Can ginger slow hair loss?
There’s insufficient scientific evidence that ginger may slow the speed of hair loss. Grabbing ginger for your hair and scalp health may enhance appearance, but small can be done to delay hair loss once it’s begun. It’s also crucial to mention that some patients with hair loss are related to underlying hair conditions, and natural remedies like ginger may not allow treatment.
Can ginger withdraw hair?
During some anecdotal proof lauds ginger’s potential hair growth advantages, some clinical evidence indicates the completely contrasting impacts.
A study on 6-gingerol, a compound in ginger, found lowered hair growth in mice as well as human hairs in vitro. Established on these effects, experimenters inferred that ginger could help impede hair growth or deliberately remove hair.
Precautions You Must Bother!
WHO SHOULD USE IT:
Ginger should primarily be utilized as a site therapy for those dealing with acne on the scalp. It should not be used by an individual seeking to boost hair growth or re-growth.
How frequently can you use it?
Some hair experts don’t recommend using ginger at all, so if you determine it’s a good choice, make sure you use it only as required for breakouts and inflammation treatment on the scalp.
DON’T USE WITH:
The primary key is to avoid using it if you stumble with hair loss issues. Dr. Zain Ul Abidin, a board-certified dermatologist with a 100% customer satisfaction rate, also states that you should not incorporate ginger with lemon because it is too caustic or acidic, especially if you’re combining ginger into your routine in expectancies of relieving irritation. Zain Ul Abidin is also doubtful to suggest ginger in shampoos explicitly intended for color-treated hair since they usually have a range of other ingredients. Ultimately, he deters the use of ginger and castor oil together. The reason is oils are occlusives, which can lead to possible breakouts that the ginger is trying to control.
Finally
Ginger may help treat some kinds of hair loss, but it is not a proven treatment for hair growth. If you want to try ginger for your hair, start using it as an ingredient in a homemade shampoo instead of taking it directly from the root. Some many other herbs and foods can help your hair grow, including aloe vera, coconut oil, and avocado.
