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Fenugreek Seeds For Hair 2024: Benefits, Side Effects & How To Use It
Updated on
- Written by Cindy Scott, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by
Dr G. Michael DiLeo, MD
Hair plays a vital role in our overall appearance and self-esteem. It frames our faces, enhances our style, and contributes to our unique identity. Thinning hair or hair loss can hurt our self-confidence and emotional well-being.
Fortunately, fenugreek seeds and essential oils may be a potential solution for hair loss. Despite their small size, fenugreek seeds are a nutritional powerhouse of essential nutrients. Let’s learn more about fenugreek seeds, how to use fenugreek seeds for hair and any risks related to fenugreek seeds.
Fenugreek Seeds Benefits For Hair
- Stimulate Hair Growth.
- Prevent Hair Fall.
- Prevent Dandruff.
- Prevent Grey Hair.
- Increase Moisture.
- Soothe Scalp.
Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds For Hair
Fenugreek seeds contain essential nutrients that can promote hair and scalp health. Here are a few important benefits of fenugreek seeds:
Stimulate Hair Growth
A recent study in mice suggests the flavonoids in fenugreek seeds may have an estrogen-like effect to increase blood flow[3] to the hair follicles. Flavonoids[4] are nutritional powerhouses with immunity-boosting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. By nourishing the hair and scalp, fenugreek seeds can help create a favorable environment for hair growth, resulting in beautifully healthy strands.
Prevent Hair Fall
Losing between 50 to 200 hairs daily is considered normal shedding.[5] However, moderate hair fall, i.e., hair loss, is a problem many face. The same study in mice mentioned above suggests fenugreek seeds may help prevent the actions of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone — DHT. This hormone is a major suspect in the physiology causing alopecia.
DHT attaches to and alters the hair follicle, causing conditions like thinning hair and male pattern baldness. It was shown to result in hair regression,[6] density loss, and changes in hair structure in other animal studies. Using fenugreek in your hair care routine may help support a complete hair loss treatment.
Prevent Dandruff
A fenugreek seed extract has been shown to help reduce dandruff[7] by attacking common microbes, e.g., fungi, that cause scalp irritations. Due to its antimicrobial and anti-dandruff properties, fenugreek seed extract may be an alternative to other medicated formulas used in treating dandruff. Fenugreek can help soothe an itchy scalp for a healthy scalp environment.
Prevent Grey Hair
While gray hair is normal with aging, some individuals may experience premature graying.[8] Folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency are associated with premature hair graying. Fenugreek seeds are loaded with these micronutrients[9] and more. Adding a preparation made from fenugreek seeds into your hair care may offer a natural approach to promote healthier and more vibrant-looking hair color.
Increase Moisture
Hair contains more than 300 types of proteins[10] that play a big role in how the hair looks and feels. Protein can increase the water content[11] of hair by binding to water molecules and helping prevent damaged hair from heat styling. Hydrated hair is less frizzy and has less breakage, too.
Soothe Scalp
Fenugreek seed oil is a natural emollient[12] that helps soothe skin, strengthen hair, and moisturize hair and scalp. With natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps redness, itchiness, and discomfort. Fenugreek seed preparations can help restore hair health and create a healthy scalp environment.
What Is Fenugreek Seeds?
Fenugreek[1] is an herb natively grown in the Mediterranean, Southern Europe, and Western Asia. Fenugreek seeds possess a distinct aroma and flavor reminiscent of maple syrup. These tiny seeds are commonly used worldwide in food, medicine, and cosmetics due to their extensive therapeutic effects.
Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, studies show the many benefits of fenugreek,[2] including:
- Decreasing sugar absorption.
- Stimulation of insulin.
- Lowering blood sugar in people with diabetes.
- Helping lessen inflammation.
- Stimulating appetite.
- Treating gastritis, atherosclerosis, and hypertension.
- Support of breastfeeding.
But what about fenugreek hair growth? Let’s explore its potential to promote healthier, luscious locks.
Is Fenugreek Good For Hair?
Fenugreek is generally considered beneficial for hair health. Fenugreek seeds are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals that nourish hair follicles, promote hair growth, and reduce hair loss. They also possess properties that may help manage dandruff, moisturize the hair, and improve scalp health.
How To Use Fenugreek Seeds For Hair Growth
Follow these simple steps to harness the benefits of fenugreek seeds to promote hair growth:
- Soak seeds — place two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water to soak overnight. This helps soften the seeds before grinding in the next step.
- Grind seeds — drain the seeds and pat dry with a clean towel. Grind the seeds into smaller bits using a blender or a mortar and pestle.
- Make a paste — add a liquid like coconut oil, olive oil, or plain water and mix well to create a spreadable paste.
- Apply to the scalp — part your hair, then apply the fenugreek paste directly onto your scalp.
- Massage scalp — massage your head gently in a circular motion with fingertips to stimulate blood flow and ensure even distribution on the scalp.
- Leave it on — allow the fenugreek paste to sit on your scalp and hair for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This can give the nutrients time to penetrate the hair follicles and nourish your scalp.
- Rinse thoroughly — after the desired time, rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly using lukewarm water to remove the remaining fenugreek paste.
- Shampoo and condition — use a mild shampoo to gently scrub hair and scalp to remove any residue. Condition hair, then proceed with styling your hair as usual.
- Repeat frequently — for best results, repeat this fenugreek seed treatment 1 to 2 times weekly. Consistency is vital when it comes to promoting hair growth.
Fenugreek Hair Mask
Fenugreek hair masks are a popular choice for promoting hair growth and improving overall hair health. Start by following the steps above to make a paste and adding ingredients like:
- Coconut oil.
- Yogurt.
- Aloe vera.
- Lemon juice.
- Fenugreek powder.
When applying the mask, concentrate on the scalp. After 30 to 60 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water to remove the mask and shampoo as usual.
Incorporating a fenugreek hair mask into your hair care routine can help nourish the scalp, strengthen the hair follicles, and promote healthy hair growth. Frequently using a fenugreek hair mask can leave you with healthier, more vibrant-looking hair.
Fenugreek Seeds For Hair Side Effects
While fenugreek seeds are generally considered safe for most people, it’s important to be aware of these potential side effects[1] when using them for hair growth.
- Allergic reactions or skin irritations — allergic reactions are rare but can occur, particularly when applying fenugreek seed paste to the scalp.
- Gastrointestinal issues — consuming fenugreek seeds in large quantities may cause problems like bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
- Dizziness and headaches.
- A drop in blood sugar[1] in large doses.
- Pregnancy complications — fenugreek seeds may increase the risk of birth defects,[13] so it’s safer to avoid them while pregnant.
It’s vital to perform a patch test before applying fenugreek seed paste to the scalp or skin and to discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur. Before adding fenugreek seeds to any hair care routine, be sure to consult a healthcare professional.
The Bottom Line
Fenugreek seeds offer a wide variety of benefits for hair health and overall health too. Raw fenugreek seeds contain essential nutrients, proteins, and antioxidants that help nourish hair follicles and improve scalp health. Thus, any paste or mask made from them can benefit your hair and scalp.
Try using fenugreek seeds in your hair care routine with collagen for hair and a hair supplement. It may just be the answer you seek for healthy hair growth.
+ 13 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
- NCCIH. (2019). Fenugreek. [online] Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/fenugreek.
- Mahmoud (2016). A Review on Ethnobotanical and Therapeutic Uses of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum L) – Mahmoud Bahmani, Hedayatollah Shirzad, Mahmoud Mirhosseini, Azadeh Mesripour, Mahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei, 2016. [online] Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2156587215583405?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed.
- Suryawanshi Nishant C, Swamy, V., Nagoba Shivappa N and Wanje Vaijanti V (2019). Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Hair Gel Containing Fenugreek Seed Extract for Nourishment and Hair… [online] ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335000156_Formulation_and_Evaluation_of_Herbal_Hair_Gel_Containing_Fenugreek_Seed_Extract_for_Nourishment_and_Hair_Growth.
- Panche, A.N., Diwan, A.D. and Chandra, S. (2016). Flavonoids: an overview. [online] 5. doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/jns.2016.41.
- Maria Abril Martinez-Velasco, Norma Elizabeth Vázquez-Herrera, Maddy, A.J., Asz-Sigall, D. and Tosti, A. (2017). The Hair Shedding Visual Scale: A Quick Tool to Assess Hair Loss in Women. [online] 7(1), pp.155–165. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-017-0171-8.
- Fu, D., Huang, J., Li, K., Chen, Y., He, Y., Sun, Y.-K., Guo, Y., Du, L., Qu, Q., Miao, Y. and Hu, Z. (2021). Dihydrotestosterone-induced hair regrowth inhibition by activating androgen receptor in C57BL6 mice simulates androgenetic alopecia. [online] 137, pp.111247–111247. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111247.
- Kulkarni, M.S., Hastak, Jadhav and Date, A.A. (2020). Fenugreek Leaf Extract and Its Gel Formulation Show Activity AgainstMalassezia furfur. [online] 18(1), pp.45–55. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/adt.2019.918.
- Anagha Bangalore Kumar, Shamim, H. and Umashankar Nagaraju (2018). Premature graying of hair: Review with updates. [online] 10(5), pp.198–198. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_47_18.
- Studies on the physicochemical properties of fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L.) seeds. (n.d.). Available at: https://www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com/articles/studies-on-the-physicochemical-properties-of-fenugreek-trigonella-foenumgraecum-l-seeds.pdf.
- Siu Kwan Sze, Subbaiaih, R.S., Swat Kim Kerk, Amelia Yilin Lee, Hui Chin Lai, Kee Woei Ng and Artur Schmidtchen (2018). Studies on the Proteome of Human Hair – Identification of Histones and Deamidated Keratins. [online] 8(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-20041-9.
- Tinoco, A.B., André L.H. Costa, Salomé Luís, Martins, M., Artur Cavaco-Paulo and Artur Beltrame Ribeiro (2021). Proteins as Hair Styling Agents. [online] 11(9), pp.4245–4245. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/app11094245.
- Mysore, V. and Adhikary Arghya (2022). Hair oils: Indigenous knowledge revisited. [online] 14(3), pp.84–84. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_189_20.
- Mounir Ouzir, Khalid El Bairi and Saaïd Amzazi (2016). Toxicological properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum). [online] 96, pp.145–154. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2016.08.003.
Written by:
Cindy Scott, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
