Garlic For Hair: Health Benefits & Ways To Use In 2024

Usually, the first thing that comes to mind when we think about garlic is its smell and its use in cooking. But another way we can use garlic is for hair growth.^[1] 

The nutrient components and nutritional benefits of raw garlic and garlic oil allow them to be an asset for your heart and your hair health.

Traditionally, herbs have been used for flavoring and medicinal purposes, but they may also be used to care for your hair. 

Including natural herbs in your hair regimen can promote hair growth and discourage hair thinning by nourishing the scalp and strengthening your hair. As we go forward, we’ll look closer at using herbs for hair.

Does Garlic For Hair Work?

Garlic^[2] is a vegetable often used to flavor foods. You can usually find it as garlic powder, garlic oil, or fresh garlic. It’s renowned for its cardiovascular health benefits, like reducing blood pressure and cholesterol. But there’s also a history of garlic as a topical use for hair.

Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties^[3] and is a great antimicrobial and antioxidant, which allows it to support hair health. Fighting bacteria and warding off germs can help keep your scalp clean and healthy. Additionally, garlic^[4] contains selenium,^[5] a mineral that can protect against hair loss.^[6]

Benefits Of Garlic For Hair Growth

In general, garlic has numerous nutritional benefits. Let’s look at what it can do for your hair specifically.

Scalp Support

You may be asking, “Is garlic good for hair growth?” The answer may be yes when we consider its impact on the scalp. The use of garlic powder has boosted the blood circulation of the scalp, which stimulates hair growth.

Raw garlic contains vitamin C, which has a role in collagen production.^[7] This allows it to be an asset for encouraging hair growth. There is further support via selenium, as it improves the flow of blood and nutrients to the hair follicles.

Combats Hair Loss

Alopecia areata is a hair loss disorder mediated by elevated levels of the sex hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. This DHT-mediated hair loss^[8] condition is characterized by DHT shrinking the hair follicles, thus driving hair loss and baldness. 

Garlic, however, can serve as a natural DHT blocker. It contains diallyl disulfide,^[9] a compound that can t inhibit the enzyme that can block the conversion of testosterone to DHT.  

As previously mentioned, garlic has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities that protect the scalp from infections and help to reduce dandruff. 

This is an important factor as we consider microbial infections. It has been commonly seen in acne and has been cited as a cause of hair loss^[10] seen in alopecia. Due to these capabilities, garlic gel is often used in alopecia treatments. 

Keratin Booster

Garlic is made of many sulfur-based compounds, which are essential for keratin production.^[11] Keratin is a necessary protein for the structure and health of hair, as it comprises nearly 90% of the fibers within our hair.^[12]

Eating garlic can help boost keratin,^[13] and it can be effective when applied topically as well. Keratin is naturally synthesized in the body and is essential for strong hair, skin, and nails.

Protection Against UV Damage

Keeping in mind that keratin is a much-needed protein for healthy hair, we have to give some focus to keratinocytes. Keratinocytes are the skin cells responsible for producing keratin. Garlic can encourage keratin production, but it can also protect keratinocytes from UV damage.^[11]

The sulfur-based compounds comprising garlic have important antioxidative roles, like protecting cells against oxidative damage. This includes protection from free radicals and UV damage, thus shielding the skin cells from harm. As a result, the scalp and hair follicles are cared for, which is crucial during the summer. 

How To Use Garlic For Hair

As a daily scalp moisturizer, you can use garlic oil for hair growth effects and pair it with a carrier oil that cuts down on sulfur’s potency and side effects. One option is coconut oil,^[14] which offers deep hydration and moisture for the scalp. Subsequently, coconut oil can nourish your hair while balancing out some of the harsher qualities of the sulfur compounds.

Another great option for carrier oil is olive oil,^[15] as it promotes moisture and skin repair. The vitamin E content bolsters the moisture retention of the skin. The anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties allow skin repair that can benefit the hair follicles and scalp if there is damage or sensitivities.  

Garlic essential oils and garlic juice can make homemade hair masks. It works by deep conditioning your hair and provides nourishment, repair, and hydration. Be mindful not to leave garlic on overnight or for long periods because it can cause skin reactions due to sulfur.

Side Effects Of Using Garlic On Hair

Allergic Reactions

In some cases, allergic reactions to garlic may lead to nausea and upset stomach. There may also be changes in body odor. The onset of asthma attacks, headaches, and diminished appetite are other possibilities of allergic reactions.

Sensitive Skin Reactions

Skin irritation may result in a burning sensation^[16] in the skin. When handling garlic oils and juices, particularly when using fresh garlic in your homemade garlic hair mask, be cautious as close contact with garlic may cause you to develop skin lesions. Be mindful as you could develop a rash and not only have irritated skin but also irritated eyes. 

Medicinal Interactions

If you’re using garlic supplements to support your hair care routine, remember that garlic and other herbal supplements may interfere with the actions of certain medications. This is often associated with heart medications, like blood pressure pills. Specifically, garlic may induce an increased bleeding risk if there is interaction with blood thinners or other medications.

Alternatives To Garlic

Rosemary

Like garlic, rosemary oil can boost blood circulation and improve the nourishment of the scalp, but without adverse effects impacting your skin. You can use it as a moisturizer and a hair growth agent that promotes thicker, longer, and stronger hair. Massaging the scalp with rosemary oil each day can support thicker and longer hair that is softer and easier to manage.^[17]

Saw Palmetto

Just as with garlic, saw palmetto is notable for lowering DHT levels.^[18] This botanical is also useful for unclogging the hair follicles while also promoting hair regrowth. Saw palmetto has great benefits, as daily use can protect hair from shedding and breakage. 

Aloe Vera

Another alternative that may garner good results is aloe vera.^[19] If you don’t want to use garlic but desire its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, aloe vera is a great choice. It protects the scalp and hair from dandruff and irritation. 

The pH-balancing properties help to maintain healthy hair and combat dryness, as well as hair loss. 

Conclusion

Is garlic good for your hair? After exploring its use, yes, it’s most beneficial. Garlic replenishes, cleanses, and nurtures your scalp in a way that permeates from hair follicles to tips, granting you healthier hair.

Biotin and rosemary are also great additions to stimulate the scalp and enhance the structure and health of your hair. Also, choose hair products that work towards regrowth and a thicker appearance. 

If you want thicker hair, consider eating healthy fats, like nuts and fatty fish, to protect against thinning.

Additionally, you can get a device for hair growth that uses laser therapy for scalp and follicle stimulation. 

Everyone’s hair journey looks different, and hair growth naturally comes easier to some people than others. However, it is important to be patient with the process as you learn what your hair needs to thrive!

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