Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesDo Herbs Help?Herbs for Hair GrowthOther Natural TreatmentsWill Herbs Help You?How to Use Them?Hair Growth Tips
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Do Herbs Help?
Herbs for Hair Growth
Other Natural Treatments
Will Herbs Help You?
How to Use Them?
Hair Growth Tips
Most people experience some level of hair thinning or hair loss in their lifetime. In many cases, such as following pregnancy or illness, hair will start to regrow on its own. However, it can also become a longer-term issue.
There’s no shortage of products that claim to grow or thicken hair. Research suggests natural options such as certain herbs may also help regrow hair.
Nestea06 / Getty Images
What Causes Hair Loss or Thinning?
Some hair loss (alopecia) is described as scarring, which means hair follicles are permanently destroyed. It’s more common to have non-scarring hair loss, which can be:
Do Herbs Help With Hair Loss?
Some studies show that certain plant extracts and phytochemicals can help promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.However, strong clinical evidence from human studies is lacking.
There are no firm guidelines on how much, in what form, and for how long to use medicines for hair loss. If you take them, discuss complementary treatments with a medical professional. Even natural ingredients can interact with drugs.
The Best Herbs for Hair Growth Based on Science
Lavender
One study found that applyinglavenderoil stimulated hair growth in mice. The result was hair that grew thicker and faster than average.However, using topical products containing lavender may cause an allergic skin reaction.In addition to stimulating hair growth, lavender has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects when used as aromatherapy. It also helps promote good sleep, which can help you recover from illness.
Horsetail
Horsetailcontains silica (silicon dioxide), which research suggests can improve hair growth in women with temporary thinning hair. This study involved taking oral silicon tablets twice a day for 90 days.Another study found that taking silicon daily for nine months strengthened hair and made it less vulnerable to breakage.However, more research on safety and effectiveness is needed.
Red Clover
While some research suggests thatred clovercan improve hair and skin,more rigorous studies are needed. Red clover has not been proven to benefit any health condition. Avoid red clover supplements if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettlehas long been used in foods and as a medicine for various ailments due to its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.It’s also a popular ingredient in hair care products. However, research into stinging nettle and hair growth is lacking.
Rosemary
Research suggests thatrosemary oilmay help promote hair growth. One trial found that after six months of use, rosemary was as effective asminoxidil2% ointment (sold as brand-name Rogaine) in increasing hair growth.
The Surprising Benefits of Rosemary Water for Hair Growth
Ginseng
Ginsenghelps regulate the expression and activity of proteins involved in hair-cycling phases. This suggests it may stimulate hair growth and help prevent hair loss.
Peppermint
There’s evidence that topicalpeppermint oilcan increase the number of hair follicles and follicle depth in mice after four weeks of use.However, there isn’t enough human research to know if it helps promote hair growth.
Aloe Vera
Topicalaloe veralotion treatsseborrheic dermatitis, which can lead to hair loss. Aloe vera is also an ingredient in many shampoos and conditioners.In a study that combined aloe ferox gel, oregano oil, and finasteride (a drug to treat male-pattern hair loss), researchers found that it could effectively treat alopecia.
Hibiscus
Animal studies show that ethanol extracts fromhibiscusleaves may increase hair growth.While hibiscus may have healthy properties, it has not been proven to increase hair growth in humans.
Sage
Sageis popular for cooking and medicinal purposes, including skin healing.Sage extract has been found to enhance hair growth in male mice, but more human studies are needed.
A Word From VerywellAlthough more research is needed, castor oil may help with hair growth. It contains ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that may increase blood flow to the scalp and promote healthier hair.—ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Although more research is needed, castor oil may help with hair growth. It contains ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that may increase blood flow to the scalp and promote healthier hair.—ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Although more research is needed, castor oil may help with hair growth. It contains ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that may increase blood flow to the scalp and promote healthier hair.
—ARNO KRONER, DAOM, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Other Evidence-Based Natural Treatments for Hair Loss
Onion Juice
Research suggests sulfur and phenolic compounds in topicalonion juicemay stimulate hair regrowth. Researchers compared treatment with onion juice to placebo (a substance with no therapeutic effect, given to people in a clinical trial control group) in participants with alopecia. After eight weeks, 87% of those using the topical onion juice experienced hair regrowth vs. 13% in the placebo group. The unpleasant odor was the most common side effect.
Saw Palmetto
In one study, oral and topicalsaw palmettooil reduced hair fall, increased hair thickness, and promotedhair regrowthin people with alopecia.Saw palmetto is thought to block the production of DHT, which may be useful in treating male- and female-pattern baldness.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
In a study, participants with female pattern baldness applied topicalpumpkin seed oilfor three months and saw a significant improvement in hair regrowth. However, more research is needed.
Green Tea
Green teais packed with healthy antioxidants and has long been used for medicinal purposes. One study found that hair density and thickness improved with a combination of green tea and sophora fruit extracts after 24 weeks.Drinking up to 8 cups per day of green tea is believed to be safe.
Rose Petals
Research suggests thatrose watermay help protect collagen and elastin from breaking down.Rose petals also have anti-inflammatory effects that may help the skin and scalp.
Moringa
Moringaseeds are rich in vitamins and minerals. Seed extracts have antibacterial properties and help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. It’s commonly used in skin and hair care products.In animal studies, moringa seed oil was found to have properties that help with alopecia due to its fatty acid and phytosterol compounds.
Are Herbal Hair Treatments Right for You?
People have been using herbal hair treatments for a long time. Some may help strengthen hair, slow hair loss, or promote new growth, but they’re not likely to grow a full head of hair. And what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. Also, while many are safe, some can cause unwanted side effects. Beware of hair growth products that promise quick or amazing results.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, adermatologist(specialist in conditions of the hair, skin, and nails) can help determine the right treatments.
How to Use Herbs for Hair Growth
Talk to a healthcare provider before taking herbs as adietary supplement for hair growth. Many can interact with medications or be harmful when pregnant or breastfeeding. Using herbal shampoos, rinses, and other topical treatments may be the safest option.
In some cases, changing your hairstyle may help. Frequently wearing styles that pull on your hair, such as tight ponytails, cornrows, and hair extensions, can contribute to hair loss.
Research suggests that topicalshampoosand conditioners containing caffeine could help prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth.Topicalcaffeinealso shows promise, but more studies are needed.
Other hair growth tips include:
Before taking any supplement to improvehair growth, see a healthcare provider to determine if you’re deficient in vitamins or minerals. On the other hand, too many nutrients, such asselenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E, are linked to hair loss.
Summary
Research suggests that some herbs,essential oils, and natural products may help promotehair growth. For the most part, though, large-scale controlled studies on humans are lacking. Most people can safely use topical herbal products on the scalp and hair.
But there’s some risk of scalp irritation or an allergic reaction. Herbal or other dietary supplements taken orally can interfere with medications or cause unintended side effects. If you have hair loss, consult with a healthcare provider.
32 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Walter K.Common causes of hair loss.JAMA. 2022;328(7):686. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.12461
Choi JY, Boo MY, Boo YC.Can plant extracts help prevent hair loss or promote hair growth? A review comparing their terapeutic efficacies, phytochemical components, and modulatory targets.Molecules. 2024; 29(10):2288. doi:10.3390/molecules29102288
Lee BH, Lee JS, Kim YC.Hair growth-promoting effects of lavender oil in c57bl/6 mice.Toxicol Res.2016;32(2):103-108. doi:10.5487/TR.2016.32.2.103
National Institutes of Health. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Lavender.
Yogi W, Tsukada M, Sato Y, et al.Influences of lavender essential oil inhalation on stress responses during short-duration sleep cycles: a pilot study.Healthcare. 2021;9(7):909. doi:10.3390/healthcare9070909
Ablon G.A 3-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the ability of an extra-strength marine protein supplement to promote hair growth and decrease shedding in women with self-perceived thinning hair.Dermatology Research and Practice. 2015;2015:1-8. doi:10.1155/2015/841570
Araújo LA de, Addor F, Campos PMBGM.Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy.An Bras Dermatol.2016;91:0331-0335. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20163986
Lipovac M, Chedraui P, Gruenhut C, et al.Effect of red clover isoflavones over skin, appendages, and mucosal status in postmenopausal women.Obstetrics and Gynecology International. 2011;2011:1-6. doi:10.1155/2011/949302
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Red clover.
Devkota HP, Paudel KR, Khanal S, et al.Stinging nettle (Urtica dioicaL.): Nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and food functional properties.Molecules. 2022; 27(16):5219. doi:10.3390/molecules27165219
Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A.Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial.Skinmed. 2015 Jan-Feb;13(1):15-21. PMID: 25842469
Choi BY.Hair-growth potential of ginseng and its major metabolites: A review on its molecular mechanisms.Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(9):2703. doi:10.3390/ijms19092703
Oh JY, Park MA, Kim YC.Peppermint oil promotes hair growth without toxic signs.Toxicological Research. 2014;30(4):297-304. doi:10.5487/TR.2014.30.4.297
Qadir MI.Medicinal and cosmetological importance of aloe vera.J Nat Med. 2009;2:21-26.
Hosny KM, Rizg WY, Alfayez E, et al.Preparation and optimization of aloe ferox gel loaded with Finasteride-Oregano oil nanocubosomes for treatment of alopecia.Drug Deliv. 2022;29(1):284-293. doi:10.1080/10717544.2022.2026534
di Martino O, Tito A, De Lucia A, et al.V. hibiscus syriacusextract from an established cell culture stimulates skin wound healing.Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:7932019. doi:10.1155/2017/7932019
Putra IB, Jusuf NK, Sumantri IB.The potency of hibiscus rosa-sinensis linn. Leaves ethanol extract as hair growth.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2020;8(A):89-92.
Abu-Darwish MS, Cabral C, Ferreira IV, Gonçalves MJ, Cavaleiro C, Cruz MT, Al-bdour TH, Salgueiro L.Essential oil of common sage (Salvia officinalis L.) from Jordan: assessment of safety in mammalian cells and its antifungal and anti-inflammatory potential.Biomed Res Int.2013;2013:538940. doi:10.1155/2013/538940
Jin GR, Zhang YL, Yap J, Boisvert WA, Lee BH.Hair growth potential of Salvia plebeia extract and its associated mechanisms.Pharm Biol.2020 Dec;58(1):400-409. doi:10.1080/13880209.2020.1759654
Hosking AM, Juhasz M, Atanaskova Mesinkovska N.Complementary and alternative treatments for alopecia: a comprehensive review.Skin Appendage Disorders. 2018;5(2):72-89. doi:10.1159/000492035
Ibrahim IM, Hasan MS, Elsabaa KI, Elsaie ML.Pumpkin seed oil vs. minoxidil 5% topical foam for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: A randomized comparative trial.J of Cosmetic Dermatology.2021;20(9):2867-2873. doi:10.1111/jocd.13976
Ham S, Lee YI, Kim IA, et al.Efficacy and safety of persimmon leaf formulated with green tea and sophora fruit extracts (BLH308) on hair growth.Skin Res Technol. 2023;29(9):e13448. doi:10.1111/srt.13448
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Green tea.
Thring TS, Hili P, Naughton DP.Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells.J Inflamm (Lond). 2011;8:27. doi:10.1186/1476-9255-8-27
Lee M, Nam TG, Lee I, et al.Skin anti‐inflammatory activity of rose petal extract (Rosa gallica) through reduction of MAPK signaling pathway.Food Sci Nutr.2018;6(8):2560-2567. doi:10.1002/fsn3.870
Islam Z, Islam SMR, Hossen F, et al.Moringa oleifera is a prominent source of nutrients with potential health benefits. Int J Food Sci.2021 Aug 10;2021:6627265. doi:10.1155/2021/6627265
Korassa YB, Saptarini NM, Mustarichie R, et al.Anti-alopecia activity of moringa (Moringa oleifera lamk.) seed oil against dihydrotestosterone-induced rabbits.International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics. 2023:19-24.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss.
Völker JM, Koch N, Becker M, Klenk A.Caffeine and its pharmacological benefits in the management of androgenetic alopecia: a review.Skin Pharmacology and Physiology.2020;33(3):153-169. doi:10.1159/000508228
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: Tips for managing.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
