How To Use Ginger For Hair Care

Ginger is a popular natural remedy for a host of ailments, including inflammatory conditions and digestion issues, but did you know it can be a great addition to your hair care routine as well? Ginger can help you get that lustrous hair you desire or may even be the key to getting rid of dandruff or preventing hair loss.

Ginger’s Role In Traditional Medicine For Hair

Ginger has widespread use in alternative and traditional medicine due to its circulatory, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.¹ The use of ginger for hair care, especially in Asia, dates back centuries. It’s been used in various natural remedies for hair problems, including hair loss. Modern research has confirmed the antioxidant and antifungal properties of ginger, both of which can be beneficial for your hair. Overall, ginger is a great addition to any hair care regimen.

Laying Some Doubts About Ginger To Rest

Some researchers believe that there isn’t enough evidence to show that ginger can help with hair growth. In fact, one piece of research suggests that it could even be detrimental, inhibiting hair shaft growth.² But this is a one-off study for now and there seems to be more to support the use of ginger, be it in traditional literature or modern research. Here’s a look at what works in ginger’s favor.

What Ginger Can Do For Your Hair

While consuming ginger or applying it topically will not magically change a bald head into a luscious set of locks overnight, it can still help you improve the condition of your hair and scalp in more ways than one.

1. Stimulates Hair Growth

In one natural remedy, ginger rhizomes are grilled over fire, then crushed, and the juice filtered before being applied to the scalp. This remedy works as an antifungal treatment and can also help stimulate hair growth.³ Also, a hot oil treatment that includes ginger oil may help those faced with dry brittle hair, which may be contributing to hair loss.

Ginger With Onion Juice DIY Recipe: Onion juice helps those with patchy hair loss from alopecia areata.⁴

1. To make a ginger and onion juice hair mask, just juice one onion with half the amount of ginger.
2. You can apply the strained juice straight to the scalp using a cotton ball or add it to coconut oil, almond oil, or any other suitable carrier oil and apply.
3. Rinse off once dry with a gentle shampoo or plain water.

2. Boosts Blood Flow To Hair Follicles

Ginger stimulates the heart muscles and dilutes the blood, boosting blood circulation in the body.⁵ This includes circulation and blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles, which could potentially help with hair growth.

Ginger With Olive Oil DIY Recipe:

1. Steep a tablespoon of grated ginger in about three tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Massage the infused oil into the scalp, working in circular movements to stimulate blood flow to the scalp.
3. You can leave the treatment in for about a half an hour and then rinse off with plain water or a gentle shampoo. Be aware that the ginger may cause a warming sensation to the scalp.

3. Acts As A Natural Conditioner

Ginger combined with coconut oil can condition your hair by penetrating the hair shaft and helping cut protein loss. This allows hair to stay strong and lustrous.⁶

The antifungal properties of the ginger itself can also keep the hair cleansed.⁷

Ginger With Coconut Oil DIY Recipe:

1. Simply grate some ginger into twice the amount of coconut oil, squeezing the juice into the oil.
2. Sieve the mixture through fine muslin and apply to the scalp. This mix can soothe a dry and itchy scalp as well.
3. You can wash your hair with plain water or shampoo after half an hour.

4. Works As An Anti-Dandruff Treatment

Dandruff causes flaking due to rapid turnover of the scalp cells. This hyperproliferation is caused by scalp yeasts from the genus Malassezia, a type of fungi. Research has shown that methanol extracts of ginger have significant inhibitory effects on Malassezia furfur, a dandruff-causing organism. ⁸

Ginger With Lemon DIY Recipe:

1. This natural treatment for dandruff combines one or two tablespoons of ginger juice with three tablespoons of sesame oil and half a teaspoon of lemon juice.
2. Rub the mixture on your scalp three times a week.⁹

Another popular hair cleanser takes advantage of lemon juice’s cleansing antibacterial and antifungal properties.

1. Blend together two tablespoons of ginger and add to half a teaspoon of lemon juice, along with a nourishing coconut, sesame, or olive oil.
2. Apply either of these to the hair, leave in for half an hour, and then rinse off with water or shampoo.

5. Curbs Hair Loss With An Antioxidant Boost

Hair loss could be slowed by ensuring your body has an adequate supply of antioxidants. This is because oxidative stress can cause graying and loss of hair.¹⁰ In fact, research suggests that individuals with alopecia have lower antioxidant levels in their scalp region compared to those without the problem.¹¹ Giving your body an antioxidant boost by consuming ginger may, therefore, help with hair loss as well.¹²

How to use: Simply add ginger to any sweet or savory recipe, or squeeze ginger juice into your water, tea, milk, or juice.