Hair health and growth are topics of global concern. Whether in the East or the West, people are seeking natural and safe methods to improve hair loss issues and promote hair growth. Herbal ingredients, known for their gentle and low side-effect properties, have become the first choice for many. Below are ten scientifically-backed herbal ingredients being used by people around the world to promote hair growth.
Rosemary
Rosemary is widely used in the Mediterranean region. Rosemary essential oil is rich in antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid. These compounds can stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, providing more nutrients to the hair follicles, thereby promoting hair growth. Studies have shown that the efficacy of rosemary oil is comparable to minoxidil but with fewer side effects. Additionally, rosemary possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can alleviate scalp inflammation and reduce follicle blockage.
Ginseng
Ginseng enjoys a prestigious reputation in traditional Asian medicine. Its active component, ginsenosides, can regulate the proliferation and differentiation of follicle cells, extending the hair follicle’s growth phase. Research has found that ginseng extracts can also inhibit the activity of 5α-reductase, an enzyme that leads to hair loss, and possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect hair follicles from free radical damage.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is extensively used in Africa for hair care, with its gel being rich in polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals. Aloe can soothe scalp inflammation, improve scalp hydration, and provide ample moisture and nutrients to the hair follicles. Moreover, the enzyme components in aloe can remove dead skin cells from the scalp, promoting healthy hair follicles.
Green Tea
Green tea is widely consumed and used in East Asia, with its polyphenolic compounds, especially EGCG, possessing strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. EGCG can inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which leads to hair loss, and extend the growth phase of hair follicles. Green tea extracts can also improve scalp microcirculation, providing more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto is commonly used in North America to treat male pattern baldness. Its extracts can inhibit the activity of 5α-reductase, reducing the production of DHT. Studies have shown that saw palmetto extracts can effectively improve hair density and thickness with fewer side effects. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate scalp inflammation.
Nettle
Nettle is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and is widely used in Europe for hair care. It can purify the scalp, reducing toxin accumulation that can damage hair follicles. Nettle extracts can also inhibit the activity of 5α-reductase, decreasing DHT production and thus preventing hair loss.
Ginger
Ginger is extensively used in Asia, with its active component gingerol capable of stimulating scalp microcirculation, providing more nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can alleviate scalp inflammation and reduce follicle blockage. Studies have shown that ginger extracts can significantly promote hair growth and improve hair density.
Moringa
Moringa is widely used in South Asia, with its leaves and seeds being rich in vitamins A, C, E, as well as minerals like zinc and iron. These nutrients can nourish hair follicles and promote hair growth. Moringa also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect hair follicles from free radical damage.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is extensively used in the Americas for hair care, with its composition being similar to human sebum. It can deeply moisturize the scalp and improve the scalp’s barrier function. Jojoba Oil also possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can alleviate scalp inflammation and reduce follicle blockage.
Amla
Amla is widely used in South Asia, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can enhance hair resilience and shine. Amla can also promote blood circulation in the scalp, providing more nutrients to the hair follicles and thereby promoting hair growth.
These herbal ingredients work synergistically through various mechanisms to effectively promote hair growth and improve scalp health. Whether it is rosemary’s follicle activation, ginseng’s energy supplementation, or aloe vera’s repair capabilities, these ingredients have been widely applied and recognized globally. Choosing the right herbal ingredients for your scalp condition, combined with a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, can provide comprehensive care for your hair, making it thicker and stronger.