Hairs, one of the most influential aspects of one's appearance, have always been the focus of our care and attention. 85% of males and 50% of females experience hair fall problems and 70% of these issues are related to genetic predisposition (1).
By following the true principles of ancient Ayurveda, there are certain proven methods to stop hair thinning and achieve hair regrowth for males and females.
Why are we all so obsessed with hair growth products? Healthy hair frames your face improves your overall appearance and boosts self-esteem and confidence.
Don’t we all need these psychological support elements in our lives? A little interest and effort in the maintenance of your hair can make you more appealing and put-together.
Overview of Fenugreek for Hair Growth
Whether you have an itchy scalp, receding hairline, or thinning hair, fenugreek or methi seeds are used as a home remedy throughout the world. There are several authentic references in Ayurvedic books about the benefits of fenugreek for the growth of human hair.
Even modern beauty and skincare publications agree on the effectiveness of fenugreek seeds for shiny and healthy hair. How do methi seeds improve scalp health and how to use fenugreek in different forms?
In this article, we will ensure to offer researched insights and proven methods to use fenugreek for your hair and how to get your hairline back by curing hair-related issues.
If you value shiny and healthy hair as a prominent feature of your personality, give this article a read. You will realize the effectiveness of ancient Ayurvedic methods for modern healthcare issues.
What is Fenugreek?
In the family of Fabaceae, fenugreek is an annual small green and leafy herb. In Asian regions, locals call it methi too. In the Indian subcontinent, fenugreek leaves and seeds are used in several dishes as an ingredient.
The origin of this herb is said to be from the Mediterranean, Western Asia, and southern Europe. Apart from culinary applications, Ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine practices also consider fenugreek as an effective herb for hair and scalp health. (2)
Common applications of these seeds in medicine are meant to:
- Promote overall human health
- Soothe skin irritation
- Improve hair growth and scalp health
- Induce labor
- Optimize digestion system
The idea of using fenugreek to fight hair loss and scalp irritation has become quite popular among modern consumers. In the Indian region, these seeds are commonly found in teas, spice rubs, curries, and stews.
Does Fenugreek Support Hair Growth?
Iron and protein are two essential components for healthy hair growth and fenugreek seeds are rich in these two elements. Unique compositions of saponins flavonoids and some other plant compounds are found in these seeds. These compounds induce faster hair growth due to natural antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. (3)
A study of fenugreek seeds verifies the positive impact of these seeds on healthy hair growth. Maintaining a healthy scalp not only improves hair growth but also treats other skin-related issues.
Research-backed Claim
A study from 2006 tested the effects of fenugreek on 53 participants and an oral dose of 300 mg was given daily to the participants for the course of 6 months. (4) Up to 80% of the participants reported significant improvement in the thickness and growth of hair. Hair growth-boosting effects of this herb have been proven by many other studies too.
Benefits of Fenugreek for Hair and Scalp Health
Modern medicines use mixtures of different herbs and it is quite hard to verify the effectiveness of this herb for human hair growth. But ancient books suggest different benefits of fenugreek that are verified by medical researchers.
1. Controlling Hair Loss
Hair loss can be prevented only if the scalp is nourished and moisturized properly. The use of lecithin is an effective remedy for the root-deep treatment of hair.
Fenugreek is full of such elements that provide needed nutritional value to scalp and hair roots. Early use of any form of this herb can help to prevent or control the potential hair loss in males and females.
2. Thickens Damaged Hair
Constant use of color treatments, dryers, chemicals, and heat styling is common these days. The beauty care industry mainly depends upon chemicals to boost the results of their products. For smoother and thicker hairs, products with amino acids and protein are recommended.
As fenugreek naturally offers proteins and amino acids, using this herb offers way better results for thicker hair than any other chemical-based hair care product.
3. Prevent Scalp Irritation
Hair loss can be caused by different medical issues and fenugreek ensures effective reach of anti-inflammatory elements to the roots of hairs. Oxidative stress is the main reason behind scalp itch and irritation. By reducing inflammation, fenugreek powder can boost the overall health of the scalp.
4. Antimicrobial Dandruff Treatment
Dandruff is quite a common issue these days and that is mainly related to lack of moisture in the scalp tissues. Fenugreek is quite useful against various forms of yeast that may impact the scalp and cause dandruff.
People who use this herb for hair growth have reported many side benefits too. Scalp health and getting rid of dandruff are important factors in achieving hair growth goals.
5. Add Shine and Strengthen Hair
No product or chemical can work better than natural remedies when it comes to shine and texture for hair of all types. Fenugreek establishes a natural barrier for moisture and gives a soft shiny feel to hair. Balanced moisture is important when you need to achieve natural shine.
How to Use Fenugreek for Hair Growth?
There are different options available for the application of fenugreek for hair oil. Depending upon personal needs and preferences, you can choose any option that suits you.
Home remedies usually focus on the application of herbs for hair growth in the form of hair oil. In the next section, we will explore available options to use fenugreek for hair growth and treatments.
Fenugreek Hair Oil
Extracting oil for hair from fenugreek seeds is quite easy. You can easily extract hair oil at home by following these simple steps:
- Take a cup of sesame oil or coconut oil and add a spoon of fenugreek seeds
- Use a low flame to heat the seeds until turned brown
- Store the oil in a container once it is cold
- Massage your scalp with this hair oil an hour before shower twice or thrice a week
Fenugreek Hair Conditioner
Hair conditioning products are easy to apply and offer impressive results. Both males and females can use fenugreek hair conditioner with daily use products or shampoo. Here is how to prepare a home remedy for fenugreek hair conditioner.
- Take two spoons of fenugreek seeds and soak them overnight
- Prepare a fine paste of soaked paste by grinding them
- Mix one spoon of fresh yogurt and one egg yolk in the paste
- After mixing these ingredients well, a paste will be ready that you can apply as a hair mask twice a week
Make sure to use safe and organic shampoo after applying this mask. For better results, cover your head with a towel and let the paste soak into the hair roots. Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil will make it more effective.
Fenugreek Hair Rinse
The use of methi water is quite common in households due to its effectiveness for healthy hair growth. This is the easiest way to apply fenugreek for hair growth. You just need to soak a few spoons of seeds in a jar and fill it with water.
Next morning, discard the seeds and use the remaining water for the final rinse after shampooing your hair. It will work the same as a hair conditioning product and a natural luster and shiny look will be visible.
Fenugreek Shampoo
You are probably tired of using chemical-based shampoos that do no good to your hair. Creating fenugreek shampoo at home is quite easy and all ingredients can be found easily in our houses. The process is easy and simple. All you have to do is:
- Take some Indian gooseberries, soapberries, and soap nuts
- Mix these ingredients with fenugreek
- Let the mixed seeds and nuts soaked in water overnight
- Next morning, start boiling the water with seeds until half water is evaporated
- Once the mixture is cooled down, strain the liquid in a clean container
Your herbal shampoo is ready with the nutrient-rich properties of fenugreek. Just like a regular shampoo, wash your hair thoroughly twice a week. Avoid using chemical-based products and turn to green and organic solutions as described in Ayurvedic books.
Fenugreek Hair Mask
The hair mask is an effective method to apply fenugreek but make sure to do this on a day when you have enough time. Making a hair mask with fenugreek is simple. Soak two spoons of seeds overnight and next morning prepare a thick paste by grinding fenugreek seeds.
You can also add some lemon juice and your hair mask is ready. Hair masks can be used for any hair type but make sure to have it applied for 30-45 minutes before washing with warm water.
Eating Fenugreek Seeds for Hair Growth
These seeds are a common ingredient in different dishes and recipes. Taking these seeds orally is also found quite useful for better hair growth. Here are some options available if you want to eat seeds instead of applying any fenugreek-based hair product.
Fenugreek Water
Fenugreek powder is easily available in shops and you can mix powder or seeds in water and let it soak overnight. The next morning, drink that water as morning on drink empty stomach. This is the easiest way and you can also add some other additional items for improved taste.
Roasted Fenugreek Seeds
If you don’t like the taste of pure methi, you can add the roasted seeds or powder in other recipes too. Roasted powder is readily available in the market but you can also roast dry seeds for 5-10 minutes and then grind them to get the powder form.
Raw Fenugreek Seeds
Adding raw seeds to your every dish is the easiest form of consumption or better hair growth. Apart from health benefits, methi as an ingredient in dishes adds flavor too.
Possible Side Effects of Fenugreek
Even with different benefits and advantages for hair growth, balanced consumption of any ingredient is necessary. Instead of forcing seeds in everything, follow a balanced diet with fenugreek as a major ingredient in your hair care routine.
Some users may experience some different issues due to excessive use of these seeds. If you experience any of these medical conditions, stop taking seeds and consult your medical specialist.
- Persistent head pain that may vary in intensity and duration
- Bloating and gas formation
- Different allergic reactions
- Facial swelling
- Blockage or stuffiness in the nasal passages
- Feeling lightheaded or unsteady
- Repetitive expulsion of air from the lungs
The chances for someone experiencing any negative effects of fenugreek are pretty thin. Still, you must be aware of the possible issues that some users may face.
Other Factors that Impact Hair Growth
Fenugreek is an amazing herb with lots of benefits for hair growth and overall health. But taking these seeds or any other supplement only will not deliver the desired results. Hair care is a complicated process where you have to consider different factors that influence hair or scalp health.
If root causes of hair loss are not addressed, you may not get the desired results. It is important to improve your overall lifestyle to get the best results with fenugreek for hair growth. Proper nutrition and diet are required to support the healthy growth of hair in males and females.
How do you style your hair and what type of products do you use for hair? These factors also influence the health of the scalp and hair. Using organic and chemical-free products with a balanced diet and lifestyle can boost the hair growth process.
The Bottom Line
There are different options available to consume and apply fenugreek for hair growth. One option does not offer the same results for everyone. If any certain method is not working for you, try changing the method of fenugreek consumption.
There might be organic hair care products available that make use of fenugreek. Always choose a trusted manufacturer and supplier for organic products. Start implementing the use of fenugreek today and enjoy the perks of organic products and herbs.