13 Natural Home Remedies For Hair Growth And Thickness

Hair loss and thinning are typical problems today. A decrease in hair quality, hair damage, and hair fall is caused by modern lifestyles, pollution, and the overuse of chemicals in regular hair care products. Given the state of affairs, an increasing number of women are turning to natural remedies while looking for ways to enhance hair growth.

This post dives deep into some of the most effective ways to strengthen hair and promote natural hair growth. Keep reading to find out what is good for hair growth and thickness. Moreover, we have made a list of 13 natural remedies for hair loss.

Natural Ways To Increase Hair Growth And Thickness

Natural ingredients like ginseng, coconut oil, and essential oils offer unique benefits that can contribute to stronger hair, improved hair count, and overall hair health. These natural remedies work by targeting specific pathways that support hair growth, making them a gentle and effective alternative to commercial products. Scroll down to understand the unique benefits they offer and ways to use them.

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has the ability to reduce the loss of protein from damaged hair (1). Coconut Oil can penetrate the hair shaft, providing a boost of nourishment, and reducing hair loss. This property of coconut oil may help reverse the effect of harsh chemical products. Additionally, massaging coconut oil onto your scalp can improve blood circulation, which promotes healthier hair follicles and supports overall natural hair growth. You can also use coconut milk for an enhanced effect.

What You Can Do: Take 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in your palm and give a good scalp massage. You can leave it on for about an hour and then wash it off thoroughly using a mild cleanser or regular shampoo. Do this at least twice a week.

2. Gooseberry 

Amla or gooseberry is considered to be a great natural remedy for hair growth. It is a commonly used ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been found to have a proliferative effectⁱ  XThe process where cells divide and increase in number by multiplying and producing new tissue that helps in their growth. on the human dermal papilla cells (DPC) of the hair follicles. Thus, gooseberries might promote hair growth by extending the anagen phase (active growth phase) of the hair growth cycle (2).

What You Can Do: Take some amla oil in your palms and massage it into your scalp. You can leave it on for an hour (or more) and then rinse it off thoroughly. Do this twice a week for better scalp condition. This natural hair loss remedy can help improve the condition of your scalp and promote natural hair growth when done twice a week.

3. Yogurt

Yogurt is a rich source of probiotics and may facilitate robust hair growth and prevent damage to hair. A study done on mice found that it increases the number of subcuticular follicles, thus yielding more luxuriant fur (3). Therefore, this home remedy may also help boost natural hair growth in humans.

What You Can Do: Have a serving of yogurt once daily.

4. Fenugreek

Fenugreek contains active compounds that may promote the growth of healthy hair. A rat study found that fenugreek could significantly reduce hair loss and promote new hair growth (4). Topical application of this remedy may help reduce scalp issues. It is also one of the best herbal remedies for clearing dandruff from the scalp (5).

However, do not follow this natural home remedy if you are allergic to legumes such as peanuts, green peas, or soybeans. You may be allergic to fenugreek seeds as well as they all belong to the Fabaceae family.

What You Can Do: Soak a quarter cup of fenugreek seeds in lukewarm water overnight. Grind the seeds into a paste and apply it as a hair mask. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes before rinsing it off with plain lukewarm water. This natural hair loss treatment can be followed once a week to potentially promote hair growth and improve hair health.

5. Onion Juice

Researchers have discovered that the phytochemical compounds in onion juice can help induce hair regrowth and that it may be an efficient topical treatment for patchy alopecia areata (6).

What You Can Do: Extract the juice of half an onion. Strain it and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for an hour. Wash it off thoroughly with a regular shampoo and warm water. Add this natural product into your hair care routine twice a week.

6. Chinese Hibiscus

Extracts of hibiscus leaves and flowers have been found to promote the growth of hair in rats (7). Thus, they may have the potential to reverse the effects of excessive hair fall in humans.

What You Can Do: Grind a couple of hibiscus flowers and a handful of leaves to make a paste. Mix it with coconut oil. or even consider adding a few drops of beneficial peppermint oil for added stimulation. Apply this natural remedy and leave it on for an hour. Wash it off with regular shampoo. Do this once a week.

7. Green Tea

Green tea is rich in polyphenolsⁱ  XOrganic compounds naturally found in plants, fruits, and vegetables that have antioxidant properties. and antioxidants that can help promote hair growth. It has been observed that the bioactive compounds in green tea can have a proliferative effect on the human dermal papilla cells (specialized cells in the hair follicles) and have the potential to reduce hair loss (8). Avoid drinking green tea if you have an intolerance for caffeine or are taking stimulantsⁱ  XSubstances that increase the activity of the central nervous system and excite the body, often used to boost alertness and energy. or blood thinners.

What You Can Do: Steep a green tea bag in a cup of boiling water and consume the decoction. You can drink green tea 1-2 times a day.

8. Rosemary Oil

According to a study conducted on mice at Kinki University, rosemary oil may help increase hair growth (9). The topical application of this remedy for hair loss could make it suitable for enhancing hair growth in humans as well.

What You Can Do: Do a patch test to determine if you are allergic to rosemary oil. As essential oils are highly concentrated, mix a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil. Apply this home remedy for hair growth on the scalp and let it sit for an hour before washing it off with a mild shampoo.

9. Geranium Oil

Geranium oil has been proven to promote hair growth in mice via a proliferative effect on dermal papilla cells (10). Therefore, it might also have a similar effect on human dermal papilla cells in the hair follicles. Some people may have an allergic reaction to geranium oil, so do a patch test before use.

What You Can Do: Take a few tablespoons of geranium oil and give a good scalp massage. Leave it on for about 60 minutes, then rinse it off with a mild shampoo. You can do this at least once a week.

10. Ginseng

Research shows that ginseng can have a proliferative effect on human hair follicles to promote hair growth (11). Some people may experience dizziness, nausea, or headaches upon using ginseng. It may also be a stimulant in some cases. Therefore, proceed with caution.

Before incorporating ginseng into your hair care routine, consult a healthcare professional and conduct a comprehensive review to ensure that the potential benefits of ginseng for hair regrowth outweigh any potential side effects.

What You Can Do: Take a few tablespoons of ginseng oil and gently massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for about an hour. Rinse it off with a mild shampoo. You can do this at least twice a week.

11. Fish Oil 

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can promote the growth of hair. Fish oil supplements contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that induces the growth of hair by exhibiting a proliferative effect on the human dermal papilla cells in your scalp (12). This can reverse the impact of hair thinning and balding. Make sure you consult your dermatologist before taking fish oil supplements.

12. Coffee

Caffeine is a major component of coffee. Research shows that caffeine can promote the elongation of the hair shaft and stimulate hair growth by prolonging the anagen phase (13). This may help reduce balding and hair thinning.

What You Can Do: Brew a cup of coffee and have it at least once a day. Do not consume excess coffee due to its high caffeine content.

13. Garlic

Garlic has been shown to promote hair growth in rat studies (14). It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may help fight scalp infections and promote scalp healing. Garlic could be a natural and cost-effective remedy to hair loss. Some believe it also may help increase hair count.

What You Can Do: Crush 2 to 3 garlic cloves and mix them with a carrier oil (coconut or olive oil). Massage into the scalp for an hour, at least twice a week. You may also use a garlic mask. Just blend crushed garlic cloves with a few tablespoons of yogurt or honey and apply to the hair and scalp for 30 minutes. Follow with a shampoo wash.

However, be mindful of garlic’s strong scent. Also, conduct a patch test for skin sensitivity.

Quick Tip

You can also make a nourishing DIY hair gel using flaxseeds. They are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and can prevent premature hair loss and hair thinning (15), (16).

Tanya Wilson, a blogger, wrote about home remedies for hair loss that she has been using for the past 18 years. She mentions various tips and methods to promote hair growth using ginseng, onion water, and aloe vera. She emphasizes that the approach to hair care should be holistic and consider both internal and external factors. She writes, “You can find many home remedies for hair growth, but for faster hair growth, a combination of the above methods will be the best (i).”

As with any condition, a balanced diet goes a long way in ensuring that you are healthy and supplementing the right amount of nutrients to your body. Including nutrient-rich foods in your diet can provide your body with the tools it needs to boost healthy and vibrant hair growth. Here are a few foods that you must eat to ensure healthy hair growth.

Diet That Promotes Hair Growth

• Consume fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. A study conducted in France has found that supplementing your diet with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids can improve hair density and fight hair loss (17).
• Berries and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. Studies suggest that foods rich in this vitamin may promote hair growth (18).
• Green leafy vegetables like spinach contain nutrients that can aid hair growth (18).
• Nuts and seeds are packed with nutrients that can help control hair fall (18).

Quick Tip

You can consume eggs as they are a good source of protein, vitamins like biotin, and minerals. Eggs also contain hair growth peptides that promote new hair growth (19), (20).

Medical Treatment Options 

Here are a few medical treatment options you can consider to enhance hair growth: 

• Minoxidil: This over-the-counter medication can be used by both men and women. You need to rub it into your scalp daily. However, it may cause an allergic reaction in some people (21).
• Finasteride: This is a medical treatment option, particularly for men. This pill is administered to men who have androgenic alopeciaⁱ  XPermanent hair loss from the body in both men and women caused due to a genetic predisposition to show an excessive response to androgens. . It may, however, have some side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, lowered sex drive, and gynecomastiaⁱ  XA condition that causes swelling of the male breast tissue due to an imbalance of the estrogen and testosterone hormones. (22).

How Can I Prevent Hair Fall? 

• Following a strictly balanced diet with intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help promote hair growth and prevent hair fall.
• Massage your scalp gently and regularly to stimulate blood circulation and support the nourishment of hair follicle cells, thereby strengthening hair roots and preventing hair fall.
• Staying hydrated is key to maintaining healthy hair. It nourishes the scalp and prevents flaking and itchy scalp. You may also incorporate an apple cider vinegar rinse in your hair care regime to maintain a healthy scalp. It contains acetic acid, which helps balance the scalp’s pH levels and promotes a conducive environment for hair growth.
• Use hair masks once or twice a week for deep conditioning your hair. You may use ingredients such as avocado, aloe vera gel, pumpkin seed oil, peppermint oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, or carrier oil like jojoba oil in your recipes for healthy hair. An egg mask can also prove to be beneficial.

Hair loss is an increasingly common problem that women all over the world face. There are several reasons for hair loss and factors that might affect women’s hair health and volume. Scroll down to take a look at the variety of factors for hair thinning.

Factors That Affect Hair Growth

• As we grow older, the diameter of the hair and its thickness can decrease (23). This can make it seem like you have had a lot of hair fall over time.
• Another factor that can affect hair growth is prevailing ailment or illness that can lead to hair fall. Hormonal imbalance or changes can also lead to hair fall in some men, subsequently causing male-pattern baldness (24). In women, hormonal shifts, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, may lead to female pattern hair loss.

Other factors, such as stress, trauma, and anxiety, may also contribute to hair loss as studies show that they can have an inhibitory effect on hair growth (25). Managing your stress level and practicing relaxation techniques can play a significant role in maintaining healthy hair and preventing excessive hair fall. Additionally, avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair shafts and scalp to minimize hair breakage and damage. By taking proactive measures and adopting hair-friendly practices, you can positively impact the growth phase of your hair and promote overall hair health.

Infographic: 12 Natural Ingredients That Promote Hair Growth

You don’t need to invest in chemical formulations to achieve healthy hair growth. In fact, you need not look beyond your backyard garden or your pantry. There are various natural ingredients, with different hair care properties, that stimulate hair growth right in your kitchen.

Check out the infographic below for a quick rundown of 12 highly beneficial natural ingredients that can help you grow a proud mane of hair.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I regrow my thinning hair?

You can explore medical and natural treatment options as both help promote healthy hair growth. Along with these options, you could also try the hair masks and remedies for hair growth mentioned above to provide your hair with the nourishment it needs to thrive.

How do you grow dead hair follicles?

You can consume vitamin supplements like biotin and niacin to revive dead hair follicles and restore strength to damaged and dry hair. These supplements, particularly biotin and vitamin B play a crucial role in promoting hair health and growth. Additionally, you should also massage your scalp regularly.

Can your hair grow back while on chemotherapy?

Yes, your hair can grow back while on chemotherapy, but it may be of a different color and texture.

How does yoga help stimulate hair growth?

Yoga can help in dealing with hair fall. Some of the asanas you can practice are downward dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana), diamond pose (Vajrasana), camel pose (Ustrasana), headstand pose (Sirsana), etc. These asanas increase blood flow to the head and stimulate circulation in the scalp. This, in turn, can aid hair growth.

Can bleached hair grow long?

Products that bleach your hair can lead to hair damage and slow down the growth of hair.

Is hot oil treatment good for hair growth?

Yes, massaging using hot oil can increase the flow of blood to your scalp. It can also repair damaged and dry hair. Hot oil treatment is a popular method for enhancing hair health and promoting hair growth. It can help improve the overall health of your hair and scalp, making your hair look shinier, smoother, and more manageable.

Do split ends stop hair growth?

Split ends do not stop the growth of your hair, but they can lead to increased hair breakage. This can make you feel like your hair is not growing in length.

Can rice water grow hair?

Yes. Studies suggest that a compound of rice water and hibiscus can boost hair growth and give fuller, stronger, and lustrous hair (22).

Is it true that castor oil helps regrow hair?

Yes, castor oil contains vitamin E and fatty acids that may help boost hair growth (23).

Does a hair spa help in hair growth?

Yes, a hair spa uses nourishing hair oil that hydrates your hair and makes it healthy. The spa also includes a scalp massage that improves your blood circulation. This, in turn, boosts hair growth.

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Dr. Anjali AsokBAMS, MD (Ayu)

 

Dr. Anjali is a staunch believer of Ayurveda. Her holistic approach and passion for science help her treat her clients. She has 4 years of expertise in dealing with metabolic and lifestyle-related disorders, digestive care, women's health, skin and beauty, allergic conditions, detox procedures, and rejuvenating therapies. Her proficiency also includes yoga and marma points techniques.more

Sucharita MishraHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Sucharita Mishra has a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and two years of experience in writing on topics related to Health and Wellness. She has worked on determining various heavy metals present in green tea for her Master’s dissertation at CSIR- CFTRI, Mysuru. After completing her degree, Sucharita decided to pursue her passion for writing. She is addicted to all things...more

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over two years of experience in writing on health and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach. She writes on skin care and aims to present well-researched...more