Fenugreek — or methi — seeds are frequently used as a natural home remedy for thinning hair and other related conditions, such as dandruff or a dry, itchy scalp, scalp inflammation.
In this blog we will discuss whether fenugreek seeds can promote hair and scalp health, as well as the best ways to incorporate them into your hair care routine.
What Is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is a small green, leafy herb originally from western Asia, southern Europe, and the Mediterranean.
Culinary and medicinal applications use both the leaves and the small, brown seeds of the plant.
Ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine practices used this herbal supplement to
- Induce labor
- Improve digestion
- Soothe skin irritation
- Promote overall health
Research from 2011 suggests that fenugreek may also have favorable effects on blood sugar, blood pressure, and waist circumference.
Fenugreek Encourage Hair Growth
Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of iron and protein — two essential nutrients for hair growth.
They also contain a unique composition of plant compounds, including flavonoids and saponins. These compounds are presumed to induce hair growth due to their anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects. Various plant compounds in fenugreek may interact with a chemical in the body that is known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone). If DHT attached itself to your hair follicles, the result, sooner or later, would be hair loss. Fenugreek may slow down the ability of DHT to attach to your hair follicles.
Research on whether these seeds encourage hair growth is limited. Still, a small study suggests that there could be some validity to these claims.
This older human study from 2006 in 53 people evaluated the effect of a 300-mg daily oral dose of fenugreek seed extract over the course of 6 months.
Over 80% of study participants who received the supplement reported improvements in hair volume and thickness compared with those given a placebo.
However, more long-term human research is needed to better understand how fenugreek seeds may be used to prevent or treat hair loss on their own.
Fenugreek Reduces Scalp Inflammation
Fenugreek seeds possess anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe scalp irritation and reduce inflammation. Studies suggest that fenugreek seeds contain compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids, which have calming effects on the scalp.
Fenugreek has long been used to treat conditions that lead to dry, irritated skin, including dandruff — a condition marked by an itchy, flaking scalp. In some cases, these symptoms could lead to temporary hair loss.
There are many different causes of dandruff, including excess oil production, fungal growth, inflammation, and dry skin.
It remains unclear whether fenugreek seeds could effectively treat all causes of dandruff and scalp irritation, but test-tube and animal studies show they possess anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antifungal, skin-soothing, and wound-healing properties.
One 6-week study in 11 people on the efficacy of a cream containing fenugreek extract for improving moisture and reducing skin redness noted significant improvements in moisture content and skin irritation.
Other benefits of Fenugreek Seeds
- Repairs Damaged Hair
Fenugreek seeds are rich in proteins and amino acids, which help repair damaged hair strands by strengthening the hair shaft and restoring elasticity. Research indicates that fenugreek seeds possess antioxidant properties, which protect the hair from environmental damage and oxidative stress, preventing further hair damage.
- Delays Premature Greying
It also contains antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help combat free radicals that contribute to premature greying. Studies suggest that fenugreek seeds may help boost melanin production, the pigment responsible for hair colour, delaying the onset of grey hair.
- Enhances Hair Shine
Fenugreek seeds contain nutrients like vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which help moisturise the hair and add shine. Research indicates that fenugreek seeds form a protective barrier on the hair shaft, preventing moisture loss and reflecting light, resulting in lustrous and glossy hair making it another benefit of methi seeds for hair.
- Conditions Hair
Fenugreek seeds contain mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats the hair shaft, providing hydration and smoothing the hair cuticle. Additionally, fenugreek seeds are rich in proteins and fatty acids, which help nourish and strengthen the hair. This combination leaves the hair soft, silky, and more manageable.
- Controls Oiliness
Do you know? Fenugreek seeds can even help regulate sebum secretion, preventing excess oil build-up on the scalp. They have a balancing effect on the scalp’s oil production, thanks to their astringent properties. This helps in controlling greasiness and maintaining a clean, refreshed scalp without stripping away essential moisture.
- Reduces Frizz
Fenugreek seeds are good for hair as they have natural conditioning properties that help smooth the hair cuticle and reduce frizz. It is rich in mucilage which creates a protective film over the hair strands, locking in moisture and preventing frizz. Consistent use can lead to smoother and more manageable hair.
- Thickens Hair Strands
Fenugreek seeds are rich in proteins and lecithin, which help strengthen the hair shaft and add volume to thin or fine hair. Studies suggest that fenugreek seeds contain compounds that promote hair thickness by nourishing the hair follicles and improving hair density over time.
How to Use Fenugreek?
Discover a diverse array of consumption methods tailored to suit your hair care needs, each offering unique benefits and opportunities to harness fenugreek benefits for hair for optimal scalp and hair health.
- Fenugreek Raw Seeds
Chew a handful of raw fenugreek seeds daily on an empty stomach to benefit from their nutrients for overall hair health.
- Fenugreek Powder
For fenugreek powder benefits for hair, create a paste by mixing fenugreek powder with water. Apply to the scalp and hair, leaving it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with water.
- Fenugreek Paste
Soak fenugreek seeds overnight, then blend them into a paste. Apply the paste to the scalp and hair, leave it on for an hour, and then wash it off with a mild shampoo.
- Supplements
Take fenugreek supplements as per the recommended dosage to support hair health from within. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.
- Fenugreek Oil
Massage fenugreek oil into the scalp and hair, leaving it on overnight for deep conditioning. Wash off with a gentle shampoo the next morning for nourished and strengthened hair strands, reaping fenugreek oil benefits for hair.
In conclusion, fenugreek seeds offer a natural and effective solution for improving hair health and addressing common scalp issues such as dandruff, dryness, and irritation. Their rich composition of essential nutrients, including iron, protein, antioxidants, and plant compounds, not only supports hair growth but also strengthens, conditions, and nourishes the scalp. While more research is needed to fully validate all these benefits, the traditional use of fenugreek in hair care is backed by its long-standing presence in Ayurvedic practices. Whether used in raw form, as a paste, or as an oil, fenugreek can be easily incorporated into your routine to promote healthier, shinier, and thicker hair.
In conclusion, fenugreek seeds offer a natural and effective solution for improving hair health and addressing common scalp issues such as dandruff, dryness, and irritation. Their rich composition of essential nutrients, including iron, protein, antioxidants, and plant compounds, not only supports hair growth but also strengthens, conditions, and nourishes the scalp. While more research is needed to fully validate all these benefits, the traditional use of fenugreek in hair care is backed by its long-standing presence in Ayurvedic practices. Whether used in raw form, as a paste, or as an oil, fenugreek can be easily incorporated into your routine to promote healthier, shinier, and thicker hair. Visit www.root2tip.com for variety of hair care products.