Garlic On Your Hair? What To Keep In Mind

Garlic, like an onion, is an underground stem (bulb) also known for its immense health benefits. A rich source of antioxidants, garlic shows anti-ageing properties. In Ayurveda and traditional medicines, it imparts healing properties and helps relieve toxins from the blood.

Is garlic good for hair? Clinical studies support the occasional consumption of garlic because it helps repair keratin cells (scalp and skin) affected by UV exposure. This article highlights the record of garlic in treating various ailments, its role in hair growth, and discusses the potential side-effects (skin burns) of garlic.

Garlic contains essential nutrients that promote hair growth. 1-clove of garlic (3g) gets you:

• 4.5 calories of energy
• 1g of carbohydrate
• 0.2g of protein
• 0.46mg of Manganese
• 0.34mg of Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B1 (q.s.)
• 9mg of Vitamin C
• Selenium (5.5mg)
• Sulphur (10mg-15mg)
• Phosphorous (q.s.)
• Potassium (q.s.)
• Calcium (q.s.)
• Iron (q.s.)
• Copper (q.s.)

Let us examine the claim is garlic good for hair, comparing its function in treating hair issues and enhancing hair growth.

1. Role of garlic in treating scalp infections

Oily scalp attracts fungal infections that nurture around clogged pores affecting hair follicles and hair growth. If left treated, it triggers premature shedding of hair. Garlic, known for its antimicrobial properties, helps reduce scalp problems on topical application.

2. Role of garlic against alopecia

Alopecia is a sudden streak of unexplained hair loss. It leaves patches and can affect any part of the body. Garlic is effective against head hair patches. There is clinical (anecdotal) evidence supporting garlic paste application on alopecia patches. It led to gradual hair regeneration.

3. Role of garlic in treating damaged hair follicles

Hair follicles are most prone to suffer damage from rough weather, pollution, intense sunlight, and lifestyle issues. Hair strands split, turn thin, degrading the keratinocyte further. Clinical evidence suggests applying garlic oil, garlic hair mask, and consumption of garlic protects hair strands against UV exposure. It also helps in restoring damaged skin surfaces.

4. Role of garlic in hair growth

Garlic is a rich source of vitamins (B1, B6, C), iron, manganese, and selenium. These micronutrients play a vital role in enhancing hair growth and development. Consuming garlic daily nourishes hair roots, adds shine and elasticity to hair strands (garlic contains allicin). It reduces hair loss. Garlic, known for its antimicrobial properties, helps reduce scalp problems on topical application.

Consume garlic raw (1-2 cloves/daily), or have it mixed with food. Topical application is an easy way to apply garlic (if uncomfortable eating). You can buy garlic products, but it's best to apply homemade oils, paste, and hair masks. The fact is garlic good for hair when used in quantity sufficient. You can prepare a hair mask with avocado, honey, and olive oil.

1. How to prepare ginger oil for your hair?

• Garlic cloves (6-8)
• Coconut oil (carrier)

Peel the garlic and paste it. Dilute using coconut oil and blend thoroughly (raw garlic is unsuitable for the skin). Heat this mixture (don't boil). Strain it and store it for usage. You can use garlic oil on the scalp to provide deep conditioning from root to tip.

2. How to apply garlic oil?

• Pour 2-tbsp in your palm
• Dip your fingertips and gently apply on the scalp
• Rub the remaining oil between your palms
• Apply along your hair length (root to tip)

3. How to apply a ginger hair conditioner/hair mask?

• Wet your hair
• Apply the hair mask
• Use a warm towel or hair cap to cover your hair
• Let it soak for 15 minutes
• Use a mild shampoo and wash it off using lukewarm water

There are commercially available garlic products (essential oils, cooking oils, paste, gels) proving is garlic good for hair. Don't fall for that catch because garlic products like essential oils and cooking oils are very different. Garlic essential oils often contain alcohol applied to resemble the distinct garlic pungency. Such products are dangerous for topical application and can cause skin damage to cancer.

Natural garlic cloves bear the risk of chemical burns. Garlic contains allicin, a raw sulphur compound. Besides affecting skin upon topical application, high sulphur-containing allicin causes liver damage. It's vital to use garlic in a controlled method lest risking health damage.

Garlic is a natural astringent making it ideal for dermal usage. Rich in micronutrients, it improves blood circulation, detoxifies the skin, and tightens your pores. Garlic can cause intense skin burns if applied in excess or raw.

If you are vegetarian or have restrictions against garlic intake, it's vital to discuss with your physician before topical application. Garlic consumption causes foul breath, but nothing smoothens your hair better than a garlic-honey hair mask.