People often use fenugreek (also called methi) seeds as an all-natural way to treat hair loss and other hair-related problems, like acne or an itchy, dry scalp.
People read beauty magazines and other popular media that say they can help you grow thick, shiny hair.
This article discusses how fenugreek seeds can help your hair and scalp stay healthy. It also talks about the best ways to use them in your hair care routine.
What is fenugreek?
Fenugreek is a small herb with green leaves that comes from western Asia, southern Europe, and the Mediterranean.
Cooking and medicine use both the leaves and the small, brown seeds of the plant.
Ayurvedic and ancient Chinese medicine used this plant supplement to:
- Inducet labor
- Help your digestion.
- Calm skin that is itchy.
- Improve health in general.
According to research from 2011, fenugreek may also be beneficial for your blood sugar, blood pressure, and waist size.
The seeds and leaves smell very different and taste a little bitter. Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African cooking heavily utilizes both the seeds and leaves. Teas, soups, curries, and spice rubs utilize it extensively.
Nutritional composition of fenugreek seeds
There are many nutrients that are beneficial for your health in fenugreek seeds, such as protein, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. They also have phytonutrients, like flavonoids and saponins, that help them work as medicines.
Benefits of fenugreek seeds for hair health
Stimulate hair growth
Fenugreek seeds have a lot of iron and protein, which are both important for hair growth.
They also have a special mix of plant chemicals, such as antioxidants and saponins. These chemicals are believed to promote hair growth because they reduce inflammation and kill fungi.
It is unclear whether these seeds aid hair growth. Still, a small study shows that these claims might be partly true.
This older study from 2006 examined the effects of taking 300 mg of fenugreek seed extract daily for 6 months.
In the study, over 80% of the people who took the vitamin said their hair was thicker and had more volume than the people who took a placebo.
However, more long-term human studies are required to better understand how fenugreek seeds can prevent or treat hair loss on their own.
Preventing dandruff and scalp infections
People have long used fenugreek to treat dry, itchy skin conditions like dandruff, which causes the scalp to flake and itch. In some cases, these signs could cause short-term hair loss.
Many factors, including excessive oil production, fungus growth, inflammation, and dry skin, can cause dandruff.
It’s still not clear if fenugreek seeds can effectively treat all causes of dandruff and scalp irritation, but studies on test tubes and animals have shown that they can reduce inflammation, moisturize, kill yeast, soothe the skin, and help wounds heal.
A study that looked at how well a cream with fenugreek extract worked on 11 people over the course of 6 weeks to improve moisture levels and reduce redness on the skin found big changes in both. However, they applied the cream to the cheeks rather than the head.
Recent research suggests that applying the extract to the scalp may help maintain its health, but not everyone will benefit.
More research is required to understand how fenugreek can best treat dandruff and other types of scalp irritation in people.
Other things that affect hair growth
If you don’t deal with other possible reasons for hair loss, such as poor diet, stress, hormonal changes, and your genes, a supplement like fenugreek might not work as well.
You might want to talk to your doctor about why you’re losing your hair if you’re not sure. They possess the ability to assist you in identifying the root cause of the issue.
Food and nutrition
Eating correctly is critical for keeping your hair healthy. Not getting enough of some nutrients may cause hair loss. Some nutrients, like protein, important fats, zinc, and iron, may help hair grow in the right way.
Here are some beneficial foods that are high in these nutrients:
- Proteins like meat, chicken, fish, dairy, beans, nuts, and seeds
- Nuts, seeds, fish, and plant oils are all beneficial sources of healthy fats.
- Rich in iron are dark chocolate, spinach, meat, seeds, beans, and vegetables.
- Fish, shrimp, nuts, beans, and cheese all have zinc.
The best way to obtain these nutrients is through a healthy diet that primarily consists of whole foods. However, some people may still require vitamins.
You might want to talk to a doctor or nurse before starting to take vitamins. Large amounts of some nutrients could exacerbate hair loss.
Stress and ways of life
Stress associated with aging or your lifestyle, as well as physical stress on the hair itself, such as pulling it back too tightly or subjecting it to harsh chemical treatments, can cause hair loss.
High amounts of the stress hormone cortisol may weaken your hair follicles, which can cause you to lose your hair.
Free radicals are reactive chemicals that can damage cells, cause inflammation, and speed up the aging process. They may also make hair loss and graying worse.
Antioxidants are acids found in many foods that can shield your cells from damage from free radicals.
Finding healthy ways to deal with stress and eating a lot of foods that are high in antioxidants can help your hair grow and keep your body running at its best.
Genes and traits
Genes that increase a person’s risk of developing androgenetic alopecia, a form of genetic hair loss, may cause some signs of hair loss.
Although the exact cause of this condition is unknown, doctors believe it may have something to do with changes in hormone production or the expression of certain genes inherited from your family.
How to make your hair better with fenugreek seeds
There isn’t a lot of proof that fenugreek seeds can help hair grow. It’s not clear if taking supplements or putting the extract on your head will help your hair grow or keep it healthy.
You can use the seeds as a boost to your diet or as masks and pastes on your hair.
Supplements
You can get fenugreek seed vitamins in the form of a powder or a concentrated liquid extract.
Although the recommended oral dose is unclear, some studies suggest that taking up to 1,200 mg of seed powder or 300 mg of extract daily may be beneficial.
The FDA says that fenugreek is usually safe as a flavoring, but if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or chest-feeding, you should talk to your doctor before taking fenugreek supplements. You should also stay away from fenugreek if you are allergic to or sensitive to peanuts, beans, or other legumes.
If you’re not sure, talk to a doctor or nurse before adding any vitamins to your routine.
Application to the skin
Before using them on the skin, soak a few tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water for a few hours or overnight. This will make the mixture gel.
Next, make a thin paste by grinding the seeds in the gel. You can apply this paste directly to your hair and head, or you can combine it with milk, yogurt, honey, or coconut oil to create a mask.
You should let it stay on your hair for at least 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and clean with a mild shampoo.
The bottom line
A lot of people treat hair loss and acne at home with fenugreek seeds.
There isn’t a lot of research to back up these claims, but there is some proof that the seeds may help hair grow and make hair follicles stronger.
Before adding any new supplements to your self-care practice, it’s always best to talk to a doctor or nurse.
