Using Garlic Shampoo to Treat Hair Thinning and Boost Growth

Introduction to Garlic Shampoo for Thinning Hair

Hair thinning and loss is a common problem that affects both men and women. While genetics play a major role, factors like stress, medications, poor nutrition and aging can exacerbate hair thinning. People are always on the lookout for natural solutions to improve hair growth and thickness. One such remedy that has gained popularity recently is garlic shampoo.

Garlic is known to have beneficial effects on hair health due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Using garlic shampoo may help reduce hair loss and thinning by strengthening the hair follicles and stimulating growth. However, more research is needed to fully establish efficacy and ideal usage guidelines.

Common Causes of Thinning Hair

Some common causes of hair thinning include:

• Androgenetic alopecia or female/male pattern baldness
• Telogen effluvium - excessive hair shedding
• Nutritional deficiencies of iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, etc.
• High stress levels
• Pregnancy, childbirth and menopause
• Medical conditions like thyroid disorders
• Medications like chemotherapy drugs
• Poor hair care practices causing damage
• Aging and declining growth hormone levels

Consulting a dermatologist can help diagnose the exact cause and decide on appropriate conventional treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, supplements, light therapy, etc.

Using Garlic for Hair Growth and Thickness

Garlic is an ancient remedy used for various medicinal purposes. When applied topically on the scalp, garlic may help combat hair loss by:

• Stimulating blood circulation in the scalp to encourage growth
• Providing antioxidants like allicin that support hair health
• Exhibiting antimicrobial effects against fungal and bacterial infections
• Clearing build-up from hair follicles by exfoliating dead skin cells
• Reducing inflammation involved in alopecia areata

However, existing research is limited on the efficacy of garlic for hair loss. Further high quality studies are required before definitive conclusions can be made.

Using Garlic Shampoo

Readymade garlic shampoos are available which can provide convenience of use. Alternatively, you can easily make your own garlic hair wash at home. Here are some popular methods:

Garlic Shampoo Recipe

• Peel and crush 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic.
• Add crushed garlic to 2 cups of hot coconut or olive oil. Let the mixture infuse for a week.
• Strain and store the garlic infused oil. Discard garlic solids.
• Mix 1/4 cup garlic oil with any mild shampoo.

Garlic Hair Rinse

• Add 3-5 crushed garlic cloves to 2 cups of water. Boil for 5 minutes.
• Let cool and strain out garlic pieces.
• After regular shampoo, pour garlic water through your hair. Rinse thoroughly.

It's best to start with lower garlic concentrations to test for skin sensitivity. Using gloves while handling garlic prevents odor transfer to hands.

How Often to Use?

Limit garlic hair treatments to 2-3 times a week initially. Overuse may cause dryness or irritation. Monitor your scalp health and reduce frequency if any reaction occurs.

Leave the shampoo or rinse on your hair for at least 3-5 minutes before washing out for maximum benefits. But do not overdo the leave-in time either.

Be patient as results will take time to appear. Continued use for 1-2 months is ideal to see improvement in hair thickness, volume and shedding.

Other Ways to Use Garlic for Hair

Along with shampoo, here are some other techniques to incorporate garlic into your hair care routine:

1. Garlic Hair Oil

Infuse garlic in coconut, olive or almond oil by simmering crushed cloves in the heated oil. Let cool and strain. Gently massage hair and scalp with the garlic oil. Leave overnight or a few hours before washing out.

2. Garlic Scalp Mask

Make a paste using 1 tsp garlic paste, 1 egg white, 2 tsp yogurt and 1 tsp honey. Apply to scalp, leave for 15 minutes and rinse well. The proteins and antioxidants nourish hair follicles.

3. Garlic Supplements

Oral garlic supplements containing allicin and other key compounds may support hair health from within. Look for standardized options and consult a doctor before using.

Additionally, maintain a healthy balanced diet and manage stress levels. Scalp massage improves circulation while gentle hair care prevents damage.

The Mechanism: How Garlic Helps Hair

Research suggests garlic can exert beneficial effects on hair by multiple mechanisms:

Stimulating Blood Flow to Follicles

Garlic enhances circulation when applied topically on the scalp. Improved blood flow nourishes hair roots and promotes growth. It may counteract the vasoconstriction effects of testosterone implicated in pattern baldness.

Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Compounds like allicin have antimicrobial properties that combat fungal and bacterial scalp infections which affect hair health. Garlic also reduces inflammation involved in patchy alopecia areata hair loss.

Providing Antioxidants

Oxidative stress contributes to hair thinning by damaging follicles. The antioxidant content of garlic scavenges harmful free radicals to mitigate damage and support healthy growth.

Removing Build-up from Follicles

Accumulation of dirt, dead skin and oils can clog hair follicles leading to stunted growth. Sulfur compounds in garlic act as a mild exfoliant to clear follicular blockages.

Stimulating Hair Growth Factors

Certain compounds like allicin enhance transcriptional activity of hair growth genes. This stimulates hair matrix cells and encourages the anagen phase of growth.

However, human trials are limited. Many mechanisms still need further research to confirm garlic's effects on actual hair follicles and growth cycles.

Major Active Compounds in Garlic

Garlic contains a wealth of bioactive sulfur compounds and antioxidants that are thought to contribute to its medicinal effects. Some major ones include:

Allicin

Allicin is considered the most beneficial compound in garlic. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilatory effects beneficial for scalp health and hair growth.

S-Allyl Cysteine (SAC)

A sulfur containing amino acid that exhibits antioxidant activity helping protect hair follicles from oxidative damage involved in hair thinning.

Diallyl Trisulfide

Stimulates hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation and growth factor release for improved hair regrowth according to animal studies.

Gamma-Glutamylcysteines

Precursor molecules that increase production of glutathione - a potent endogenous antioxidant that combats oxidative stress triggering hair loss.

Aged garlic extract may provide greater levels of active compounds. Allowing raw garlic to rest before using increases allicin content.

Risks and Side Effects of Garlic

Garlic is considered safe and well tolerated when used appropriately. But overuse can cause some adverse reactions:

• Skin irritation, redness, dryness
• Scalp itching or garlic burn
• Hair dryness and brittlness
• Unpleasant garlic odor

Do a patch test before applying garlic on your scalp. Dilute with carrier oils if you have sensitive skin. Rinse out thoroughly and reduce frequency if irritation occurs.

Oral garlic supplements may cause heartburn, nausea, diarrhea or bleeding risk when taken in high doses for prolonged periods. Consult a doctor before using.

Who Should Avoid Garlic?

Certain individuals should exercise caution:

• Sensitive skin - Higher risk of irritation
• Contact dermatitis - Allergic reactions possible
• Bleeding disorders - Garlic has mild anticoagulant effect
• Scheduled for surgery - Stop use 1-2 weeks prior

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be cautious with oral garlic supplementation due to lack of safety data.

The Bottom Line

There is some preliminary evidence that garlic may aid hair health and growth when applied topically or consumed orally in moderation.

Garlic shampoo and rinses may help strengthen hair, reduce shedding and stimulate regrowth by improving scalp circulation, providing antioxidants, having antimicrobial effects and removing follicle blockages.

However, human research is currently insufficient to support garlic shampoo as an effective hair loss treatment. Studies establishing optimal formulations, dosages and course duration are needed.

When used safely and rationally as part of an overall hair care routine, garlic may provide certain benefits. But avoid unrealistic expectations. Consult a dermatologist if hair thinning persists or worsens.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.