Fenugreek seeds, also known as methi seeds, are a staple in the Indian kitchen. They are useful in a number of preparations as well as in promoting hair growth and scalp nourishment.
Today, hair fall and itchy scalp are some common problems for youth. It could be due to many reasons, from stress to improper nourishment. For thick and shiny hair, fenugreek seeds are a great source of nutrients such as protein.
Read more to know about the benefits, usage method, and side effects of fenugreek seeds for hair.
What is Fenugreek Seeds?
Fenugreek is a herb that is found in Southern Europe and Western Asia. The seeds and leaves are both used in a number of applications that promote hair health and nourishment. Several cultures use the seeds in cooking and medicines; to treat diabetes, induce labour, and improve overall health. It is also used for improving metabolism.
Is Fenugreek Good for Hair?
Yes, there are many fenugreek seeds benefits for hair, including improving hair length and scalp health. As per a study, about 80% of the participants who used fenugreek seeds as a supplement showed a positive impact in terms of hair volume and thickness.
Fenugreek seeds are rich in the two essential nutrients for hair growth - protein and iron. Further, the compounds saponins and flavonoids found in fenugreek seeds have anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. These help in inducing hair growth.
The fenugreek seeds for hair strengthen hair follicles and thereby promote hair growth. It may be used topically in the form of shampoo, hair oil, conditioner, or simply a rinse. Also, it could be consumed in raw form with water, roasted form, and more.
Fenugreek Seeds Benefits for Hair
Fenugreek seeds are rich in nutrients that promote hair health and growth. They help stimulate the hair follicles for better hair-scalp nourishment, condition dry hair, improve hair thickness, and more. Fenugreek seeds act as a natural conditioner for hair.
Listed below are the fenugreek seeds benefits for hair:
1. Promote Hair Growth
Fenugreek seeds are rich in protein, iron, and amino acids that help in repairing damaged hair. They promote better hair growth by treating hair damage due to styling, sun damage, heating, or excessive dryness.
Also, fenugreek seeds for hair growth contain lecithin, a component that helps in moisturizing and conditioning the hair and scalp. Proper use of fenugreek seeds helps control hair fall by strengthening the hair roots. They also improve hair texture.
2. Prevents Dandruff and Scalp Inflammation
The use of fenugreek seeds for hair is great for scalp health and helps prevent scalp inflammation. Studies show that it is due to the presence of natural saponins, a component that has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Saponins are also useful for the itchy scalp as they combat the bacteria that cause inflammation.
The fenugreek seeds are rich in antioxidants that help fight off the oxidative stress caused by free radicals in hair follicle cells. It is also useful to prevent dandruff. The fenugreek seeds act as a natural hair conditioner.
3. Promotes Silky and Shiny Hair
Fenugreek seeds for hair growth are a great way to improve hair texture and promote shinier hair. The component mucilaginous, present in fenugreek seeds, helps absorb moisture, thereby maintaining the moisture barrier. It helps improve the shine and gives a softer texture to hair.
Fenugreek seeds also help condition hair and remove frizz. The seeds are of great help in detangling hair.
4. Prevents Premature Hair Greying
Fenugreek seeds contain a high amount of iron and potassium, which help promote hair health and prevent premature greying of hair. These nutrients help in balancing the deficit minerals, which enables sufficient melanin production in hair follicles, keeping grey hair intact.
How to Use Fenugreek Seeds for Hair?
To use fenugreek seeds for hair growth, there are multiple ways for topical use in the form of gel or paste. Other ingredients could be added based on the issue. Here are some ways to use fenugreek seeds for hair growth.
1. Fenugreek Hair Conditioner
To use fenugreek hair conditioner
- Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight.
- Grind them into a fine paste.
- Add 1 egg yolk and 1 spoon of fresh yoghurt.
- Mix well.
- Apply this layer twice or thrice a week to hair for deep conditioning.
- Cover your hair with a warm towel for about 30 minutes, and then wash the paste off with a mild shampoo.
Alternatively, you may use a spoonful of fenugreek paste mixed with a cup of coconut milk.
2. Fenugreek Hair Oil
To use fenugreek hair oil
- Add a spoonful of fenugreek seeds in coconut or sesame oil and heat it in a pan.
- Continue on low flame till seeds turn brown.
- Allow the oil to cool down and store it in a glass container.
- Massage your hair twice or thrice a week for an hour before hair wash.
3. Fenugreek Hair Rinse
To use a fenugreek hair rinse
- Soak 2 to 3 spoonful of fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
- After shampooing, rinse your hair with the water after removing the seeds from it.
This gives hair a better lustre and soft texture.
4. Fenugreek Hair Shampoo
To use fenugreek hair shampoo
- Soak a handful of soap nuts (shikakai), soap berries (reetha), dried amla, and fenugreek seeds in 1 litre of water overnight.
- Boil the water until the quantity of water becomes half.
- Let it cool down, and strain it into a container.
- Use this strained liquid as a herbal shampoo twice or thrice a week.
5. Fenugreek Hair Mask
To use a fenugreek hair mask
- Soak 1 to 2 spoonfuls of fenugreek seeds overnight and grind them into a paste.
- Add a spoon of lemon juice and apply it as a hair mask.
- Rinse off using warm water.
Alternatively, you can soak 1 spoon of fenugreek seeds in 2 spoons of apple cider vinegar. Let it stay overnight, and apply it to your hair. After half an hour, wash off with a mild shampoo. It is of great help for an excessively oily hair type.
Apart from this, it is also possible to consume raw fenugreek seeds in dal, rasam, etc. Further, fenugreek seeds in water, sprouted fenugreek seeds, roasted seeds, or paste can also be consumed.
Other Ways to Promote Hair Growth
Apart from the above-mentioned methods, some other ways of promoting hair growth include maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For this, it is important to keep an eye on your diet, exercise, stress levels, sleep patterns, etc. Listed below are some ways to promote hair growth.
1. Consume Healthy Diet
Too much or too little of any nutrients could cause hair loss. A balanced meal has the right amount of all nutrients that keep the hair nourished. Also, a meal high in proteins and amino acids is of great help in promoting hair growth. Some high-protein diets include
- Meat - red and poultry
- Lentils
- Salmon and fish
- Eggs
2. Ensure Healthy Work-life Balance
Studies have shown that stress is one of the biggest reasons for hair loss. It weakens the hair follicles and deteriorates scalp health. To avoid it, take proper breaks during work, exercise regularly, and engage in hobbies that help relieve stress and ease tensions.
Fenugreek Seeds for Hair Side Effects
There are no significant side effects of using fenugreek seeds for hair. However, it is recommended to ensure that the seeds are soaked in water before application as they are hot. Also, check for any allergies by conducting a patch test.
However, note that if the seeds are consumed, there are certain side effects, including
- Diarrohea
- Bloating
- Facial swelling
- Nasal congestion
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Other allergic reactions
Summing Up on Fenugreek Seeds for Hair
Fenugreek seeds come with a range of benefits that enable the repair and nourishment of dry, oily, and damaged hair. Regular use of fenugreek seeds in the form of a paste, hair oil, shampoo, conditioner, etc., can help improve hair health.
Incorporate this magical hair-nourishing component into your daily hair care routine for enhanced protection and hair benefits. There are no significant risks involved in the topical use of fenugreek seeds for hair growth.
Also, it is important to maintain a proper work-life balance and avoid stress in order to reduce hair loss. Consuming a balanced diet for proper nourishment and hair follicle strengthening is also a vital point to consider.
FAQs
Can We Apply Fenugreek to Hair Daily?
No, it is recommended to use fenugreek for hair twice or thrice a week for optimal effects. It can be applied topically in the form of a rinse, shampoo, hair mask, or hair oil. Overusing it could result in adverse effects such as dryness, frizzy hair, etc.
Can Fenugreek Regrow Hair?
There is no conclusive evidence that suggests fenugreek seeds could help in hair regrowth. The nutrients present in fenugreek seeds can definitely help in reducing hair fall, thereby promoting hair volume and thickness.
References
Christiane Schoen, January 2006; Fenugreek+micronutrients: Efficacy of a food supplement against hair loss - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/251923543
Madhur Kulkarni, January 2020; Fenugreek Leaf Extract and Its Gel Formulation Show Activity Against Malassezia furfur - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6998042/
