As you hear the word kale, you probably think of a crisp salad or those trendy sweaters with the Yale insignia on them. What you probably don’t consider is your hair. However, it has been discovered that kale (particularly its extract) can be just as beneficial to your hair and scalp as it is to your stomach and health.
With that in mind, read on to find out what a trichologist, dermatologist, and cosmetic chemist have to say regarding the use of clean ingredients in the haircare business.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
- Michele Green, MD, practices cosmetic dermatology.
- Krupa Koestlin is the founder of KKT Consultants and a “clean” cosmetic chemist.
- Gretchen Friese is a trichologist accredited by BosleyMD.
Kale For Hair
- INGREDIENT TYPE: Hydrator, strengthener, and detoxifier
- MAIN BENEFITS: Hydrates and strengthens hair, improves growth, and increases cellular turnover.
- THOSE WHO SHOULD USE IT: In general, kale extract is an excellent supplement for anyone suffering from a sensitive, dry scalp or thinning hair.
- HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE IT: Unless in mask form, which is done once a week.
- WORKS WELL WITH: Almost any ingredient, but notably scalp stimulants like rosemary, ginseng, and aloe vera.
- DON’T USE WITH: Because it absorbs better when combined with more acidic foods, BosleyMD-certified trichologist Gretchen Friese suggests avoiding anything more alkaline (like avocado and cucumber) for best results.
Kale’s Benefits For Hair
- Contributes to cellular turnover
- It strengthens the strands.
- It hydrates the scalp and hair strands.
- Toxins are removed from the scalp and strands.
- Relieves irritation
- Increases hair growth
Kale extract, like raw kale, is a nutritious supplement to any diet and may be used in almost any haircare routine. This plant’s extract has a number of healthful nutrients and antioxidants that help in cellular turnover to promote scalp health, according to cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD.
“Kale is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as beta carotene, potassium, magnesium, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and folate,” she explains.
As a consequence, Green claims that when kale extract is applied topically to the scalp, it improves scalp health, keeps the scalp moisturized, and removes toxins that cause dry patches and discomfort.
Furthermore, Green claims that these vitamins enhance capillary formation in the scalp, which increases oxygen to hair follicles and successfully stimulates suppleness and hair growth in general.
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While there aren’t many clinical studies to back this up, clean cosmetic chemist and KKT Consultants founder Krupa Koestline claims that “based on the biochemical composition of kale—namely, its high concentrations of quercetin, vitamin C, folates, and other minerals—it can be deduced that kale extract can potentially help promote hair growth.
Essential Ingredients
Quercetin is a flavonoid and plant pigment found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and plants. For its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, it may be taken orally as a supplement and applied topically through skincare products.
Green says that because of these qualities, topical kale extract can help prevent against hair loss by lowering oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals in the environment.
Furthermore, Friese claims that the omega-3 fatty acids in kale extract can modify the texture of hair and produce silky-smooth strands in its wake. In other words, kale extract might be the solution to your biggest hair problems.
Let’s check: Aloe Vera For Hair: Advantage And Usage
Considerations for Hair Type
While kale extract can assist all hair types, Friese claims that people with sensitive scalps and fragile strands would see the most improvement.
“It’s a terrific alternative for those with dandruff and a dry, flaky scalp since it helps cleanse the scalp and manage sebum,” she explains. “The iron in kale will also aid in the strengthening of weak strands.” People with brittle, damaged hair, split ends, or thin, frizzy, or dry hair would benefit from this treatment.”
How to Apply Kale Extract to Hair?
You have choices. To begin, you can experiment with a DIY blend.
Hair Mask with Banana and Kale
“This combination is the perfect hair revitalizer since both contain significant concentrations of potassium and B vitamins, which will give the hair follicles with nutrients that strengthen the hair and encourage healthy hair development,” Green extols.
Ingredients
- 12 cup fresh kale juice
- Shower cap
Green recommends, “Combine one banana with 12 cup pure kale juice,” indicating that this may be done in a food processor or blender. “Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, then cover with a heat cap or shower cap.” Allow the mixture to sit on your hair for 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.”
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FAQ
Does kale promote hair growth?
While there aren’t many clinical trials to back this up, Koestline believes that “based on the biochemical content of kale—namely, it’s high in quercetin, vitamin C, folates, and other minerals—kale extract might theoretically aid encourage hair development.”
What is the purpose of kale extract?
Kale extract is a hydrator, strengthener, and detoxifier that stimulates growth and increases cellular turnover.
Who should use kale extract to grow their hair?
In general, kale extract is an excellent supplement for anyone suffering from a sensitive, dry scalp or thinning hair.
