Turmeric is commonly linked with lattes and curry, but it is equally beneficial to your hair as it is to your palette. According to trichologist William Gaunitz, the brilliant yellow spice has therapeutic characteristics that have been used for thousands of years. “[Its] principal use in the twenty-first century is as a potent anti-inflammatory plant.”
That explains why it’s used in everything from ayurvedic medicine to aesthetic treatments. And, in terms of hair care, turmeric is being acclaimed for treating issues such as dandruff and hair loss; the only question is, does it truly work?
To learn more, we spoke with Gaunitz and dermatologist Dendy Engelman.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
- Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, of Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon.
- William Gaunitz, WTS, is the creator of Advanced Trichology and a certified trichologist.
Continue reading to learn about the advantages of turmeric for hair and how to use it.
What Exactly Is Turmeric?
“Turmeric is a blooming plant with brilliant yellow roots thanks to a substance called curcumin,” Engelman adds. “It possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, antibacterial, and anti-neoplastic (anti-cancer) effects due to curcumin.” Because of its health advantages and vivid color, it is sometimes utilized in skincare, haircare, and cosmetic goods.”
- Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients
- The main advantages are that it treats dandruff, aids in hair loss, and is antimicrobial.
- Who should make use of it? Anyone wishing to increase hair growth, maintain their scalp healthy, or treat dandruff.
- How frequently can you use it? As frequently as necessary.
- When using turmeric to treat dandruff, combine it with calming and moisturizing substances like olive oil.
- Use with caution: If you take turmeric orally, avoid taking it with drugs that are known to reduce blood clotting, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Because turmeric naturally slows blood clotting, taking it with certain drugs might result in internal bruising and bleeding.
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Turmeric’s Benefits For Hair
“Turmeric has anti-inflammatory characteristics, which are beneficial to your hair,” Gaunitz adds. Its variety of benefits make it a valuable hair component. It may be found in a variety of products ranging from shampoos and conditioners to hair masks and treatment oils. To summarize, applying turmeric to your strands may provide you with various benefits:
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties may promote hair growth, which helps to prevent hair loss. “Most hair loss is caused, at least in part, by inflammation,” Gaunitz explains. “Reducing inflammation, in turn, lowers the impact on the scalp and hair follicles of pattern hair loss or directly inflammatory hair loss.”
“When used in hair, turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects can aid with dandruff,” explains Engelman. “If dandruff is not addressed, it might eventually cause hair loss.” Turmeric can help maintain the scalp healthy, which is essential for healthy hair and new hair development.”
“Turmeric is fantastic for treating greasy hair and scalps because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial characteristics,” explains Engelman. These anti-microbial characteristics inhibit the growth of germs, which are common on greasy scalps.
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory advantages improve scalp health overall. “The healing and anti-inflammatory characteristics of turmeric naturally aid with scalp irritation—unlike other solutions that achieve this by adding artificial components.”
“It’s a fantastic natural complement for a healthy scalp and hair,” Engelman explains.
Defends hair from environmental stressors: Free radicals may damage your hair, scalp, and skin, but one of the primary reasons antioxidants like turmeric are so popular is because they combat them. As a consequence, hair follicles are shielded from toxic chemicals.
Consideration for Hair Type
Our specialists all agree that turmeric may help every hair type. “However, if you have an inflammatory scalp disease, you must watch your progress while using turmeric,” Gaunitz advises.
“I’ve observed turmeric increase inflammatory scalp issues caused by allergies or chronic chemical exposure in some circumstances.” The reason for this is that turmeric boosts the immune system, which leads to hair loss. These are, nevertheless, uncommon situations.”
Turmeric Hair Treatment
Turmeric can be used topically or orally. “It may be used every day when you follow the typical recommendations for systemic usage,” Gaunitz adds of the latter technique. “You should take 500 to 2000mg of turmeric every day, depending on the concentration.”
Just keep in mind that if you take turmeric orally, you should avoid combining it with drugs that might reduce blood clotting, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. And if you’re seeking for additional expert-approved turmeric hair applications, you’re in luck:
“A excellent hydrating DIY turmeric mask may simply be produced by combining equal parts olive oil and turmeric,” explains Engelman. “A tiny bit of honey may also be used to make the mask more hydrating.”
Apply the mask evenly to the hair and let it on for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the ingredients to absorb into the hair. Finally, use your preferred shampoo and conditioner to rinse and wash your hair.” Engleman also suggests mixing turmeric with essential oils such as lavender to produce a calming scalp treatment.
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Take as a supplement: Turmeric, in addition to being applied topically, may be taken as a supplement, providing hair and skin benefits. “The ideal method to utilize turmeric for hair is to take it internally so that it may be digested in your stomach and have a systemic inflammation decrease,” Gaunitz explains.
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Use as a shampoo: Finding a shampoo that has “the golden goddess” ingredient is a simple and easy method to add turmeric into your regimen. Just clean, rinse, and repeat.
FAQ
Is it OK to put turmeric powder on my hair?
Yes. Combine with olive oil and honey to make a healthy hair mask for improved absorption and dispersion.
How frequently should I apply turmeric to my hair?
How frequently you use turmeric depends on how you use it (e.g., as a hair mask, shampoo, scalp treatment, etc.). You can use it on a daily or as-needed basis.
Is there any risk of using turmeric on your hair?
Because turmeric is a blood thinner, it is advisable not to mix it with other drugs that can also impede blood clotting if taken orally.
