Best Home Remedies for Hair Growth

Introduction

A head full of healthy, lustrous hair is what all of us desire as our crowning glory. The silky, cascading hair that we see in advertisements often makes us daydream about doing those celebrity-like hair flips. But achieving that dream comes with the challenge of constant maintenance. Moreover, hair loss makes this uphill task even more challenging. As a part of the natural hair growth cycle, it is normal to lose around 100 hair strands per day and in most cases, they grow back¹. However, sometimes we may lose more hair than that and it doesn’t grow back, leading to visible hair loss.  

What Causes the Loss of Hair?

Hair loss can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as:

• Emotionally and physically stressful situations, like loss of a loved one or undergoing surgery
• Deficiency of certain nutrients, like iron and protein⁵ 
• Certain medications, such as those used in chemotherapy⁵
• Pregnancy, child birth and menopause, situations in which major hormonal changes are experienced
• Presence of dandruff (a fungal infection called seborrheic dermatitis), which can be treated with proper medical assistance. Genetic factors, causing hereditary hair loss conditions like alopecia⁵
• Improper hair care or excessive processing (like perms and bleaches) causing hair damage
• Excessive tension on hair caused by hairstyles such as high ponytail, tight braids, hair extensions, etc. 
• Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism

Note: Always inform your doctor about any past allergies to medications.

Symptoms of Hair Loss

Depending on the cause of hair loss and the individual’s hair type, people may experience different patterns of hair loss. Some common symptoms are as follows: 

• Hair loss on the body and scalp 
• Small patches of hair from the scalp may be lost  
• In males, a receding hairline is typical of male pattern baldness  
• In females, female pattern baldness can be noticed as thinning of hair   

Home Remedies for Hair Growth

People all over the world are obsessed with their hair and hair treatments, leading to the development of various products for hair, ranging from hair oils, tonics, anti-dandruff shampoos, to serums, lotions, etc. With so many claims, it becomes tough to choose the right routine for your hair. Below are a few tried, tested, researched and easy home remedies for you to try, with easily available ingredients. 

1. Bhringraj oil

Bhringrajhas been used in Ayurveda for centuries. It promotes hair growth by enlarging the hair follicle. When the extracted juice is both consumed and applied to the scalp, it can lead to the darkening of hair. It helps reduce hair fall and stimulates hair growth, which is why it is commonly used in various over-the-counter herbal formulations, such as hair growth-promoting oils⁶.  

2. Onion

Onion is known to contain the mineral zinc, which helps avoid dandruff. It also reduces scalp oil production, thus helping to control hair loss. Onion is beneficial for people suffering from patchy baldness. It can be rubbed onto the scalp until the area turns slightly red, followed by the application of honey^2. Onion can also be squeezed and juiced along with some ginger and mixed with oils like (olive, castor, and aloe) before applying to the scalp³.  

3. Garlic

Onion and garlic belong to the same botanical family and contain similar compounds. The exact mechanism and efficacy of their action are not known, and more research is required. However, a few studies⁷ conducted on humans showed that garlic is effective for hair regrowth. Garlic can be used by crushing it and mixing it with yogurt before applying it to the scalp. Garlic oil can also be used for scalp application.

4. Capsicum

Capsicum contains bioactive compounds called capsaicin and isoflavone, which stimulate the production of growth hormones in the hair follicles, thus promoting hair growth². We can use capsicum by smashing it, mixing it with olive oil and vinegar, and applying it to the scalp. This is believed to support hair growth.

5. Hibiscus

Hibiscus-containing formulations are being used to promote hair growth. In studies⁸, it was found that both hibiscus leaves and flowers possess hair growth-promoting properties. This effect is achieved due to the hair follicle enlarging the property of the hibiscus. The flower extract can be applied to hair by soaking it in warm water. 

6. Green tea

In animal studies⁹, it was found that green tea (Camila sinensis) helps reduce hair loss and promote hair regrowth. It is already used as a home remedy in some parts of the world for hair growth. The leaves can be soaked in warm water and then applied to the hair and scalp. 

7. Amla

Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, has been used for ages to obtain long and thick hair. Amla promotes the growth of hair by increasing the growth of skin cells in the scalp by improving the iron metabolism. Iron metabolism plays an important role in providing oxygen to the hair. As a result, amla is frequently used in various herbal formulations, ointments and oils.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains complex proteins that are similar to keratin, the protein that forms our hair. It is effective in strengthening the hair follicles, thus preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. It is effective against dandruff and moisturizes hair too¹⁰. Therefore, aloe vera juice can be applied to the hair, left in, massaged, or sprayed on to work as a conditioner. Aloe vera oil can also be applied by mixing it with other oils.

9. Banana

Studies have not yet found the exact mechanism of action of banana, but it is seen that banana has hair growth-promoting properties. The unripe banana fruit has shown greater beneficial effects than the ripe fruit¹¹. The fruit can be smashed, boiled for 10 minutes, and then mixed with olive oil before being applied to the hair. The banana peel can also be applied to the hair to promote hair growth.

10. Coconut oil

Applying coconut oil to hair is an age-old tradition in India. Coconut oil adds shine to the hair, acts as a conditioner, and helps prevent the loss of proteins. It also protects the hair from damage and promotes hair regrowth⁷. Coconut oil can be applied directly to the hair and massaged into the scalp.

One should avoid washing hair with hard water (from borewells etc), Long term use of hard water for washing hair is one of the causes of hair loss which can be prevented by using water low in mineral concentration for washing hair.

Dr. Nikhil Yadav, MBBS MD, CCEBDM

When to Seek Medical Help

Here are a few signs to look out for. If you notice these, a doctor must be consulted. 

• When you lose large amounts of hair suddenly
• When you lose hair from both your body and scalp
• When hair sheds excessively, suddenly leaving behind bald patches
• When you experience burning or itching of scalp

If you’re facing any side effects from the given medications or treatments, do let your doctor know. Talk to your doctor about the use of topical hair growth serums depending on the root cause of your hairfall. Serums containing Redensyl and Procapil have shown effective results for some types of hair loss¹². Results depend on the underlying cause of hair loss.

Also Read: Natural Home Remedies For Grey Hair

Conclusion

Hair plays a significant role in being a tool of confidence for many people. Preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth for obtaining healthy hair can be easily done using various home remedies. So, give these home remedies a try to regrow lost hair and achieve healthy, long, shiny, and thick hair.

Also Read: Home Remedies to Help Reduce Dandruff Naturally

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

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2. Zaid AN, Jaradat NA, Eid AM, Al Zabadi H, Alkaiyat A, Darwish SA. Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine. BMC complementary and alternative medicine. 2017 Dec;17(1):1-5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/ 
3. Sutherland L, Laschinger M, Syed ZU, Gaspari A. Treatment of alopecia areata with topical sensitizers. Contact Dermatitis. 1992;26(1):26–31. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260656650
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5. Gokce N, Basgoz N, Kenanoglu S, Akalin H, Ozkul Y, Ergoren MC, Beccari T, Bertelli M, Dundar M. An overview of the genetic aspects of hair loss and its connection with nutrition. J Prev Med Hyg. 2022 Oct 17;63(2 Suppl 3):E228–E238. doi: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2765. PMID: 36479473; PMCID: PMC9710406. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9710406/
6. Kumari I, Kaurav H, Chaudhary G. Eclipta alba (Bhringraj): A promising hepatoprotective and hair growth stimulating herb. Asian J Pharm Clin Res. 2021;14(7):16–23. doi:10.22159/ajpcr.2021.v14i7.41569. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353135492_ECLIPTA_ALBA_BHRINGRAJ_A_PROMISING_HEPATOPROTECTIVE_AND_HAIR_GROWTH_STIMULATING_HERB
7. Rele AS, Mohile RB. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. J Cosmet Sci. 2003 Mar-Apr;54(2):175–92. PMID: 12715094. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
8. Adhirajan N, Ravi Kumar T, Shanmugasundaram N, Babu M. In vivo and in vitro evaluation of hair growth potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Oct;88(2–3):235–9. doi: 10.1016/S0378-8741(03)00231-9. PMID: 12963149. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874103002319
9. Koch W, Zagórska J, Marzec Z, Kukula-Koch W. Applications of tea (Camellia sinensis) and its active constituents in cosmetics. Molecules. 2019 Nov 24;24(23):4277. doi: 10.3390/molecules24234277. PMID: 31771249; PMCID: PMC6930595. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6930595/
10. Noreen S. A close look at Aloe vera barbadensis and its effect on hair health [Internet]. ResearchGate; 2020 Jul. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342588964_A_Close_Look_at_Aloe_Vera_Barbadensis_and_It’s_Effect_on_Hair_Health
11. Savali AS, Bhinge SD, Chitapurkar HR. Evaluation of hair growth promoting activity of Musa paradisiaca unripe fruit extract. J Nat Pharm. 2011;2(3):120–4. doi: 10.4103/2229-5119.86257. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272895983_Evaluation_of_hair_growth_promoting_activity_of_Musa_paradisiaca_unripe_fruit_extract
12. Merja A, Patel N, Patel M, Patnaik S, Ahmed A, Maulekhi S. Safety and efficacy of REGENDIL™ infused hair growth promoting product in adult human subjects having hair fall complaints (alopecia). J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Mar;23(3):938–48. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16084. Epub 2023 Dec 4. Erratum in: J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Feb;24(2):e70064. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70064. PMID: 38050644. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38050644/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness

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