What Are the Benefits of Turmeric for Hair?

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase.

Over the years, turmeric has been recognized for the different benefits that it provides — from helping in improving skin health to reducing inflammation. 

Because of this, many people are now considering incorporating turmeric into their daily routines.

But did you know that this traditional spice can also benefit the scalp and hair? 

If you want to know the benefits of turmeric for hair and how it can improve its condition, let’s find out together.

What Is Turmeric?

Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma loga, is a flowering plant that belongs to the ginger family.

It is native to India and Southeast Asia and has long been used as an ingredient in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to address various health conditions.

Traditionally, turmeric has been added to health tonics for joint problems and disorders that affect the upper respiratory tract, digestive system, and skin.

According to experts, turmeric possesses anti-neoplastic, antibacterial, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties due to curcumin. This is the main compound of turmeric that also gives this plant a vivid yellow color. 

Turmeric is also widely used as a culinary spice in India, where it is referred to as the Golden Spice. They use the stalk or rhizome of this plant to enhance flavors in their culinary dishes. 

Now, turmeric is grown and has been commercially produced mainly in India.

Consequently, turmeric has been widely used as an active ingredient in dietary supplements, such as teas, tinctures, and capsules. 

You can also observe turmeric as a natural ingredient used for skin and hair care, which can be found in balms, facial creams, and therapeutic shampoos. 

Is Turmeric Good for The Hair?

Aside from the incredible health benefits this natural ingredient offers, it is also proven to be an amazing ingredient for hair. 

Thanks to its curcumin compound, turmeric has various effective properties. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal. 

So what does turmeric do for your hair?

Turmeric is a versatile ingredient that addresses hair and scalp problems, from clogged hair, and fungus to dry hair and itchiness. 

But most of the time, turmeric is widely known for combatting hair loss and dandruff. 

To know more about the benefits of turmeric on hair, continue reading below!

Turmeric Benefits for Hair

Fights Dandruff

Technically, dandruff is a skin condition that causes a flaky, itchy, and dry scalp. 

This skin condition causes severe itching, which eventually damages the hair and leads to hair loss in worst-case scenarios. 

While dandruff is not the leading cause of hair loss, the itchiness it causes results in excessive scratching. If this happens, your hair follicles can be injured and might lead to some hair loss — though not complete baldness. 

Although many dandruff remedies are accessible on the market, most of them contain synthetic chemicals that can be harsh to the overall health of your scalp and hair. 

Because of this, many people are looking for natural remedies that can fight dandruff, such as turmeric. 

Turmeric possesses excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in its resins and proteins. In fact, it can soothe the scalp and help ease the flaking and itchiness caused by dandruff. 

Moreover, turmeric can help keep your scalp healthy, which is crucial to achieving new hair growth and healthy hair. 

Reduces Hair Loss

The definition of hair loss is when new hair might not replace hair that falls out. Depending on the individual, this can occur gradually or suddenly.

Experiencing this condition can be stressful for both women and men. If you are one of those experiencing thinning of hair, turmeric is a godsend ingredient for you. 

So how is turmeric good for hair loss?

Fortunately, the anti-inflammatory powers of turmeric can help stimulate hair growth, making it a significant advantage against thinning hair and hair loss. 

Most hair loss is due to inflammation. With the help of turmeric, you can reduce inflammation to minimize the impact of directly inflammatory hair loss or pattern hair loss on the hair follicles and scalp.

Moreover, curcumin counteracts the overproduction of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is one of the primary factors in hormonal hair loss. 

Promotes Hair Growth

Does turmeric help hair growth?

In relation to hair loss, using turmeric on hair is believed to also promote hair growth.

Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties protect the hair follicles from environmental stressors and free radicals that may damage your hair and scalp. 

As a result, they help develop an ideal ground for healthy hair growth.

If you use turmeric on your hair, expect to get lustrous, long hair in no time. 

Improves Scalp Health

This natural ingredient’s healing properties is proven to treat different scalp problems. The main star of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory properties that boost the overall health of the scalp.

With the help of anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric brings a soothing feeling to the scalp while naturally helping with scalp irritation.

Moreover, its antimicrobial effects help inhibit the development of microorganisms in the scalp that are the main culprit of oily, greasy, and poor scalp health. 

Overall, turmeric is an incredible natural supplement for healthy hair and scalp.   

Ways to Use Turmeric for Hair

If you’re convinced about adding the Golden Spice in your self-care routine, here’s how to use turmeric for hair. 

Wash Hair With a Turmeric Shampoo

One of the easiest ways to add turmeric to your hair care routine is to find a shampoo that contains turmeric ingredients.

OGX Strength Length + Golden Turmeric Shampoo is one of the best sulfate-free shampoo products available in the market that contains turmeric. 

It is designed to promote hair wellness by nourishing hair, soothing the scalp, and strengthening your strands against breakage. 

All you need is to cleanse, rinse, and repeat!

Use Turmeric Hair Oil

The antibacterial and antifungal properties of turmeric can treat scalp irritation and conditions like itchiness, dryness, fungus, and dandruff.

Using a turmeric hair oil, like Nature Spell Turmeric Treatment Oil for Hair & Body, creates a healthier environment on your scalp and promotes healthier hair, reducing hair loss and breakage. 

Apply this on the scalp to promote the healthy functioning of every follicle and stimulate hair regrowth. 

Apply as a Hair Mask

Aside from commercial products with turmeric, you can create your own moisturizing turmeric hair mask for a healthier, dandruff-free scalp. 

To make this hair mask, combine equal parts of olive oil and turmeric and add a bit of honey. 

Mix it thoroughly and apply this DIY hair mask evenly on your hair. Let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes, and let the ingredients thoroughly soak into the hair. 

Lastly, wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. After rinsing and cleansing your hair, you are good to go! 

Take Turmeric Supplements

Taking natural dietary supplements containing turmeric ingredients can also give you various hair and skin benefits. 

If you want to try doing so, get your hands on this top-selling Turmeric Curcumin with BioPerine capsule. In addition to added hair benefits, this product claims immune system support and encourages proper muscle health and joint flax.

Consuming turmeric internally will help minimize inflammation and may promote new hair growth. 

Potential Drawbacks of Using Turmeric

While tolerable to some, the potential drawbacks of using turmeric may be repulsive to others. These include:

It Stains the Skin

One of the apparent characteristics of turmeric is its rich, vivid, yellow-orange color. 

If you’re new to turmeric, remember that the same ingredient that provides many benefits can be extra staining. 

If you’ve tried cooking with turmeric, you’ll know its staining ability stays on the skin even for days!

So make sure not to work on turmeric around absorbent surfaces, such as certain countertops. You also need to keep it away from clothing and fabrics if you don’t want those to be stained. 

If it stains any part of your home or clothing, create a paste made of water and baking soda. Apply this paste to the stain and leave it there for about 15 minutes before washing it away.

It Has a Strong Odor

Apart from its staining capabilities, the pungent smell of turmeric may be off-putting to others. 

It is undeniable that turmeric gives off a strong odor, whether for hair care or cooking. 

So before applying any topical turmeric, be aware of this smell and try to see if you can tolerate it. 

For your hair, you may only need to apply a turmeric hair oil or mask a few hours before your next shower. 

Or else its pungent smell will linger in your hair wherever you go. 

Possible Side Effects of Using Turmeric

Generally, turmeric is a safe ingredient to use. However, similar to any supplement, it’s essential to use it as suggested to avoid any safety issues and side effects. 

Here are some of the possible side effects to keep in mind before using turmeric:

Turmeric may cause digestive problems like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.

When applied to the skin, turmeric may cause hives and/or dermatitis.

Curcumin may cause side effects like yellow stool, rash, diarrhea, headache, and increases in enzyme levels, such as lactate dehydrogenase, phosphatase, and alkaline. 

If you have an existing allergy to Curcuma genus plants, you’re more likely to develop side effects from curcumin or turmeric.

To minimize the risk of this natural ingredient’s side effects, make sure to only consume curcumin or turmeric products at the recommended dosage, according to the manufacturer.

Also, if you’re experiencing severe or persistent side effects, talk to your doctor immediately for personalized advice and assistance. 

Conclusion

Overall, turmeric is a promising natural ingredient that offers excellent hair benefits.

If you want to experience the perks of turmeric, then you should try it out yourself. 

But before planning to useit , don’t forget to ask your health provider if turmeric is safe for you in order to avoid any side effects. 

Will you use turmeric on your hair?

What are your thoughts? 

Do you want to read more articles about hair care?

Read these articles below:

• Can You Use Purple Shampoo On Red Hair?
• The 7 Hair Bleaching Levels From Dark To Light
• 9 Best Shampoos At Ulta For All Hair Types