Garlic has played a helpful and healing role in the last hundreds of centuries. And it is one of the most-used medicinal plants. Its low costs, few side effects and list of benefits make it a fan-favorite and staple in a variety of recipes. But, what if I told you that you could also use garlic for your hair?
Before you shut it down, let me explain.
You see, I’m always on the lookout for new DIY hair recipes. Why? Because even as a cosmetologist with access to thousands of awesome professional brands, my hair care is more of a spiritual, self-care ritual. For that reason, I started my beauty garden earlier this year as a very important part of my hair wellness journey. And garlic is what I am planting next.
In this post, you’ll learn the history and powers of this herbal healer, how to use it, along with risks to be weary of.
Garlic History 101
Garlic ( Allium sativum) is a part of the onion family. Originally, wild garlic (Allium longicuspis) grew across Asia, India, and Egypt over 5,000 years ago. But with the help of human cultivation, garlic made its way to regions all over. It was often traded as a form of currency due to its variety of medicinal, culinary, and even ‘magical‘ uses.
Known for its strong aroma and bold flavor, it’s also a great source of necessary vitamins and minerals.
Its antibiotic properties are shown to help boost the immune system. Garlic was even nicknamed ‘Russian Penicillin’ because of its prevalent use to prevent infection and disease in Russia.
It contains vitamins A, B-6, C, manganese, selenium, potassium, phosphorus and some amino acids. All of which are beneficial when it comes to promoting good internal health.
Allicin, another compound found in garlic, is an antioxidant said to help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Along with other antifungal and antimicrobial properties, garlic has proven itself to be wellness hero.
The Powers of Garlic For Hair
If the above section alone doesn’t make you want to add garlic to everything, then maybe this might.
Check out these awesome hair benefits that garlic offers:
- Promotes hair growth
- Strengthens hair at the root
- Prevents hair loss and follicle damage
- Fights scalp infections
- Great for overall scalp health
- Protects keratinocytes from UV rays and environmental damage
- Encourages keratin production
- Reduces appearance of aging hair and scalp
- Thickens and volumizes hair
- Anti-dandruff
- Treats seborrheic dermatitis
Though more clinical research is needed, there are many case studies like this one which support these benefits. Not to mention the vitamins and minerals found in garlic are a necessary part of a healthy hair diet.
Garlic Is Used For Protection, Too
Yes, you read that correctly. Garlic has more uses than spicing up your favorite recipe or kicking the effects of the common cold.
From witchcraft, to vampires, werewolves and more- garlic has played a magical role in protective rituals throughout ancient times.
It was said that Roman gladiators ate garlic before battles to give them strength. Even Greek Olympians did this to improve endurance as well. Ancient Egyptians were thought to have worshiped garlic so much that pharaohs were buried with the plant in their tombs.
It has been used as a talisman to protect against negative energies and ward off evil spirits. The pungent plant was hung on windows and doors, and rubbed on any small openings or entrances into the home. Witches pinned the herb hidden within their hair or hung a braid of garlic over their door to banish jealous people and thieves. Sailors and soldiers wore cloves for protection and in case of illness.
Being that you are working directly with your crown chakra, it might not be a bad idea to add a hint of garlic into your hair care. Having some extra spiritual protection in today’s world definitely doesn’t hurt.
Grow Garlic In Your Beauty Garden
If you are interested in planting the seeds for healthy hair, then perhaps start with garlic.
It’s easier than you might think.
For reference, there are two types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. And about 700 species, too. Hardneck is more common in cooler climates whereas softneck adapts better in mild and warmer climates. Additionally, the latter matures quicker, stores better, and is more likely what you’d pick up in the local supermarket.
Garlic is typically planted in the fall (between September-November) and harvested around the nine month mark. And, it’s a perennial, which means it will continue to grow back each year.
Instead of planting a seed, garlic is actually grown from a singular clove. In time, it flourishes into a full head of garlic. So take advantage of the store-bought garlic in your pantry, plant a clove, and reap continual garlic benefits for years to come!
How to Use Garlic For Hair
Whether you are looking for topical or oral uses of garlic for hair benefits, here’s some ways to incorporate this rejuvenating herb into your hair rituals.
Just Eat It
Remember to nurture hair wellness from within, first. Cook with it, or eat it raw. If you have no known risks, aim to eat 1-2 cloves a day to reap the health benefits. A healthy immune system is the foundation for gorgeous hair.
Take A Supplement
If you can’t stomach eating garlic raw or getting the necessary amounts into your daily meals, that’s okay. Herbal Roots has Organic Whole Bulb Garlic Pills to help support your immune system. And healthy hair growth. This one specifically doesn’t use any additives or fillers to mask the odor so you know you’re getting the full health benefits.
Use A Garlic Shampoo + Conditioner
Tackle your hair needs at the root by using a garlic shampoo that is safe for every day use. This specific one helps to hydrate the scalp, cleanse the follicles and promote stronger healthier hair. Follow up with this nourishing and moisturizing deep conditioning hair treatment to keep your strands strong.
Make A Garlic Hair Mask
There’s a world of hair masks for you to discover on this journey, one for just about any hair concern. But nothing beats making it yourself and developing a connection between you, nature, and your product.
Try this garlic and honey mask from The Hair Kitchen:
You’ll Need:
- 6 Garlic Cloves
- 7 Tbsp of Honey (Local, raw honey is best. But this one works great too!)
Crush the garlic cloves with your mortar and pestle. Add your honey. Mix and apply to your scalp and hair using a hair color brush like this one. Let sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse the mask out well and wash twice with a mild shampoo. I like the Davines OI Shampoo.
You should only do this up to once per week. It can be messy, so make sure to clear a good workspace.
DIY Garlic Scalp and Hair Oil
Hair oiling isn’t some new trend, but rather an ancient beauty practice that has proven benefits. You can read about them here.
To make your very own garlic hair oil, I liked this recipe from Hair Buddha.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Garlic, of course- about 4 cloves
- Carrier Oil of your choice (Coconut oil is my preference)
- Amber dropper bottles for storing
- Funnel for a mess-free work space
- Essential Oil (optional)
To Make:
- Peel the garlic cloves and cut each into 2-3 pieces. In a small pan, and on low heat, you’ll combine the coconut oil and your garlic. As the garlic starts to sizzle, stir to prevent from burning. Once the garlic turns light brown, you can turn the burner off.
- When the oil cools, add 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oil. Rosemary is great to promote hair growth. If you’re not adding essential oils, you can skip that part.
- Strain your mixture and funnel it into your dropper bottle. Store in a cool, dry place.
To Use:
- Section already detangled hair into four parts. Use the dropper to apply oil directly onto scalp partings. Add more as needed and massage. Once scalp is saturated, coat the lengths of your hair and let sit for up to an hour.
- Wash twice with sulfate free shampoo. Condition and style as usual.
- This can be done once a week during your wash day rituals.
- Be sure to understand the risks and stop use at any sign of irritation.
Garlic can be used similarly to other herbs when mixing up wellness concoctions. You can read more about how to do so, here.
Understanding The Risks
We’ve established that garlic is a healer by nature. But it’s not for everyone. Excessive amounts of garlic will upset the stomach when swallowed. Avoid especially if you are taking blood thinners and consult with your physician, first.
Topical application of garlic can trigger or irritate contact dermatitis. This may increase redness, swelling, and irritation. If you have a sensitive scalp or skin, it is recommended to steer clear of the herb entirely until you consult with a dermatologist.
Due to its potency, do not apply raw garlic directly on the skin. Do a patch test on your forearm if you are unsure about a reaction. Be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil and stop immediately if irritation occurs. Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s perfect for everyone. You can learn more about other common herbal hair care myths, here.
By now you can probably tell that garlic has amazing healing and protective powers both internally and externally. Energy vampires, beware!
This is such a great and inexpensive way to boost your hair growth and reduce hair fall all while protecting your spirit and our planet.
If you decide to use garlic for your hair, let me know in the comments below which method you prefer and your results!