Garlic Oil For Hair: Benefits And Uses

Garlic is an essential ingredient in most homes. Its distinctive flavor adds flavor to any dish. It is also widely used as a home remedy due to its essential nutrients and healing abilities. One of the lesser-known benefits of garlic is that it can control hair loss and promote hair growth. People know that onions help control hair loss, but garlic is also an excellent ingredient for strong, shiny hair. It is no wonder that garlic oil, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, has gained popularity in the beauty world. Include garlic oil in your hair care routine to promote hair growth and prevent dandruff.

What is garlic oil?

Garlic oil is usually extracted through steam distillation or by infusing garlic in a carrier oil. “It is rich in various vitamins and minerals and also contains powerful compounds like allicin and sulphur that offer many benefits to hair,” says hair and skin expert Dr Blossom Kochhar. Its many properties make it ideal for use in hair treatments and hair growth. Adding garlic oil to your hair care routine can be a great choice that can help you achieve healthy and beautiful hair.

Garlic oil is definitely a hair growth remedy that anyone can include in their hair care routine. It is a source of nutrients that promote hair growth and overall scalp health. “The sulfur and selenium in garlic help fortify the hair shaft, thereby reducing hair loss. Allicin, a key compound in garlic, improves blood circulation in the scalp and ensures that hair follicles receive essential nutrients. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of garlic oil keep the scalp free from infections, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth,” explains the expert. According to a study published in the journal Nutrients, garlic can protect keratinocytes from ultraviolet (UV) damage and shows promise as a substance to reduce the appearance of aging. Keratinocytes are the skin cells that create keratin. These cells are found in the outer layer of the skin, including the scalp, as well as in hair follicles.

Benefits of Garlic Oil for Hair

Garlic oil, often overlooked as a culinary ingredient, offers a surprising array of benefits for your hair. Here’s how.

1. Promotes hair growth

Garlic oil contains sulfur, according to a study published in the journal Food Science and Nutrition, which is necessary for the production of keratin, the protein that makes up hair. It promotes healthy hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the scalp and nourishing hair follicles.

2. Fights hair loss

Are you suffering from hair loss and have not seen any results after trying hair oils and masks? Then use garlic oil. The nutrients in garlic oil can strengthen hair roots, reduce breakage and hair loss. It also helps balance hormones, which can contribute to hair loss. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that regular use of garlic oil on hair helped treat alopecia areata. This is an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss anywhere on the body, although it usually affects the hair on the scalp.

3. Fights scalp infections

“Garlic oil’s powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties effectively treat dandruff, itchiness, and other scalp irritations, while promoting healthy hair growth,” says the expert. So, if you suffer from any of these scalp infections and are looking for simple home remedies to get rid of them, incorporating garlic oil into your hair care regimen can help.

4. Adds shine and reduces frizz

Garlic oil contains vitamins and minerals that can nourish the hair shaft. This can make your hair shinier, stronger, and more resilient. Garlic oil has natural moisturizing properties that can help control frizz, leaving your hair smooth and manageable.

How to use garlic oil on hair?

Here are some simple and effective ways to use garlic oil to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss.

1. Garlic oil massage

• Take some garlic oil and heat it slightly.
• Gently massage all over the scalp and leave on for 30 minutes.
• Rinse with a mild shampoo.

2. Garlic, oil and honey mask

• Take some garlic oil in a bowl and add a spoonful of honey.
• Mix well and apply all over hair.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with a natural shampoo and normal water.

3. Garlic oil and rosemary essential oil

• Take the required amount of garlic oil and add 2 or 3 drops of rosemary essential oil.
• Mix well and apply all over scalp and hair.
• Leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing with shampoo.
• Rinse and let hair dry naturally.

4. Garlic oil and aloe vera gel

• Take a cup of aloe vera gel and add a spoonful of garlic oil.
• Mix well and apply all over scalp and hair.
• Leave it on for an hour and rinse with plain water and a gentle shampoo to remove oil from your hair and scalp.

5. Garlic, oil and egg

• Take 2 eggs and beat them well.
• Add a tablespoon of garlic oil and mix well.
• Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
• Rinse with normal water and shampoo, then apply a gentle conditioner.

6. Garlic Oil and Tea Tree Essential Oil

• Take the required amount of garlic oil and add 3 or 4 drops of tea tree essential oil.
• Apply it all over your scalp and massage it gently for 5-10 minutes.
• Rinse after 30 minutes or an hour with normal water.

How to make garlic oil at home?

You can prepare garlic oil at home, following these simple steps, as suggested by the expert:

• Crush or finely chop 8 to 10 garlic cloves.
• Take a carrier oil of your choice, such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, etc.
• Add minced garlic to carrier oil and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Make sure the garlic doesn’t burn.
• Remove from heat and let cool completely.
• Strain the oil into a glass jar and remove the garlic cloves.
• Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature.

Garlic Oil Side Effects

While garlic oil offers many benefits to hair, it can also have some side effects, especially for those with sensitive scalps and allergies. Potential side effects of garlic oil may include:

• Skin irritation, allergic reaction, redness, itching, or swelling.
• Olfactory irritation: Some people are allergic to the smell of garlic because they find it unpleasant and this can make them feel nauseous.

It is always recommended to do a skin test before final application, whether on the scalp, hair or skin. Also, pregnant women, nursing mothers and individuals with health problems should avoid using it or consult a doctor.