Fenugreek Seeds For Hair: Benefits, How To Use, & Side Effects

Using fenugreek seeds for hair issues is a classic home remedy. Many believe it to be an effective treatment for thinning hair and dandruff. However, do these traditional uses have any scientific merit? What is the best way to improve hair health using fenugreek? Fenugreek seeds can benefit your hair in various ways, and we are going to explore them in detail here. Check it out.

Know Your Ingredient: Fenugreek Seeds

What Is It?
Oval-shaped, yellowish-brown seed with a deep furrow on one side that has many medicinal uses.

What Are Its Benefits?
It promotes hair growth and maintains scalp health.

Who Can Use It?
While it is safe to be used on all hair types, those with excessive hair fall, damaged hair, and scalp might find it especially helpful.

How Often?
You can apply fenugreek to your hair and scalp twice or thrice a week.

Caution
Avoid using fenugreek if you are allergic to chickpeas and peanuts.

What Is Fenugreek?

Fenugreek is a green herb found in southern parts of Asia and the Mediterranean. It is popular for its unique aroma and bitter flavor. Both its leaves and seeds are used for culinary and medical purposes.

Fenugreek seeds have been used for a long time and have various health benefits. They help improve digestion, soothe skin irritation, and even induce labor (1). They also could regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels and even fight inflammation (2).

These seeds are rich in vitamins, phosphates, flavonoidsⁱ  XA diverse group of phytonutrients (plant chemicals) with antioxidant properties found in many fruits and vegetables. , iron, and saponinsⁱ  XA class of bioorganic compounds from legume plants that possess antimicrobial properties. . But how can they be beneficial for your hair?

How Are Fenugreek Seeds Good For Your Hair?

Fenugreek Seeds For Hair Growth

Fenugreek seeds are rich in iron and protein, which are essential for hair growth. They also contain flavonoids and saponins that possess anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties (3).

Direct research on the relation between fenugreek seeds and hair growth is limited. But some studies state the seeds may have a positive effect on hair growth.

In one study, 53 participants were given a daily oral dose of 300 mg of fenugreek seed extract for 6 months. Eighty percent of the participants observed an improvement in their hair growth (4).

In another animal study, the topical application of a herbal treatment made with an oil mixture containing fenugreek seed extract helped increase hair growth. The study stated that the extract could be an alternative to minoxidil, a popular hair growth medication (5).

Sean, a blogger posting about ayurvedic herbs for hair and skin care, discussed the benefits of fenugreek in a post, referring to it as the “bitter torture of our Indian childhoods,” and highlighting its use in promoting hair growth and soothing the scalp. Humorously, she writes, “Fenugreek helps ease itchy scalp and is one of the rare herbs that wake up dormant hair follicles to start growing hair again. If you’re struggling with shedding, hair loss or thinning hair this is the herb you need to try for a natural solution. Plus you get a snack out of it- what more do you need (i)?”

Although these studies show a positive effect of fenugreek seed on hair growth, more research is warranted in this regard.

Fenugreek Seeds For Scalp Health

Fenugreek is popular in treating conditions associated with dry or irritated skin. It is also known to treat dandruff that is caused by itchy, flaking scalp. An itchy scalp, in some cases, may lead to temporary hair loss as well.

Dandruff can also be caused due to excess oil production, fungal growth, and inflammation (6).

It is unclear if fenugreek seeds can treat all causes of dandruff. But some studies have found that these seeds possess anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, skin-soothing, and wound-healing properties (7), (3).

In a study done on 11 people over 6 weeks, a cream with fenugreek extract was found to reduce skin irritation and enhance skin moisture (8).

Some anecdotal evidence suggests that using extracts of fenugreek benefits the hair by boosting scalp health. However, more research in this area is warranted.

You can use fenugreek seeds for hair growth in a couple of major ways. We have highlighted them below.

How To Use Fenugreek Seeds For Your Hair?

• Supplements

Fenugreek seeds as a supplement are readily available as a powder or a concentrated liquid extract. There is no concrete recommended oral dose established yet. Some believe 1200 mg of fenugreek seed powder or 300 mg of extract per day could be ideal. Consult with your doctor regarding the same.

Note: Consult your doctor if you plan to use a fenugreek supplement and are unsure about it.

Quick Tip

Avoid fenugreek supplements if you are sensitive or allergic to legumes, including peanuts and chickpeas, unless prescribed by your health care professional.

• Topical Application

Topical use of fenugreek seeds can also help promote healthy hair growth. You may use a fenugreek seed mask for this purpose.

• Soak a few tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water.

• Make a paste of the seeds and apply the paste to the scalp. Additionally, you can also mix coconut oil, yogurt, or honey with the paste.

• Leave the mask on for over 10 mins and rinse with warm water. Clean your hair with a gentle shampoo.

• Fenugreek Water

When you think of a fenugreek water rinse, the first question that must pop into your mind is surely – “can I use fenugreek water for hair daily?” The answer is, yes you can use fenugreek water daily on your hair. This water is generally safe, as long as it doesn’t cause any irritation or adverse reactions. However, some people may find that using it a few times a week is sufficient to achieve the desired benefits without overdoing it.

To make this rinse, soak 1-2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in some water overnight. Blend or strain out the seeds. You should be left with a slightly thick liquid. You can dilute this solution with water, if needed. After shampooing, spray this solution on your scalp and hair. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water.

Quick Tip

You can add fenugreek seeds to coconut oil and heat over low flame to make a fenugreek-enriched oil for hair and scalp massage.

Side Effects Of Fenugreek Seeds

• Fenugreek supplements are generally safe for most. However, if you are pregnant, avoid them before 37th week as they may induce premature labor. Avoid fenugreek if you are allergic to peanuts and chickpeas (9).

• Fenugreek seeds are also believed to cause neurodevelopmentalⁱ  XA group of disorders that affects the development of the central nervous system in humans. , neurobehavioralⁱ  XA group of conditions that are associated with brain impairments in humans, leading to behavioral challenges. , and neuropathologicalⁱ  XDiseases that specifically affect the nervous system (spinal cord, nerve network, and brain) and eyes. side effects. More research is needed in this area.

• Fenugreek seeds may also cause chronic asthma in susceptible individuals. Research is limited. Consult your doctor before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fenugreek on my hair every day?

Using fenugreek on your hair twice or thrice a week is sufficient. Excessive or over-frequent use of fenugreek may result in adverse effects.

Does fenugreek cause grey hair?

Fenugreek is used to promote hair health and growth and there is no evidence to suggest that fenugreek causes grey hair.

Can we apply fenugreek paste on oiled hair?​

Yes, you can apply fenugreek paste on oiled hair to improve its efficacy and to prevent over-dryness of the scalp if you have dry hair.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Shruti ChavanMBBS

Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation and face lift by the use of injection treatments and lasers.   Dr. Chavan is well-versed with dermatological and aesthetic procedures. Her special...more

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches. She has also worked with a number of high-profile beauty brands on a freelance basis to upscale their businesses. Krati...more