How To Use Magnesium For Hair Growth | Risks & Side Effects

Know Your Ingredient: Magnesium

What Is It?
An essential micronutrient that plays a key role in hair growth.

What Are Its Benefits?
It promotes follicle hair growth and helps in protein production and calcium regulation.

Who Can Use It?
People dealing with hair loss can use it upon discussion with their healthcare provider.

How Often?
For magnesium oil, you can try the remedy once or twice a week, and for Epsom salt baths, you can take one every week or every 2-3 days.

Caution
High doses of magnesium can cause nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.

Magnesium And Hair Growth: Is There Any Link?

A study conducted in Germany found that magnesium can trigger the hair follicles, resulting in hair growth by more than 50%. The study found out that magnesium is absorbed by the body through the skin by spraying magnesium oil on the scalp and an Epsom salt foot soak (1). Though the sample size and the duration of the study were limited, the results prove that magnesium plays a role in hair growth.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that massaging magnesium oil into your scalp is invigorating. You may experience a pleasant tingling sensation that helps you destress and relax. Apart from combating stress (that can cause hair loss), this stimulation of follicles also boosts blood circulation, thus promoting hair growth. That is why it is widely believed that magnesium is beneficial for hair and scalp health.

At a cellular level, magnesium is one of the most important nutrients for healthy hair growth. It is an essential cofactor for more than 300 enzymes that regulate multiple biochemical processes (2).

Magnesium is also an essential trace metal that is involved in numerous metabolic functions in the body such as protein synthesis, calcium regulation, and activation of vitamin D (3), (3). Both calcium and vitamin D play an important role in the development of hair follicles (4). Thus, it is involved in the overall growth of your hair.

When considering it for hair loss, it is essential to choose the right type of magnesium. Check out the best forms of magnesium for hair health in the section below.

What Type Of Magnesium Is Best For Hair Loss?

1. Magnesium Citrate:It is readily absorbed by the body and enhances nutrient delivery to the hair follicles to support hair growth.
2. Magnesium Glycinate:This form is gentle on the stomach and may help reduce stress, which may be the cause of your hair loss.
3. Magnesium Threonate:It may help manage stress and improve overall health due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially benefiting hair growth.

Note: This information is rooted in anecdotal evidence, as there is limited substantial scientific research in this particular area. Please consult a doctor before purchasing any magnesium to use on your hair.

So, we have learned how magnesium helps promote hair growth. But, what happens when you face nutrient deficiency? Find out below.

Magnesium Deficiency And Hair Loss

The role of magnesium deficiency in causing hair loss is indirect (5). Since magnesium is involved in multiple metabolic processes, a lack of magnesium can disrupt the mineral homeostasis (mineral balance) (2). This can lead to impaired protein synthesis which, in turn, can trigger hair loss. So, it is recommended to consume magnesium-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, spinach, almonds, avocado, and rice. (2).

The recommended daily intake of magnesium for adult men and women is 400 mg and 310 mg, respectively (2). This can be met by following a well-balanced diet. You can also get the benefits of magnesium through topical application as it can be absorbed by the skin. Thus, you can massage your scalp with magnesium oil to fight hair loss (1). Magnesium oil is made from a mixture of magnesium chloride flakes and water. You can learn how to prepare it at home.

We have established that magnesium is important for hair growth. Find out in the next section how to use it effectively.

How To Use Magnesium to Promote Hair Growth

1. Magnesium Oil For Hair Loss 

You Will Need

• 10-15 drops of magnesium oil
• Water

Process

1. Take 10-15 drops of magnesium oil and dilute it in water.
2. Gently massage this mixture into your scalp. Use your fingertips to boost blood circulation.
3. Wash off the oil with water and shampoo.
4. Do not keep it on for longer than 30 minutes as it can dry out your hair.

If you notice any itchiness or irritation, wash off the oil immediately and consult a medical practitioner.

Eetiei, a YouTuber, spoke about using magnesium oil for hair growth for two months. She said, “It started to help my hair to grow. I spray it before I go to bed. You can see my edges coming out. My baby hair coming out (i).”

Quick Tip

You can make your own magnesium oil by adding 1 cup of magnesium chloride flakes to 1 cup of boiled water. Stir till dissolved. Keep it aside to cool, and pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

2. Epsom Salt Soak

You Will Need

• 2 cups of Epsom salt
• Water (for a bath)

Process

1. Add the 2 cups of Epsom salt to lukewarm water in the bathtub.
2. Mix the bath water to dissolve all the salts.
3. Soak in the bath for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse off or take a shower.

Apply a moisturizer to replenish the lost moisture of your skin.

The magnesium in the bath water is absorbed by your skin and, thus, may help boost hair growth.

3. Magnesium Pill Or Oral Supplements

You can take oral supplements of magnesium as prescribed by a doctor to fight hair loss.

Quick Tip

You can use magnesium oil once or twice a week to nourish your hair. You can also mix it with soothing ingredients like tea tree oil.

Risks And Side Effects

It is important not to cross the recommended dietary levels of magnesium.

In the case of topical application of magnesium oil, do a small patch test on your forearm to check if you are allergic to it before applying it to your scalp. Some people may experience irritation, stinging, or a burning sensation. Stop using it immediately if this occurs.

Do not take magnesium oil orally. Ingestion of magnesium oil may cause adverse effects such as nausea and diarrhea (2). Consult a licensed dietitian or a dermatologist if you notice excessive hair loss even after these fixes.

Infographic: Magnesium-Rich Foods And Recommended Intake

Magnesium is an essential trace mineral responsible for multiple bodily functions. However, its deficiency can be detrimental to our health and can even lead to hair loss. While there are many ways to improve magnesium levels in the body, one of the easiest and healthiest ways is to eat foods rich in magnesium. The following infographic lists such foods and discusses the recommended dietary intake of this mineral. Take a peek!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does magnesium help with baldness?

Baldness caused by hair loss due to a magnesium deficiency can be reduced with magnesium supplementation.

What are the benefits of taking magnesium daily?

Magnesium helps with many body functions like muscle and nerve activation, blood pressure and blood sugar management, and improvement in bone and heart health.

Can magnesium reverse gray hair?

If the cause of your graying hair is a magnesium deficiency, then taking magnesium supplements can reverse it.

Does magnesium block DHT?

Magnesium may help prevent hair loss caused by DHT. Increased hormone levels may cause hair loss by reducing mineral supply to the follicles, which may be combated with mineral supplementation.

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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

Annie JangamBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer with 11 years of experience. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make science interesting and easy to understand. Her scientific aptitude and love for writing paved the way to pursue a career in writing research-backed articles on skin care and hair care. Her expertise stems from her...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

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends. Her passion for and understanding of all things related...more