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What Are the Benefits of Nettle for Hair?

Nicky Sutton
Nicky Sutton

Using nettle for hair is a trusted method of reducing hair loss and encouraging hair to re-grow. There is a lack of scientific evidence that it actually has an effect, but due to its nourishing properties such as vitamin C, it is widely used. Nettle is also believed to improve the condition of hair, providing hair follicles with vitamins and minerals to produce stronger and healthier hair. It can be used in cooking or applied directly to the hair and scalp to combat hair loss and help provide healthy, shiny hair.

Also known as the stinging nettle, it is believed to improve the condition of hair and to prevent hair loss. It has been used for hundreds of years to treat medical conditions such as urinary tract infections and arthritis. These healing properties are believed to contribute to having healthy, conditioned hair.

Nettle may be a helpful additive for treating dandruff.
Nettle may be a helpful additive for treating dandruff.

It is believed to be most beneficial to consume nettle for hair. A stew or soup containing a handful of dried nettle can provide hair follicles with nutrients such as potassium, iron, vitamin A and vitamins C from the inside. Dried and added to food, nettle contains around 40% protein which can help improve the condition of hair. Nettle can also be incorporated into products to apply directly to the hair or scalp, helping prevent dandruff and protecting the scalp from the elements.

Nettle is often used to combat hair loss.
Nettle is often used to combat hair loss.

Believed to promote hair growth, nettle prevents hair loss and encourages its replacement once lost. There is no conclusive evidence or study performed to support this theory, however it is believed by many to be effective. Nettle root extract is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is understood to be the cause of hair loss. Nettle is used to combat its symptoms by inhibiting testosterone from being turned into DHT, which renders hair follicles useless, thereby preventing them from producing hair.

Nettle is available in shampoos and conditioning treatments.
Nettle is available in shampoos and conditioning treatments.

Nettle for hair can be purchased in products such as shampoos and deep conditioning treatments that help to restore hair loss. Homemade nettle recipes, such a nettle rinse, are believed to be beneficial to the hair and scalp. It involves boiling water and adding dried nettles and cider vinegar. Once cooled it is massaged into the hair and scalp. Doing this regularly over time can help improve the health and condition of hair.

Discussion Comments

Heavanet

Talentryto, my father uses nettle for his thinning hair. Sometimes he uses shampoo and condition that is formulated with nettle in the ingredients, other times he uses a rinse that he makes from nettle extract. He swears that it has made his hair feel thicker and more manageable.

Talentryto

I was curious if anyone has personal experience using nettle to prevent hair loss. I've heard that it works well, but I haven't tried it yet.

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    • Nettle may be a helpful additive for treating dandruff.
      By: roblan
      Nettle may be a helpful additive for treating dandruff.
    • Nettle is often used to combat hair loss.
      By: diego cervo
      Nettle is often used to combat hair loss.
    • Nettle is available in shampoos and conditioning treatments.
      By: Roman Gorielov
      Nettle is available in shampoos and conditioning treatments.
    • Nettle root extract may also be used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
      By: peterjunaidy
      Nettle root extract may also be used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
    • Nettle may be applied to the scalp to provide healthy, shiny hair.
      By: edwardderule
      Nettle may be applied to the scalp to provide healthy, shiny hair.
    • Stinging nettle can be used to treat medical conditions such as urinary tract infections.
      By: 7activestudio
      Stinging nettle can be used to treat medical conditions such as urinary tract infections.
    • Individuals suffering from hypothyroidism may experience hair loss.
      By: stockshoppe
      Individuals suffering from hypothyroidism may experience hair loss.