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If you are looking to curb hair fall using effective and natural ways, then you might want to try mustard oil and fenugreek seeds for your hair.
Researchers have found that both mustard oil (1) and fenugreek seeds (2) stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss due to their unique composition of plant compounds. (2)(3)
The combination of mustard oil and fenugreek seeds gives rise to a powerful hair oil and hair mask that is great for enhancing the appearance, texture, and quality of your hair.
To know more about how mustard oil and fenugreek seeds promote hair growth, continue reading.
Article Contents
Scientific Evidence of Mustard Oil and Fenugreek Seeds for Hair Growth
The scientific evidence of the role of mustard oil and fenugreek seeds in hair growth is as follows.
Scientific support for mustard oil
- According to 2016, (1) 2020, (4) and 2021 (5) research and an encyclopedia by Tarek I. Kakia, (6) hair growth is reportedly stimulated when mustard oil is applied to the scalp.
- As reported by Varsha Dilip (3) through a research published by Shivaji University, scalp massage with mustard oil increases blood circulation in the scalp and promotes hair growth.
- Mustard oil is loaded with beta-carotene, along with minerals and vitamins. The beta-carotene turns into vitamin A, which is excellent for hair growth. It also contains magnesium, iron, calcium, and fatty acids, which promote hair growth. (3)
Scientific support for fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds, also known as methi, is rich in various macronutrients.
These tiny seeds have concentrated amounts of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and phosphates plus various minerals and vitamins (zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese, and selenium), which can treat hair fall, hair thinning, and baldness and stimulate the growth of healthy hair. (2)
In a 2016 research by the World Journal of Pharmaceuticals, (7) A 2014 research by the International Journal of Nursing Education and Research, (8) and in a 2013 research by the International Journal of Advanced Biological and Biomedical Research, (2) the following findings were reported:
- Fenugreek seeds are a good source of protein and nicotinic acid, which stimulate hair growth. A lot of scientists have confirmed that fenugreek seeds make the hair healthy and strong as they contain lecithin (a natural emollient) in large amounts. Fresh fenugreek seeds are very powerful and effective as they combat dandruff, hair thinning, and premature baldness.
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen hormone that is linked to hair loss in both men and women. It can cause hair follicles to miniaturize, shrink, and stop growing. This leads to increasingly fine hair and eventually baldness. (9) Fenugreek seeds have been shown to slow down the ability of DHT to attach to its receptors and thereby may help in androgenetic alopecia.
- Fenugreek seeds curb dandruff, reduce hair dryness, moisturize hair, keep the scalp cool, treat several scalp issues (7) and promote hair growth.
Based on the above research and scientific evidence, it is clear that fenugreek seeds and mustard oil are effective for hair growth. However, more research and clinical studies were performed on fenugreek seeds than on mustard oil for hair growth. (10)
Different Ways of Using Mustard Oil and Fenugreek Seeds for Hair Growth
Enhance the growth of your hair by using mustard oil and fenugreek seeds in the following ways.
Mustard oil and fenugreek seed hair mask
- Soak ½ cup of fenugreek seeds overnight.
- The next morning, grind the seeds and add 1 tablespoon of mustard oil.
- Gently apply the mixture to your scalp, hair, and hair ends.
- Leave it on for 1–2 hours.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo and a conditioner.
Mustard oil and fenugreek seed hair oil
- Add a handful of fenugreek seeds and 1 liter of mustard oil to a pan.
- Cook the mixture on medium flame.
- When the fenugreek seeds turn black, turn off the flame.
- Let the mixture cool down and then strain the oil. Store the oil in an airtight container.
- Part your hair in two sections, and then apply oil to your hair and roots one section at a time.
- Massage your scalp for a few minutes. It is advised to keep it overnight before going to bed.
- Shampoo and condition your hair the next morning as usual.
- Repeat this process thrice a week for better results.
Fenugreek seed hair mask
- Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
- Grind the seeds to make a paste until it’s slimy to the touch.
- Apply the paste to your scalp, and leave it for 20 minutes.
- Give your scalp a quick massage.
- Wash it off with mild shampoo.
General Queries
Can fenugreek hair oil be used daily?
Fenugreek oil can be used on the lengths and ends of your hair to condition and protect your locks. Everyday usage on the scalp is not recommended as it could lead to buildup and your hair may require frequent washing.
For how long should a fenugreek mask be left on the hair?
A fenugreek mask can be left on the hair for about 30–45 minutes, and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
However, if you have dandruff problems and severely dry hair, you can leave the mask overnight and wash it off the next morning.
For how long should mustard oil be left on the hair?
You can apply mustard oil to your hair and keep it for 30 minutes. Then, wash it off with a mild shampoo. Leaving it for an extended time can attract impurities and dust.
Are there any side effects of consuming fenugreek seeds?
Although fenugreek is natural, adverse effects may occur when it is consumed excessively. These adverse effects may include:
• Gas
• Dizziness
• Bloating
• Headaches
• Stomach aches
• Reduced blood sugar levels
• Allergies (in individuals allergic to nuts such as peanuts, green peas, and soybean)
The safe dosage of fenugreek is generally 2–5 g per day for an adult.
Although fenugreek is natural, consulting your doctor first before taking supplements is always advisable as they understand your physiological needs and whether or not taking fenugreek would be the right choice for you.
Final Word
Fenugreek seeds and mustard oil are easily available in everyone’s kitchen and can be used to promote the healthy growth of hair. Scientific evidence has also demonstrated their effects on hair growth.
If you are experiencing hair loss or related problems, try mustard oil and fenugreek seeds as they are replete with compounds, minerals, and vitamins that will boost hair growth.
References
- White mustard. White Mustard – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/white-mustard.
- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) As a Valuable Medicinal Plant. http://www.ijabbr.com/article_7851_bbd8fa7701b237d7746306a9df24e736.pdf.
- What are the medicinal properties of mustard oil? | Researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_the_medicinal_properties_of_mustard_oil.
- Ahmed AG, Hussein UK, Ahmed AE, et al. Mustard seed (brassica nigra) extract exhibits an antiproliferative effect against human lung cancer cells through differential regulation of apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/9/2069. Published April 29, 2020.
- Maddaleno AS, Camargo J, Mitjans M, Vinardell MP. Melanogenesis and Melasma treatment. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/8/3/82. Published September 2, 2021.
- Tarek Ismail Kakhia – طارقاسماعيلكاخيا. https://tarek.kakhia.org/books_eng/ENCYCOPEDIA_OF_OILS_and_FATS.Tarek_Kakhia.pdf.
- Critical appraisal of malnutrition & IT management. https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/1456747854.pdf.
- Sakthi D. Effectiveness of fenugreek seed paste on dandruff among adolescent girls in selected women’s hostel, Coimbatore. International Journal of Nursing Education and Research. https://ijneronline.com/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=International+Journal+of+Nursing+Education+and+Research%3BPID%3D2014-2-2-13.
- Susanti L, Mustarichie R, Halimah E, Kurnia D, Setiawan A, Maladan Y. Anti-alopecia activity of alkaloids group from noni fruit against dihydrotestosterone-induced male rabbits and its molecular mechanism: In vivo and in silico studies. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/15/12/1557. Published December 14, 2022.
- Umar S, Carter MJ. A multimodal hair-loss treatment strategy using a new topical phytoactive formulation: A report of five cases. Case reports in dermatological medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7878086/. Published February 4, 2021.
