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Everyone wants beautiful and healthy hair, which can be achieved by living a healthy lifestyle and using good-quality and natural hair care products.
Your hair is mainly composed of protein, notably keratin. You can treat your hair with many types of protein such as wheat protein, whey protein, and pea protein to transform it completely.
Peas belong to the legume family along with peanuts, soybeans, beans, and lentils. While soy and wheat are allergenic, pea protein is a less allergenic option.
Pea protein is becoming a popular food commodity in the United States. It is easily available, is abundant in nutrition, has a low processing requirement, and is cost-effective when compared to soybean or animal protein. (1) Pea protein is a vegan person’s delight because it is plant-based and benefits the hair similarly to other animal-based proteins.
A research study suggested that pea sprouts are a rich source of various nutrients including biotin and L‐arginine as well as secondary plant metabolites such as isoflavones, which have been suggested to promote hair growth in experimental models. (2)
In addition, pea protein is rich in several vitamins and minerals (3) and is one of the few plant-based proteins that contain all nine essential amino acids. (4)
Article Contents
Benefits of Using Pea Protein for Hair
Here are a few benefits of using pea protein for the hair:
1. Promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss
Pea protein is a rich source of nutrients including biotin, L-arginine, and isoflavones, which have been used to stimulate hair growth.
In one 2020 study, AnaGain™ Nu, which is a water‐soluble extract made from organic pea sprouts, was used to stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss. It concluded that pea sprout extract can help lessen hair loss and promote hair growth among people experiencing hair fall. (2)
Another research in 2011 concluded that the isoflavone present in pea protein may stimulate the hair follicles in mice and promote hair growth. (5)
2. Increases hair density
A 2013 study demonstrated that the application of pea extract increased hair density by increasing the number of hairs in the growth (anagen) phase in comparison to the resting or telogen phase. (6)
3. Hydrates the hair
Since pea protein is rich in amino acids such as arginine, glutamine, and leucine, (3) it helps moisturize the scalp, thus leading to well-hydrated and soft hair. (7)
How to Make Pea Protein Powder
To make pea protein powder, you can either take dried green peas or yellow peas, grind them to a fine powder, and store them in an airtight container to be used later.
How to Use Pea Protein for Hair
You can add pea protein powder to other ingredients such as coconut oil, olive oil, onion juice, and banana to make various hair masks. Here are some ways to use pea protein for your hair:
1. Hair moisturizing mask – pea protein powder + coconut oil + banana + avocado
Pea protein powder is rich in all nine essential amino acids, which help nourish and moisturize the scalp. (4)
Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft more than mineral oil and can hydrate the hair well. (8) A 2020 study revealed that coconut oil can easily penetrate the hair shaft and, with regular use, it can strengthen your hair. (9)
Bananas are rich in potassium, natural oils, vitamins, and carbohydrates, which can soften, nourish, and strengthen your hair. (10)
Avocados are exceptionally rich in omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids, which moisturize the skin, thus increasing the shine and elasticity of the hair. (11)
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of pea protein powder
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Method:
- In a bowl, add the banana and avocado and mash them together till no lumps remain.
- Add the pea protein powder and coconut oil to this mixture and mix well.
- Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it on for 30–45 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
- Wash your hair with a natural shampoo and conditioner.
- Use this pack twice weekly to get soft and well-nourished hair.
2. Hair softening mask – pea protein powder + conditioner
Use pea protein and your conditioner to get better, manageable, and softer hair.
You can buy a natural vegan hair conditioner that contains pea protein or use your regular conditioner along with pea protein powder in the following manner.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of pea protein powder
- Conditioner
Method:
- Wash your hair with a natural shampoo.
- Add the pea protein powder to your natural conditioner.
- Apply the mixture to damp hair and leave it on for 2–3 minutes.
- Wash it off with water.
3. Hair growth mask – pea protein powder + onion juice + coconut oil
Pea protein contains vitamins and all nine essential amino acids and is known to help in hair growth. (4)
Onion juice is rich in sulfur and induces hair growth in patients with alopecia. (12)
Coconut oil is rich in antimicrobial properties and can help to keep the scalp clean and healthy. (13)
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of pea protein powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion juice
- 4 tablespoons of coconut oil
Method:
- Add the onion juice to the coconut oil in a bowl and mix them well.
- Add the pea protein powder to the mixture and mix them well till no lumps remain.
- Apply the hair mask to your hair and scalp and leave it on for 40 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
- Wash it off with a natural shampoo and conditioner.
- Use this mask twice a week to get improved hair growth.
Precautions to Take When Using Pea Protein for Hair
Pea protein is a natural product that is safe for your hair and is potentially a less allergenic alternative. (1)
However, some people may be allergic to pea protein powder, so they should stay safe and not use it for their hair. (14) Pregnant and lactating women should consult their doctor before using pea protein for their hair.
Final Word
Pea protein may prevent hair fall and breakage and promote healthy hair growth. It is also rich in essential amino acids that can boost scalp health and keep it well moisturized.
If you want to try pea protein for hair, you can use conditioners containing it, or you can use pea protein powder and follow the DIY hair masks detailed above.
References
- Hertzler SR, Lieblein-Boff JC, Weiler M, Allgeier C. Plant Proteins: Assessing Their Nutritional Quality and Effects on Health and Physical Function. Nutrients. 2020;12(12):3704. Published 2020 Nov 30. doi:10.3390/nu12123704.
- Grothe T, Wandrey F, Schuerch C. Short communication: Clinical evaluation of pea sprout extract in the treatment of hair loss. Phytother Res. 2020;34(2):428-431. doi:10.1002/ptr.6528.
- Dahl WJ, Foster LM, Tyler RT. Review of the health benefits of peas (Pisum sativum L.). Br J Nutr. 2012;108 Suppl 1:S3-S10. doi:10.1017/S0007114512000852.
- Gorissen SHM, Crombag JJR, Senden JMG, et al. Protein content and amino acid composition of commercially available plant-based protein isolates. Amino Acids. 2018;50(12):1685-1695. doi:10.1007/s00726-018-2640-5.
- Zhao J, Harada N, Kurihara H, Nakagata N, Okajima K. Dietary isoflavone increases insulin-like growth factor-I production, thereby promoting hair growth in mice. J Nutr Biochem. 2011;22(3):227-233. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2010.01.008.
- The FGF7 and Noggin genes are key targets to treat hair loss. Docslib. https://docslib.org/doc/10346119/the-fgf7-and-noggin-genes-are-key-targets-to-treat-hair-loss.
- Takaoka M, Okumura S, Seki T, Ohtani M. Effect of amino-acid intake on physical conditions and skin state: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2019;65(1):52-58. doi:10.3164/jcbn.18-108.
- Rele AS, Mohile RB. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. J Cosmet Sci. 2003;54(2):175-192.
- Kaushik V, Chogale R, Mhaskar S. Alternative Protocol for Hair Damage Assessment and Comparison of Hair Care Treatments. Int J Trichology. 2020;12(1):7-15. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_3_20.
- (PDF) traditional and medicinal uses of banana – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285484754/.
- Dreher ML, Davenport AJ. Hass avocado composition and potential health effects. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013;53(7):738-750. doi:10.1080/10408398.2011.556759.
- Sharquie KE, Al-Obaidi HK. Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata. J Dermatol. 2002;29(6):343-346. doi:10.1111/j.1346-8138.2002.tb00277.x.
- Ogbolu DO, Oni AA, Daini OA, Oloko AP. In vitro antimicrobial properties of coconut oil on Candida species in Ibadan, Nigeria. J Med Food. 2007;10(2):384-387. doi:10.1089/jmf.2006.1209.
- Soller L, La Vieille S, Cameron SB, et al. Allergic reactions to emerging food allergens in Canadian children. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2021;17(1):71. Published 2021 Jul 13. doi:10.1186/s13223-021-00573-y.
