I first heard about Fenugreek oil for hair growth whilst studying Ayurvedic and natural hair remedies. In the past I’ve tried various different hair growth serums to increase growth and thickness, with mixed results.
I’m a big fan of using natural products and ingredients on my hair, so in June 2022 I started testing out a fenugreek oil spray on my hair and scalp. This post will document my hair growth journey using Fenugreek over six months.
What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is a small, green herb that’s similar to clover. It’s native to Southern Asian and the Mediterranean. The seeds from the Fenugreek herb have been used in Ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic remedies for thousands of years to strengthen the hair follicles and reduce hair fall.
Fenugreek (also known as methi dana) has many other benefits for the hair and is often used in hair masks to hydrate dry hair and bring back lustre and bounce. It also helps to prevent premature greying, and makes the hair appear silky and shiny as well as addresses scalp problems such as dandruff. Fenugreek has been described as a secret ingredient to growing thick and shiny hair.
Can I Use Fenugreek Oil for Hair Daily?
The Fenugreek oil that I am using on my hair and scalp is the Bionoble Fenugreek Oil shown in the photograph below. I am spraying a small amount onto my hair and scalp 2-3 times a week, and massaging it in.
In Ayurveda, Fenugreek helps to pacify Kapha and, in small quantities Vata, but it increases Pitta. If you use it too often on your hair, you may end up increasing Pitta on your scalp.
If you don’t know your Ayurvedic hair type, I’ve written a post on creating an Ayurvedic hair care routine where you can learn more about this, and I’ve also written an eBook on Ayurvedic hair care for beginners.
My own hair is Vata hair type since it is thin, fine and prone to dryness. For this reason I am using a small about of fenugreek oil 2-3 times a week on my hair and scalp.
How Do I Use Fenugreek Oil in my Hair?
The Fenugreek oil from Bionoble comes either with a dropper or a spray nozzle, shown in the photograph below. I find it easier to use the spray nozzle as it helps to distribute the oil evenly across my hair and scalp.
Since the oil makes your hair look slightly greasy I spray the oil onto my hair and scalp 1-2 hours before I wash my hair. Although I like to leave the oil for over an hour, I think 20-30minutes should be enough. I do this 2-3 times per week.
My results with using Fenugreek oil on my hair are documented at the end of this post.
Fenugreek has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic beauty treatments to reduce hair loss and cure a range of scalp conditions. The seeds are a source of choline and niacin which are both essential nutrients for healthy hair growth.
Fenugreek seeds are also rich in anti-oxidants which help to neutralise free radicals on the hair and scalp and prevent premature hair ageing. Its anti-inflammatory effects may also be beneficial in soothing skin irritation on the scalp.
Clinical studies have been carried out which proved the effectiveness of Fenugreek in three areas:
- Promoting Hair Growth and Reducing Hall Fall
- Preventing Premature Greying
- Reduce Scalp Conditions like Dandruff
There are more details of these studies below.
Fenugreek May Promote Hair Growth
Fenugreek seeds are packed full of nutrients including vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), vitamin C, vitamin k, nicotinic acid, folic acid and niacin. They also contain iron and amino acids which are essential for hair growth.
There are studies proving the effectiveness of Fenugreek seeds on hair growth. In one study fifty three participants took 300mg of Fenugreek seed extract every day for six months. At the end of the study over 80% of the participants saw significant improvements in their hair growth.
Another study (involving animals rather than humans) showed that applying fenugreek topically as part of a herbal mixture was effective at increasing hair growth and thickness. Not only that but it even proved more effective than the over the counter treatment, minoxidil.
Fenugreek seeds are believed to enlarge the size of the hair follicles which may help to reverse genetic hair loss. It also keeps the hair in the anagen phase of the hair cycle for longer and therefore reduces shedding.
Fenugreek May Prevent Premature Greying
Fenugreek seeds are believed to reverse premature hair greying, although further studies need to be done to prove this theory. One study showed that deficiencies in vitamin B12, folic acid and biotin led to premature hair greying (also known as canities) in participants from an Asian background. Since germinating Fenugreek seeds are rich in folic acid and biotin, this may explain why it has been shown to reverse grey hair in some people.
When using fenugreek to prevent premature greying you should try applying the herb topically as well as taking a fenugreek supplement in order to benefit from its nutritional value.
Fenugreek Seeds Help to Maintain a Healthy Scalp
Fenugreek seeds are often used in topical hair treatments to target scalp conditions such as dandruff and dry or irritated skin. One study showed Fenugreek had anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties which may explain its effectiveness in combatting dandruff.
In another study eleven people used a cream containing fenugreek over a six week period on dry, irritated skin. At the end of the six weeks all participants noticed their skin had greater moisture and was less red and irritated.
Regularly using fenugreek on the scalp not only helps to combat dryness but may also regulate excess oil. If you have an oily scalp the herb may help to reduce the extra oil as well as calm scalp irritation. It increases blood flow to the hair root and helps to improve overall scalp health.
Does Fenugreek Increase Hair Growth?
The photograph below shows the crown of my head before I started using fenugreek oil on my hair. It was taken in June 2022 and I will update this post every couple of months to show my hair growth results.
I will also assess whether the oil is making my hair thicker and less dry.
Which Oil is Best for Hair Growth and Thickness?
You can combine your Fenugreek oil treatment with other hair oil that promotes thickness and growth. My favourite is Argan oil which works well on all hair types, and helps to improve the health of both the hair and scalp.
If you have thin and fine hair like me, I would advise using a lightweight oil that won’t weight down your hair strands. Lighter oils are also recommended if you have low porosity hair.
I massage Argan oil into my scalp once a week to help promote blood circulation to the hair follicles, and leave my hair looking shinier. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, which helps combat oxidative stress, and promotes lustrous hair and a healthy scalp environment.
Using both Argan oil and fenugreek seed oil as part of your weekly hair care routine helps promote healthy, thick hair, since both oils are rich in natural antioxidants. Together that help hair fall control, prevent premature grey hair, and encourage thicker hair growth.
Grapeseed oil is another favourite of mine, since it’s another lightweight oil that absorbs well into the hair and scalp.
If you’re suffering from hair thinning but have naturally very thick hair, you may find heavier oils, like castor oil, work better for you.
How to Make Your Own Fenugreek Hair Products with Seeds
If you don’t want to use fenugreek oil, there are other recipes you can try using fenugreek seeds (methi seeds). These recipes include adding essential oil, and other natural ingredients that help thicken the hair strands.
There are two ways you can use fenugreek seeds topically on your hair, either by making a hair mask or a hair spritz.
Firstly, soak three tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water for a three hours or until the seeds have softened into a what feels like a gel. It is possible you may need to soak fenugreek seeds overnight if they don’t form a gel after a few hours.
Next, grind the seeds until they form a smooth paste. Once you have made the fenugreek seeds into a paste you can start to make your hair products.
If you want to create a mask you should choose the oil you want to mix them with. Good oils include coconut oil and olive oil but the best oil for you will depend on your hair type.
Making Your Fenugreek Hair Mask
Mix one tablespoon of your chosen oil into the fenugreek paste and massage it into your scalp. You may wish to add a few drops of rosemary oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, or spearmint oil into your mask as these essential oils all stimulate hair growth. If you are worried about dandruff try adding a few drops of tea tree oil. Tea tree has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties and helps to soothe an itchy scalp.
Make sure you massage the mask well into the hair roots, and use a wide tooth comb to distribute the formula throughout the length of your hair. Leave the mask for at least ten minutes before rinsing with cool water. If you have especially dry hair you may wish to put your hair in a shower cap and rinse the mask off the next morning. Use your fenugreek hair mask once a week to help combat hair problems and stimulate healthy growth.
Making Your Fenugreek Hair Spray
If you prefer to spritz your hair with fenugreek to improve its condition and make it shinier, you can mix the fenugreek paste with lemon juice, coconut milk and a tablespoon aloe vera gel. Add the mixture to a spray bottle and shake. Spray your hair after washing it.
Regularly using a fenugreek spritz on your hair can improve your hair health by strengthening the hair shaft. Since the benefits of fenugreek seeds have been long taught in Ayurvedic practices, spritzing the hair with Fenugreek is common in Indian households. It can address the common problem of frizziness. For the best results always rinse the product with cold water.
Make Your Own Ayurvedic Hair Care Remedies
When making your own hair care products it’s important to know your hair type so you can choose the right ingredients. I’ve written a 34 page eBook to help you discover your own Ayurvedic hair type and which oils and herbs work best for you. It also contains recipes to make your own products at home as well as advice about what foods you should eat or avoid.
- Discover your own Ayurvedic hair type
- Learn about what herbs and oils work best for your hair
- Find out what hair problems you are susceptible to
- Discover how your hair is connected to your bones
- Find out the best foods to get beautiful hair
- Create your own hair products
FAQ on Fenugreek Oil for Hair
Can I leave fenugreek on hair overnight?
You can leave Fenugreek on your hair overnight, but whether you should do this will depend on your hair type and condition. Fenugreek will help to reduce excess Kapha and increase Pitta. It also helps to reduce Vata when used in small quantities. Since Fenugreek increases Pitta however, if you leave it for too long on your hair you may end up with a Pitta imbalance.
What oils can I mix together for hair growth?
I recommend using fenugreek oil, rosemary oil, spearmint oil and lavender oil for hair growth. You should always use carrier oils when using essential oils in beauty treatments as they are too potent to be applied directly to the skin.
Useful Articles on Using Fenugreek for Hair
If you found this article helpful, you may enjoy the following posts from beauty blogs that I follow and trust.
Naturally Curly
- 7 Spices That Will Make Your Hair Healthier and Longer
- Uncommon Natural Herbs That Are Great at Treating Hair Loss
- How to Rinse Your Hair with Nettle & Horsetail
- 6 Ayurveda Ingredients (You May Already Be Using)
Byrdie
- Everything You Need to Know About Using Fenugreek Powder For Hair
- 9 Hair Secrets Indian and Middle Eastern Women Swear By
- 6 Easy Ayurvedic Habits That Have Made My Life, Skin, and Health So Much Better
- This Ayurvedic Oil Could Help With Hair Loss, Dandruff, and Premature Greying
Curly Nikki
- 4 Fantastic Benefits of Gotu Kola for Hair Growth
- Ayurvedic Hair Care: 4 Wonderful Benefits of Brahmi for Hair
- Ayurveda Haircare: Bhringraj Oil for Hair Growth – 5 Wonderful Benefits
- 5 Fantastic Fermented Rice Water Products for Curly Haircare
This post was all about Fenugreek oil for hair
Thank you for reading my post about the positive effects of Fenugreek oil for the hair. If you have made any home remedies using fenugreek then please leave me a comment below and let me know how you got on! If you are interested in learning more about fenugreek benefits and other Ayurvedic herbs then be sure to order a copy of my book!