Is Garlic Good for Your Hair Health? We asked Eva for her reaction to the latest TikTok trend
Where there’s hair…there’s a hack – and the latest TikTok trend to hit our tresses comes from the humble clove of garlic! To be fair, the purported healing properties of this pungent plant have been well-known for centuries, whether for unblocking sinuses, healing wounds, boosting immunity, and even helping to lower blood pressure (not to mention warding off unwelcome Vampires!).
But now, influencers are taking to TikTok in their droves to share their stories about how garlic can potentially help with hair loss – whether smashing the bulb to apply directly to the scalp, mashing up into a garlic paste or stirring into your shampoo! It sounds too good to be true – despite the potential pong! – but is there any truth in this TikTok tale, or is it best to leave garlic at the heart of pasta and pesto?
Here, Consultant Trichologist Eva Proudman FIT IAT helps to unpick the facts from the fiction, providing her professional guide to garlic:
Eva says; “Garlic contains sulphuric acid and is high in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B6, which is essential for maintaining the health of the hair and scalp whilst also supporting hair growth. Vitamin C, manganese and selenium promote healthy hair but are not a proven treatment for hair loss.
“The sulphuric acid contained in garlic is antimicrobial and anti-fungal, so it can help prevent flaky, itchy scalps, too. The antioxidants in garlic may also prevent damage to the hair follicles caused by free radicals (which might, for example, be caused by exposure to the sun).
However, Eva warns; “Please don’t just rub raw garlic onto your scalp as this can actually cause chemical burns and may have an adverse reaction if the skin on the scalp is particularly sensitive. So, overall, I would advise adding more garlic to your diet rather than using it topically.
“If you do want to try garlic on your scalp, the first thing to do is a small patch test to the inside of your elbow to see if there is any adverse reaction. If there’s no reaction within 24 to 48 hours, it will likely be safe to use on the scalp.
“Dilute the garlic – don’t apply it neat – using 2 cloves of garlic to 4 tablespoons of a carrier oil. Crush the garlic mix into the oil and strain before massaging 1 to 2 teaspoons onto your scalp. Then wrap your head in a towel for 10 minutes and wash off).
“In my opinion, there really is not enough evidence and research available regarding the topical use of garlic – and to be honest, there are currently lots of tried and tested products (and daily supplements) that you can try that are far more effective (and with a far nicer fragrance!)
“My advice before doing anything or you start trying out any so-called ‘trends’ (however natural or organic it might seem) is to seek an accurate diagnosis from a qualified trichologist. Once you understand the causes of your individual hair loss or shedding, you can better understand your treatment options.”
Eva can also be seen sharing her top tips in this recent article in The Sun newspaper.
Eva has successfully treated numerous men and women suffering from hair loss and is the resident trichologist on “The Hair Loss Clinic”, which can currently be streamed on Discovery Plus.
“I encourage anyone who is concerned about hair loss and alopecia to check out the information here, where I talk through specific variances of alopecia, causes, and potential treatment options.
As always, if you have any general concerns then please do pop me a question here: www.ukhairconsultants.com/ask-about-symptoms-eva-proudman. I’m always here for you and committed to helping people of all ages with hair and scalp health concerns.”
Or get in touch here!