Fenugreek Benefits for Hair

Can a dietary supplement primarily used to help lower blood sugar and ease menstrual cramps also be good for your hair? Fenugreek, an edible herb common in curry and other foods, is touted to promote hair growth and control dandruff.

But do the supposed fenugreek benefits for hair health hold up under scientific study? Let’s just say the research is limited, and the findings are a bit mixed.

In a nutshell, while fenugreek may offer some benefits for certain aspects of health, there isn’t much evidence to suggest it’s an effective hair growth agent or that it treats or slows down the progression of androgenetic alopecia (the clinical name for male pattern baldness). 

If you’re still interested, keep reading to learn about fenugreek and hair, how to use fenugreek as a hair treatment, and other hair loss treatments you may want to consider if you’re noticing hair loss.

Here’s a rundown of what we know about fenugreek benefits for hair and other aspects of health.

• Fenugreek is a clover-like herb that grows throughout the Mediterranean. Its seeds are used in various food recipes, and it is also a popular ingredient in certain soaps, cosmetics and other personal-care products.

• It might offer health benefits. Like many other substances used in alternative medicine, fenugreek is often promoted as a cure-all that can stimulate hair growth, assist with weight loss, relieve constipation, get rid of dandruff, lower cholesterol, and even help people manage diabetes. 

• Research is lacking. While there’s some low-quality evidence that fenugreek may offer health benefits, most claims about its effectiveness — including for hair loss — don't have reputable scientific research to back them up.

• Other treatments might work better. If you’re losing hair, you’ll almost always get superior results from a treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration for hair loss vs. relying on an unregulated supplement like fenugreek.

But before we explore whether you should try fenugreek seeds for hair health, let’s cover some basics.

Fenugreek is an herb native to regions throughout western Asia and southern Europe.

Its versatile, complex flavor (sometimes described as burnt sugar) has led to its long history as a spice and flavoring ingredient in foods, beverages, and tobacco products.

In traditional Indian and Ayurvedic practices, fenugreek seeds are known as methi or methi seeds.

Fenugreek seeds are rich in essential nutrients, including fiber, choline, and omega-3 fatty acids like linolenic acid. They also have a substantial vitamin content — vitamins A, B1, B2, B9 (folic acid), C, and niacin (B3).

Furthermore, the fenugreek herb contains antioxidants and amino acids. Animal studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory properties, which might help minimize pain, swelling, and redness.

The plant is healthy to eat in moderate amounts, but is there a link between fenugreek and hair growth? Possibly — read on for insight.

Like many dietary supplements, fenugreek’s promises don’t always hold up under scrutiny — no high-quality evidence suggests that it’s the ticket to thicker, healthier hair. 

But before we get into the specifics of fenugreek benefits for hair — or lack thereof — and other home remedies, let’s go over why hair loss develops in the first place.

Understanding the Causes of Hair Loss

Hair can thin or fall out for many reasons, but male pattern baldness is by far the most common form of hair loss in men.

This type of hair loss happens because of genetic factors and the damaging effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male sex hormone.

Your body produces DHT as a byproduct of testosterone. It's essential for sexual development in early life, but in adulthood, the hormone can attach to receptors in your scalp and cause hair follicles to miniaturize (shrink).

Over time, the hair follicles affected by DHT — usually those at the hairline and around the crown of the scalp — stop producing new hairs. This results in the signs of hair loss many guys notice in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

How Hair Loss Treatments Target the Causes

Most medications and other products for treating hair loss work in one of three ways:

• Preventing DHT production. Some, like the oral hair loss medication finasteride, work by stopping your body from producing DHT in the first place. This can help minimize hair follicle damage, prevent hair thinning, and allow for healthy hair growth.

• Targeting DHT on the scalp. Others, such as our hair thickening shampoo, use ingredients like saw palmetto to target DHT on the scalp and prevent thinned or damaged hair.

• Boosting blood flow to the area. Some treatments, like the topical hair loss medication minoxidil, improve blood flow to hair follicles, which may provide extra nutrients for hair growth.

Fenugreek’s Effect on DHT and Blood Flow

So, does fenugreek do any of these things? Currently, no scientific evidence suggests that DIY fenugreek hair masks or supplements containing fenugreek reduce DHT levels, protect hair follicles from DHT locally, or stimulate blood flow to the scalp for better hair health.

Put simply, fenugreek doesn’t seem to have the same effects as other proven treatments for hair loss.

Research on Fenugreek Benefits for Hair

One 2006 study of fenugreek and hair loss in humans published in Kosmetische Medizin included 30 men and 30 women experiencing mild to moderate hair loss and found “favorable effects.” 

Those effects, however, were self-reported and retrospective, meaning researchers asked participants about the condition of their hair before and after fenugreek treatment. It’s hard to say for sure, but there could be confirmation bias, which means people may have thought their hair looked better because they expected fenugreek for hair to be effective.

Since the study didn’t use objective measurements typically used in higher-quality research, it’s best to view the findings as a potentially helpful hint that fenugreek might offer benefits for hair — not as a guarantee that it’s effective.

A more recent 2021 study on a topical blend containing fenugreek found “meaningful improvement” in people who used the product. But (and this is a large but) only five people were in the study, and it’s impossible to know which of the botanicals, if any, was responsible for hair growth.

When it comes to hair loss, you’d likely be better off trying solutions with solid science backing their hair-growth claims. 

With several safe and proven dandruff treatments available, including effective home remedies for dandruff, you may not want to try using fenugreek to fight your flakes. 

What does some of the research say? A 2020 study in Assay and Drug Development Technologies suggests that gel made with fenugreek leaf extract may help with certain fungal infections, including those that can cause dandruff. However, the researchers acknowledged that more study is needed.

One review of several studies also noted that fenugreek seed extract has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-dandruff properties, but more research is needed. Additionally, one of those studies found other natural remedies, like lemon juice and henna extract, to be more effective against dandruff than fenugreek.

A surer bet for fighting dandruff? Adding our dandruff detox shampoo to your hair care routine.

While we might seem a little skeptical of fenugreek benefits for hair health, it’s worth noting that fenugreek might offer benefits for overall health and wellness.

For example, fenugreek’s antibacterial and antifungal properties may help control the growth of bacteria and fungi. Proponents of fenugreek also claim that it’s a lactation aid, a tool to lower cholesterol, a blood sugar regulator, a hormone regulator, and a digestive stimulant.

Unfortunately, evidence proving these benefits is currently scant. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) plainly states that there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support using fenugreek for “any health condition.”

Fenugreek and Diabetes

The NCCIH does acknowledge that a small number of low-quality studies have suggested that fenugreek may lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes or prediabetes.

One 2017 study looked at 60 people with type 2 diabetes who got either 10 milligrams of fenugreek seeds steeped in hot water or no treatment. By month five, the fenugreek group showed a significant reduction in blood glucose levels.

However, the study didn’t provide any info about the potential blood sugar benefits of fenugreek for people without diabetes.

Fenugreek and Sexual Health

Fenugreek may not do much for your hair, but it may amp up your sex drive by acting as an aphrodisiac food.

In one study, 60 men with erectile dysfunction (ED) reported improved libido (sex drive) and orgasms after taking a fenugreek-containing supplement. However, it’s hard to say that the fenugreek was responsible because the supplement also contained zinc.

Some studies also suggest that fenugreek may boost testosterone levels. Although more research is needed, a 2020 meta-analysis found that fenugreek increased serum testosterone levels. 

Are you tired of hearing that research on fenugreek is limited? Well, we do have a reasonable amount of scientific evidence about the potential risks associated with its use.

Fenugreek appears safe for human consumption in the amounts used in cooking — meaning a plate of methi chicken isn’t likely to harm you. However, consuming large quantities of the herb might increase your risk of certain health issues.

Potential adverse effects associated with fenugreek consumption include:

• Diarrhea, nausea, and gastrointestinal issues

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Allergic reactions

Large doses of fenugreek may also increase your risk of developing very low blood sugar levels or liver toxicity.

Experts advise against using fenugreek supplements while pregnant, as it’s associated with an increased risk of birth defects. Currently, there’s only limited data about the safety of fenugreek supplements while breastfeeding.

There are several ways to use fenugreek. You can either buy a supplement and add it to your daily routine or apply a fenugreek and water mix to your hair and scalp.

To use a fenugreek supplement, follow the directions on the product’s label. Make sure to take only the recommended dose, as excessive amounts of fenugreek could increase your risk of experiencing side effects.

Here’s how to make and use a fenugreek and water hair mask:

• Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water (remember, it’s fenugreek seeds for hair growth, not the leaves) and leave the mix in a cool location to soak overnight.

• The next day, grind the seeds into the water to create a fenugreek paste to apply to your hair roots.

• Carefully apply the fenugreek mixture to your scalp and the roots of your hair.

• Leave it in for 10 to 20 minutes.

• Rinse your hair to remove the fenugreek mask before washing thoroughly with your preferred shampoo.

While a fenugreek mask may not help restore hair loss or stop hair from falling out, its nourishing ingredients can help restore softness and hydration to dry hair.

If you don’t want to wait overnight while the seeds soak, you can also use fenugreek seeds to make a powder, then mix the fenugreek powder with your favorite moisturizing hair oil like olive oil or coconut oil. 

After letting it soak into your hair, wash with a volumizing shampoo to give your hair a fuller appearance. It may take a double rinse to get the oil out.

If you’re dealing with male pattern baldness and don’t think fenugreek is the answer, several other options are available for preventing hair loss and promoting regrowth.

Currently, the most effective treatments for hair loss are the oral medication finasteride and the topical medication minoxidil.

Finasteride

Finasteride is a prescription medication that, as mentioned earlier, works by preventing your body from converting testosterone into DHT. This reduces DHT levels and shields your hair follicles against the process of miniaturization that causes hair loss. 

When used daily, finasteride can reduce DHT levels by roughly 70 percent and slow down, stop, or even reverse the effects of male pattern baldness.

We offer finasteride online after a consultation with a licensed healthcare provider who will determine whether a prescription is appropriate.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical medication that moves your hair follicles into the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, during which your hair grows to its full length and thickness.

It’s also linked to increased blood circulation, which may improve hair growth and scalp health. We offer minoxidil solution (a liquid) and minoxidil foam online. 

Finasteride and Minoxidil Together

Research suggests that finasteride and minoxidil both work well at improving hair growth when used independently, but they’re particularly effective when used together. 

For instance, a study published in Dermatologic Therapy found that 94.1 percent of men with male pattern baldness showed improvements after using finasteride and minoxidil for a year.

In contrast, 80.5 percent of balding men who used finasteride alone and 59 percent of men who only used minoxidil saw improvements. 

Want to try both? You can get our topical finasteride & minoxidil spray or buy finasteride and minoxidil together in our Hair Power Pack. The Power Pack also includes other proven solutions for promoting fuller, thicker and healthier hair.

If fenugreek for hair growth sounds too good to be true, that’s because it probably is — but if used responsibly, it’s not going to hurt, either.

Here are a few main takeaways on fenugreek benefits for hair loss:

• Currently, there isn’t much high-quality scientific evidence suggesting that fenugreek stops male pattern baldness or offers any real benefits for maintaining thicker and healthier hair. 

• Only a small amount of evidence supports fenugreek’s other supposed benefits, such as lowering cholesterol levels, managing blood sugar, or regulating hormone production.

• If you’re starting to develop hair issues — like a receding hairline or a bald patch around your crown — you’ll get the best results by sticking to evidence-based treatments for thinning hair like finasteride or minoxidil.

Looking for other products for hair loss and thinning hair? We offer a full selection of hair loss treatments online, including minoxidil, finasteride, and hair care products for healthier, more lustrous hair. Get started today.