Ginger for hair growth: tradition versus evidence

Ginger is a common ingredient in Malaysian kitchens, and many people have heard that rubbing ginger juice on the scalp can help with hair fall. Ginger shampoos are also easy to find. But does the research support it? The answer may surprise you.

Ginger as a traditional hair remedy

A 2013 study noted that ginger has traditionally been used in East Asia to check hair loss and stimulate hair growth, and that several companies make shampoos with ginger extract claimed to fight hair loss. The researchers also pointed out that there was no scientific evidence to back up these claims ¹.

So the researchers decided to test it.

What the study found

The study looked at 6-gingerol, the main active compound in ginger ¹.

• In the lab: the researchers grew human hair follicles and dermal papilla cells (the cells at the base of the follicle that help control hair growth). 6-gingerol suppressed hair growth in the cultured follicles and reduced the growth of the dermal papilla cells.
• In mice: similar results were seen, and 6-gingerol prolonged the resting (telogen) phase of the hair cycle.

The authors concluded that 6-gingerol does not have the ability to promote hair growth. Instead, it can suppress hair growth, and they suggested it might be studied as a possible hair *removal* agent ¹.

What this does and does not mean

It is important not to overstate this study either way.

• It was done in lab-grown cells and follicles and in mice, not in people using ginger on their scalps.
• It tested one compound, 6-gingerol, not whole ginger juice or a ginger shampoo.
• It does not prove that ginger shampoo causes hair loss.

But it does mean there is no good evidence that ginger helps hair grow, and the only direct study we found points the other way. The researchers declared no competing interests ¹.

Is ginger safe?

NCCIH, a US government health research centre, says ginger has been used safely in many studies when taken by mouth as a dietary supplement, and ginger products may also be safe for topical use ². When taken by mouth, ginger can cause abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhoea and mouth and throat irritation ².

NCCIH also says that research shows ginger may help with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, but it does not list hair growth among its studied uses ².

Using raw ginger on the scalp

Fresh ginger juice may sting and irritate skin, especially if the scalp is broken or sensitive. If you choose to try it despite the evidence:

• Patch test on a small area first and wait a day.
• Do not use it on sore, scratched or inflamed skin.
• Keep it away from your eyes.
• Stop if you notice burning, redness or itching.

Taking ginger supplements

If you take any medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using ginger or other herbal supplements, as some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways. If you are pregnant, check with your doctor first. Little is known about whether ginger supplements are safe while breastfeeding ².

Enjoy ginger as food

There is no reason to avoid ginger in your cooking. It is a normal part of many dishes. Just do not rely on it to treat hair loss.

What to do instead

If you are worried about hair fall, a better first step is to understand the cause:

• Sudden heavy shedding often has a trigger, such as illness, stress or childbirth. See sudden severe hair fall.
• Gradual thinning at the crown or hairline may be pattern hair loss. See genetic hair loss.
• Bald patches need a doctor's diagnosis. See alopecia areata.

Other natural remedies have a little more research behind them, though the evidence is still limited. See rosemary oil and pumpkin seed oil.

Choosing a shampoo

If a shampoo with ginger suits your scalp and you like it, there is no strong reason to stop using it for cleansing. But do not choose it expecting it to treat hair loss. Choose a shampoo mainly for your scalp's needs. See hair loss shampoo.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have heavy or sudden shedding, bald patches, a painful or inflamed scalp, or hair loss with other symptoms such as tiredness or weight change.

The bottom line

Ginger has a long tradition as a hair remedy, and ginger shampoos are popular. But researchers found no scientific evidence for these claims, and their lab and mouse study found that ginger's main active compound slowed hair growth instead. The study was not done in people, so it does not prove harm, but it gives no reason to use ginger for hair loss. Enjoy ginger in food, and look for the real cause of your hair fall.

Frequently asked questions

Does ginger help hair grow?

We found no good evidence that it does. A 2013 study found 6-gingerol, ginger's main active compound, suppressed hair growth in lab follicles and mice ¹.

Do ginger shampoos stop hair fall?

The 2013 researchers said there was no scientific evidence to back up these claims ¹.

Is ginger safe to use?

NCCIH says ginger has been used safely as an oral supplement in many studies and may be safe on the skin, but it can cause stomach upset and heartburn by mouth ².

Will ginger shampoo make my hair fall out?

That has not been shown. The study used one compound in lab cells and mice, not shampoo on people ¹.

Educational content. Not medical advice.