How to use galangal for hair growth: An Ultimate guide + Benefits

To use galangal for hair growth, make a paste simply by grating a piece of galangal root and mixing it with coconut oil or jojoba oil. Apply it to your scalp and hair, and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it out. You can do this once or twice a week for the best results.

To use galangal oil for hair growth, mix a few drops of galangal oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, massaging it in gently. Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight. Rinse the oil out with warm water and shampoo as usual. You can repeat this process 1-2 times per week for best results.

It is believed to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and nourish the hair follicles which can make the hair thicker and fuller. Regular use of galangal oil or extract for hair treatment can equally lower the risk of folliculitis by keeping microbes away from your hair due to its antimicrobial properties [1].

Folliculitis is a condition when the hair follicles are infected with viruses, fungi, parasites, or bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. There are more impressive benefits of galangal for hair which you will discover as you go further.

Galangal root is a rhizome or underground stem, that is native to Southeast Asia. It is closely related to ginger and turmeric, and it has a similar spicy flavor. Galangal root is commonly used in Thai and Indonesian cuisine, but it is also used in traditional medicine in many Asian cultures.

How to use galangal root for hair growth

There are several ways to use galangal root for hair. One way is to make a galangal hair mask. To do this, simply grate a piece of galangal root and mix it with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. Apply the mask to your scalp and hair, and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it out. You can do this once or twice a week for the best results.

Another way to use galangal root for hair is to add it to your shampoo or conditioner. To do this, simply grate a piece of galangal root and add it to your shampoo or conditioner bottle. Shake the bottle well before using it.

You can also drink galangal tea to promote hair growth and improve scalp health. To make galangal tea, simply grate a piece of galangal root and add it to a cup of hot water. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes before drinking it. You can drink galangal tea once or twice a day for best results.

Active compounds in galangal root that promote hair growth

Here is a list of compounds in galangal root that improve hair growth:

Galangin

Galangin is a flavonoid that has been shown to promote hair growth by stimulating the proliferation of hair follicles and increasing blood circulation to the scalp.

Kaempferol

Kaempferol is another flavonoid that has been shown to promote hair growth by inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can cause hair loss.

Quercetin.

Quercetin is a flavonoid that has been shown to protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals.

Gingerols

Gingerols are the active compounds in ginger, and they have also been shown to promote hair growth. Gingerols can stimulate the proliferation of hair follicles and increase blood circulation to the scalp.

Shogaols

Shogaols are another active compound in ginger, and they have also been shown to promote hair growth. Shogaols can inhibit the production of DHT and protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals.

In addition to these compounds, galangal root also contains several other vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy hair growth, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc.

It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which galangal root promotes hair growth. However, the available evidence suggests that galangal root is a promising natural remedy for hair loss and thinning hair.

Benefits of galangal for hair

Galangal root has several potential health benefits, including benefits for hair. Here are some of the ways that galangal root can benefit hair:

Promotes hair growth

Galangal root contains compounds that can stimulate hair growth, they work by increasing blood circulation to the scalp and nourishing the hair follicles. This can lead to thicker, fuller hair.

A supporting study on a rat that was treated with gel-containing galangal extract recorded a significant increase when compared with the untreated group. This shows the tropical application of this plant extract may promote hair growth [2].

Prevent hair loss

Galangal root can also help to reduce hair loss due to the presence of certain compounds that can help block the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can cause hair loss.
Anecdotal evidence shows that tropical application of galangal oil helps to increase the blood flow to the scalp which makes the hair stronger, and thicker and prevents hair loss or breakage.

Slows down premature graying

Galangal oil is a rich source of antioxidants that protect the cell from oxidative damage caused by free radicals[3]. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to premature aging, including graying hair.

Improves scalp health

Galangal root can also help to improve scalp health. This is because it contains galangin with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties [4]. These properties can help to reduce dandruff, scalp itchiness, and other scalp conditions.

Conclusion

Galangal root is a promising natural remedy for hair loss and thinning hair. It contains compounds that can stimulate hair growth, reduce hair loss, slow down premature graying, and improve scalp health. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which galangal root promotes hair growth and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of use.

JC

JC is passionate about finding the impact of foods (feeding habits) on human fertility and reproductive health and a way to improve fertility.