Beat Hair Loss With a 3-Ingredient Ginger Hair Mask to Restore Thick, Luscious Locks

Ah, ginger —  we love to use the warming spice for just about everything in the winter. It’s well-known for its heating abilities that create warmth in the body as well as promote overall health in more ways than one. But did you know that a ginger hair mask can also be used to halt hair loss and promote growth?

That’s right. Our favorite tangy root can actually be used topically to treat hair loss and stimulate the growth of new, healthy hair. In fact, ginger has been used historically in Ayurveda — the Indian sister science of yoga — as a treatment for hair loss, dandruff, and other conditions of the scalp. 

How exactly does it work, you ask? Well, as we already know, ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory with antimicrobial properties. With regards to hair loss, this means that ginger helps fight any buildup on the scalp and hair follicles that could be causing your hair to fall in the first place. Additionally, ginger is loaded with hair-boosting vitamins and nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous, which all work to encourage the growth of thick, healthy hair. And finally, studies have shown that ginger for hair loss works because the main compound in ginger — gingerol — encourages the circulation of fresh blood to the scalp, which stimulates the hair follicles and therefore hair growth. 

While you could simply mix ginger with a carrier oil and call it a day, why not take it to the next level? Another common ingredient used for hair growth in Ayurveda is rosemary. Rosemary is also highly beneficial for hair growth and has been used to treat hair loss and even prevent premature graying and dandruff. Similar to ginger, rosemary is an anti-inflammatory, and it also encourages circulation and nerve growth. When used on the scalp, the increase in circulation helps to restore hair follicles promoting the growth of thicker, healthier locks. To make our 3-ingredient ginger hair mask, follow the recipe below.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger or ginger paste
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil, such as coconut, almond, or olive oil
• 3 to 5 drops rosemary essential oil

Instructions

1. Begin with clean hair, as leftover product buildup on the hair and scalp will prevent your mask from soaking in fully. 
2. Combine your grated ginger or ginger paste, carrier oil of choice, and the rosemary essential oil in a small bowl.
3. Parting your hair in sections, apply the mixture from your scalp to your roots using your fingers. Be sure to focus mainly on the scalp, allowing the oil to fully saturate the area. 
4. Leave the mixture in your hair for 15 to 30 minutes, then wash as usual. 
5. For best results, apply this mask twice per week.