Nettle for hair loss and growth for hair

In the arsenal of folk cosmetology, recipes based on practical knowledge and observations of nature prevail. Hair care, as an integral part of the appearance of a beautiful woman, was and remains a priority. Looking respectable is also important for men, and this is impossible without neat, beautiful hair. Using nettle for hair, according to these recipes, replaces expensive branded products. At the same time, the influence of chemicals and other components that adversely affect the skin and hair is excluded.

The genus Urtica belongs to the family Urticaceae in the main group of angiosperms (flowering plants). There are 46 species of flowering plants in the genus Urtica. The best known representatives of the genus are the nettle Urtica dioica L. and the small nettle U. urens L., which grow in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. Plants belonging to the genus Urtica are herbaceous perennials and can grow up to 2 m in height.

The word stinging nettle is said to come from the Anglo-Saxon word noedl meaning needle, while its Latin name urtica means to burn. This refers to the stinging effect of the tiny hairs on the stems and leaves, which when rubbed into the skin cause a burning sensation and temporary rash.

Indications for use

Thanks to the unique richness of its composition, nettle for hair brings invaluable benefits. The stinging bush is able to miraculously revive hair, make it shiny, thick, healthy. Indications for use arise when hair loses all this beauty. It becomes dull and weak, brittle and thin, falls out and flakes.

Antibacterial as well as antifungal effects have been reported for U. dioica extracts (Iranian Herbal Pharmacopoea Committee, 2003; Dar et al., 2012), and it is used in shampoos to combat dandruff.[ 1 ]

Nettle products have a beneficial effect on the scalp: they eliminate irritation, dandruff and itching, regulate oiliness. Rinses prevent dandruff and gray hair, stimulate growth and thickness, optimize blood circulation and breathing.

Traditional medicine in various countries treats many diseases with nettle preparations: from anemia to rheumatism, from stopping bleeding to women's problems. The stinging weed is in demand both as a food product and as animal feed. Naturally, after processing, which consists of eliminating the stinging.

The beneficial compounds found in nettle are considered to be of great importance in medicine and pharmacology. For example, homovanillyl alcohol has been shown to protect against cardiovascular disease, [ 2 ] while histamine affects the complex physiology of brain systems, influencing cognitive processes including learning and memory, [ 3 ] as well as neurotransmitters involved in neuromodulation processes. Phytosterols reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines and thus reduce blood cholesterol levels. Scopoletin is a stimulator of lipoprotein lipase activity and protects against cardiovascular disease. [ 4 ] Lignans improve immune responses. [ 5 ]

Nettle has significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria compared to standard and potent antimicrobial compounds such as miconazole nitrate, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ofloxacin and netilmicin. [ 6 ] The results indicate the great potential of this plant for the discovery of new effective compounds. [ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Nettle may help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and joint pain, typically in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Nettle may work in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), allowing patients to reduce their use of NSAIDs.[ 9 ]

Infusions of the plant can be used for nasal and menstrual bleeding, diabetes, anemia, asthma, hair loss, and to stimulate lactation. Terpenes and phenols are the main groups associated with cancer inhibition, as well as the treatment of headaches, rheumatism, and some skin diseases. [ 10 ] Phenols have also been linked to the inhibition of atherosclerosis and cancer, as well as age-related degenerative disorders of the brain.

In a study conducted by Bourgeois et al., Nettle was used for cosmetic use as an anti-aging complex, including inhibition of collagenase and elastase activity. These properties can be attributed to ursolic acid and quercetin present in nettle extracts.

Herbal extract of Urtica plant is useful for bladder diseases, reduces postoperative blood loss and prevents hemorrhagic and purulent inflammation after adenomectomy.

Nettle for hair loss

Hair loss can be a normal physiological or pathological process caused by a number of reasons. Vitamin deficiency, hypothermia, anemia, hormonal imbalance, trauma - any of these conditions can provoke a mass "leaving" of the head by hair. Not to mention specific pathologies and internal disorders.

• Normally, hair grows for three years, then falls out, and a new one appears in its place. About 100 hairs fall out per day.

If the amount of hair loss significantly exceeds this figure, then this is a cause for concern and the use of measures to save the braids. Nettle for hair loss is the best option for those who trust natural products.

• It is unlikely that anyone counts the hairs that have fallen out; most likely, it will be noticeable on the comb or brush, when washing your hair, or by the condition of your hairstyle.

Having discovered such a phenomenon, it is advisable to visit a doctor to determine its causes. Perhaps he will recommend nettle for hair as an additional method of treatment. After all, its benefits have been proven by many years of practice of using herbs to strengthen and improve hair health.

Nettle decoction is used to rinse braids washed with detergents. In addition to nettle, burdock or calamus root, rosemary, and mint are useful. Place a spoonful of each ingredient in a bowl, pour in 2 liters of boiling water, and let it brew for about 2 hours. It is better if brewing occurs in a thermos, in the most favorable conditions for this process. The infusion prepared in this way strengthens the roots, adds shine and volume to the hair.

Nettle for oily hair

There are two types of nettle that can be used for hair: dry pharmacy nettle or, in season, freshly picked green nettle. The plant builds up and maintains its beneficial properties throughout the summer: from May to August. In order to cut the stinging stems with a sharp knife, you need to protect your hands with thick gloves. Soon the plant stops stinging, and the leaves can be torn off the stems without the risk of causing burns.

• Nettle is used more actively for oily hair than for other types.

As a remedy against dandruff, it is an effective natural medicine, does not irritate the skin, on the contrary, it relieves the existing itching. Normal hair can also be treated with nettle, but with dry hair it is better to be careful or look for another remedy.

• Both leaves and stems are suitable for eliminating excess oiliness. To grind them, place them in a blender or crush them with a wooden rolling pin, rub the resulting juice into the scalp with smooth circular movements, and leave for up to 15 minutes.

The intense green color should be washed off with clean water or nettle infusion. It should be at a comfortable temperature: too hot or cold liquid not only does not bring benefits, but can also provoke an increase in oiliness and dandruff.

When using nettle juice and "porridge", you should know that curls dyed in light tones change color from this, and not for the better. Dirty green curls are unlikely to please blondes, even if they stop being greasy and covered in dandruff. Therefore, it is better for brown-haired and brunette women to use this recipe.

Nettle for hair growth

The correct use of nettle for hair growth confirms its effectiveness. It is a real gift of nature for those who care about the appearance, youth and health of hair. Regular use of nettle juice accelerates all processes that strengthen follicles and rods.

• After 5-6 procedures using nettle for hair, miraculous transformations occur: dandruff and eczema disappear, gray hair and split ends are eliminated.

Nettle masks restore health, strength, shine, accelerate growth, strengthen the structure, restore irritated surfaces. If you are ready to prepare the raw materials yourself, then cut the stems in the garden, vegetable garden, or field. In order not to give a chance to environmentally dirty plants, avoid thickets near highways or gas stations. Cut in dry weather, when the plants contain less moisture. Dry the nettles under awnings, spreading them in a thin layer on fabric or paper.

A useful infusion for rinsing is prepared in the following proportions: 200 g of raw material per 2 liters of boiling water. Keep in a closed container: first 15 minutes on low heat, then half an hour without heat. Rinsing should be done every other day for a month. Repeat - after a 3-week interval. Adding 2 tablespoons of vinegar to the infusion enhances the healthy shine.

Strengthening hair with nettle

What does it mean to strengthen hair with nettle? It means to provide prevention or reduce the intensity of hair loss, if such a phenomenon already exists. To do this, it is necessary to make the follicles, roots, and structure of each hair more resistant. Nettle for hair is used for this purpose in several ways. The easiest way is to add juice, oil, or infusion to the shampoo with which you constantly wash your hair to enhance its effectiveness.

• The best option is to wash alternately: first with shampoo, then with nettle infusion without shampoo.

Natural blondes should know that strengthening can be combined with lightening. If you infuse nettle leaves with chamomile flowers and rinse your braids with this liquid, their natural beauty will be maintained constantly. This procedure can be repeated several times in a row, each time wrapping your hair to keep it warm. It is not recommended to subject artificially colored locks to such manipulations: they may acquire a greenish tint.

Strengthening oily hair and eliminating excess sebum secretion is carried out as follows.

• Nettle porridge from fresh leaves is combined with a teaspoon of natural sea salt. Flavors or other additives are inappropriate. After pouring hot water over the mixture, it must be kept until it cools and rubbed into the scalp with delicate movements.

Nettle for hair roots

Proper use of nettle for hair roots helps to solve the main problem: prevent hair loss, fragility, and destruction of hair structure. The green mass contains the so-called "beauty vitamins", minerals, phytoncides, organic acids, and has a beneficial effect on the surface of the skin.

• Nettle has an invaluable effect on hair: it eliminates itching and damage, strengthens hair follicles and shafts, and reduces oiliness. Hair grows better, becomes soft, voluminous, and shiny.

Everyone knows how a stinging plant affects human skin. Blood rushes to the point of contact, saturating each point of the skin with oxygen and nutrients. Similar processes occur less intensively and without pain, but just as effectively when applying juice or infusion to the scalp. Therefore, stimulation of blood supply and nutrition of the bulbs and roots actually leads to an improvement in the condition of the hair as a whole.

• When wanting to strengthen your hair, it is important not to damage it with illiterate actions.

So, it should be remembered that nettle procedures dry out braids, therefore, if you are prone to dryness, the prepared products are rubbed into the skin, but not applied to the entire length. When washing, rub the product into the roots and the entire length, massaging the scalp.

• A convenient way to apply the solution to the roots is to spray it with a spray bottle.

To avoid dyeing your locks an unpleasant greenish color, blondes should either add lemon juice to the preparations or not use nettle at all. Another option is to combine nettle with chamomile flowers.

Nettle for split ends

Modern cosmetology actively uses nettle for split ends. Dry leaves and roots are used to make preparations, and fresh stems and leaves are also used at home. Nettle raw materials are used to make decoctions, infusions, and alcohol extracts. Nettle oil is the main medicine for damaged, brittle, and overdried hair. It is sold in pharmacies, and if desired, it is easily prepared at home from olive oil and dry nettle. After 2 weeks of infusion and filtration, the oil is ready.

• Effective alternation of nettle preparations accelerates the treatment of split ends. It is also useful to combine nettle with other components necessary for hair.

Vinegar, chamomile flowers, sea salt, burdock, yolk, vitamin B, gelatin are wonderful natural products that make hair a real adornment for a woman. Minerals increase tone, caffeine tones.

The industry offers a choice of cosmetics, the recipe of which contains nettle components. The natural mask of the same name Dushka from a Ukrainian manufacturer is designed to restore, nourish, and grow women's curls. In addition to nettle, it contains important hair components of primrose, camellia, almond, avocado, macadamia, and poppy seed.

Under the influence of such a bouquet, the growth of healthy curls is activated, the regeneration of damaged hair shafts, and the density increases. Strength, shine, and grooming become the norm if you use a nettle remedy at least once a week - on dry hair, an hour before washing. Dushka is rubbed into the skin and distributed along the strands, the head is wrapped in a warm towel, and after holding, it is washed off with shampoo.

Hair coloring with nettle

The use of nettle for hair by blondes can lead to unexpected consequences: light strands perceive the color of the decoction or mask and can turn slightly green. It is unlikely that every woman is ready for such a radical change in appearance, but unwanted greening is easy to prevent: for this purpose, vinegar or lemon juice is included in medicinal recipes.

Some articles talk about dyeing hair with nettle to get a beautiful chestnut shade. A decoction is made from the plant, the use of which not only changes the color, but also makes the hair strong, firm, shiny, eliminates dandruff, excess oiliness and excessive dryness. The recipe is as follows:

• For 100g of dry raw material, take a half-liter jar of water and the same amount of vinegar. Simmer, without boiling, for half an hour on low heat, keep in a wrapped container for another 2 hours. Filter.

Apply according to the following scheme: after washing, wet the hair, rub into the roots at night every day. The intensity of the shade depends on the duration of rubbing, which can be done from a week to 2 months.

However, many interested readers have doubts about dyeing their hair in a chestnut tone, not a green one. Maybe this only applies to a certain color, and not to any hair? There is no way to clarify the information, except to check it with personal experience. It is certain that such a procedure promotes strengthening, growth, elimination of dandruff and excess oiliness.

Strands become lighter from a herbal infusion of nettle and chamomile. The hair is washed and wrapped with the infusion, and after drying, it is moistened several times with chamomile water.

Nettle for hair restoration

The restorative properties of nettle for hair are due to the presence of vitamin A in it. Preparations based on the stinging plant are able to restore health even to severely damaged follicles and shafts. Nettle procedures for hair restoration promote more active growth and improve the condition of curls and ringlets.

• In general, nettle has a complex effect. Prevents hair loss, adds shine, restores elasticity.

Formic acid, which is found in the hairs of the plant, disintegrates into water and carbon dioxide at high temperatures. Water moisturizes the braids, carbon dioxide displaces impurities. Hair becomes alive, shiny, and of a natural color. Thanks to vitamin C, collagen fibers are nourished, which increases elasticity along the entire length of the hair. Vitamin K maintains a natural, vibrant, and rich shade.

• This pleases brown-haired and brunette women, but may upset fair-haired women. Therefore, they should either give up nettles or take precautions.

The tannins in the plant combat dandruff and irritation. In addition, the strands become soft and pleasant to the touch.

Flavonoids protect against hair loss, nourish and enrich with useful substances, especially during the off-season. Organic acids prevent itching and associated discomfort.

Nettle for hair thickness

In addition to nettle, combinations with other medicinal plants are very useful for hair thickness. For this purpose, not only green ground parts are used, but also nettle roots. In combination with nasturtium fruits, they provide an effective means for increasing the thickness and splendor of hair.

• A mixture of crushed nettle roots and nasturtium is placed in a bottle of vodka and left for a month, shaking every five days. The unfiltered tincture is rubbed in twice a week.

Nettle for hair with burdock oil mutually enhances the healing properties of both components. For hair thickness, use the following recipe.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of oil and honey with mashed green nettle raw material (3-4 tablespoons). Apply the mixed mass to the roots, combining the actions with massaging. Cover your head with polyethylene and a towel, hold for up to half an hour. The mask is suitable for any hair type.

It should be remembered that the human body is an integral system, a well-coordinated mechanism. When one of the organs malfunctions, disturbances occur in other parts. Hair is a kind of indicator reflecting the state of internal organs. Monitoring hair will help not only to help them in time, but also to detect problems inside the body.

Useful properties of nettle

Urtica dioica, or stinging nettle, is the most widely studied herb. Its efficacy in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most studied aspect of this herb, which is mainly due to its 5α-R inhibition activity. [ 11 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ] Inhibition of 5α-reductase prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), high levels of which are associated with BPH. [ 14 ] The same pathogenesis is valid for androgenetic alopecia. [ 15 ], [ 16 ] Although stinging nettle leaves have traditionally been used for hair loss, confirmatory clinical trials are still lacking. In a study conducted with a combination of plant extracts including stinging nettle, the combination was found to significantly increase human dermal papilla cell proliferation at concentrations ranging from 1.5% to 4.5%. Nettle contains β-sitosterol, which stimulates angiogenesis by increasing the synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and supports new hair growth.[ 17 ]

The beneficial properties of nettle for hair can be called simply incredible! It contains so many components that even if there were no other medicinal plants, humanity would still be lush and thick-haired, with beautiful men's hair and women's curls. If it fully utilized the gifts generously offered by the surrounding nature. [ 18 ]

Studies of the composition of nettle have shown that the plants contain a significant amount of biologically active compounds. Nettle leaves contain terpenoids, [ 19 ] carotenoids, including β-carotene, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, lutein and lycopene, fatty acids, especially palmitic, cis-9,12-linoleic and α-linolenic acids, various polyphenolic compounds, [ 20 ], [ 21 ], essential amino acids, chlorophyll, vitamins, tannins, carbohydrates, sterols, polysaccharides, isolectins and minerals, the most important of which is iron.

Fresh leaves contain high concentrations of vitamins A, C, D, E, F, K and P, as well as vitamin B complexes. [ 22 ] Leaves are also known to contain particularly high amounts of the metals selenium, zinc, iron and magnesium. Rafajlovska et al. noted that nettle leaves, stems and roots contained higher amounts of calcium than magnesium. These two elements were present in amounts almost three times higher in leaves than in stems and roots. Zinc was found in the highest concentrations in leaves (27.44 mg/kg dry weight), followed by copper (17.47 mg/kg) and manganese (17.17 mg/kg). The average values of cobalt content were significantly higher in leaves than in stems and roots. Nettle leaves additionally contain boron, sodium, iodine, chromium, copper and sulfur.

The total phenolic content of one gram of nettle powder is 129 mg GAE (Gaelic acid equivalent), which is twice as high as the phenolic content of 100 ml of cranberry juice (66.61 mg GAE). Nettle has been shown to be more saturated with individual polyphenols than other wild plants. Gaima and colleagues found that the content of phenolic compounds in nettle leaves was significantly higher than in dandelion leaves. Vajić et al. reported that the predominant phenolic compound in nettle leaves was rutin. Ferulic, caffeic, chlorogenic and sinapic acids were detected in nettle using ultrasound extraction.

Krauss and Spitteler identified eighteen phenolic compounds (including homovanillyl alcohol, vanillin, vanillic acid, and phenylpropanes) and nineteen ligands (including isolaric, iresinol, secoisolariciresinol, and neoolivil) in root extracts. Scopoletin, a coumarin derivative, was also found in nettle roots.

The leaves of the plant also contain carotenoids, mainly β-carotene, violaxanthin, xanthophylls, zeaxanthin, luteoxanthin and lutein epoxide. Five monoterpenoid components have also been found in nettle leaves: terpene diols, terpene diol glucosides, α-tocopherol.

Nettle is irreplaceable for hair, it is even strange that not all people understand this. It contains carotenoids, antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamin C, minerals, organic acids, anti-inflammatory, strengthening, tanning, antibacterial components that affect hair as follows:

• neutralize toxins and free radicals;
• enriched with pantothenic acid;
• reduce irritation and itching;
• moisturize the skin surface;
• renew cells;
• block the production of the "baldness hormone";
• combat oiliness, dandruff, seborrhea;
• dilate blood vessels, improving nutrition of follicles;
• nourish the roots, which stimulates hair growth.

Useful substances are extracted from nettles during the preparation of homemade decoctions for rinsing. For them, dried or fresh raw materials are taken, sometimes other useful herbs are added: sage, chamomile, burdock, rosemary, lavender, lemon balm, yarrow. The composition depends on the situation and hair type.

As a result of the complex action of these substances, the hair becomes stronger, firmer, shinier, and more voluminous. This is what you need to achieve by using nettle.

Contraindications

Sensitivity, ulcers and any violation of the integrity of the skin are contraindications for external use of nettle seeds or juice for hair.

• Internally, nettle remedies should not be taken in cases of bleeding caused by female problems or renal failure.

Decoctions, powder, infusions are contraindicated in hypertension, increased blood clotting, atherosclerosis, and also for pregnant women. Therefore, it is better not to use the plant without consulting a doctor.

Proper use of the herb prevents the development of possible complications. In order to prevent such phenomena, you should know that nettle products have a drying effect and make dry hair stiffer. To avoid this, it is better not to rinse them, but only rub the tincture into the roots.

Blondes risk getting an unattractive shade, so it is better for them to either not use nettle for hair, or add lemon juice to the decoction, which neutralizes green pigments.

Reviews

In their reviews, women not only report their personal experience of using nettle, but also share the secrets of independently harvesting raw materials. Many call nettle for hair the only salvation, an excellent alternative to industrial products. They use decoctions, oils, and homemade masks.

Results

Positive results are obtained regardless of the type of raw material: whether it is fresh nettle, mown by hand, or dried by pharmacists, which is offered by any drugstore. Nettle for hair is an excellent product that eliminates problems and promotes growth, health, and strengthening of hair. They become shiny, well-groomed, silky, smooth. Dandruff, itching, and irritation associated with its presence disappear.

• Hair is enriched with valuable nutrients, becomes easy to comb and shines beautifully.

Let's remember women of past centuries, with high ladies' hairstyles, and girls with shiny curls or thick long braids. But they used only folk remedies, primarily nettle, and not the shampoos-balms-conditioners that are fashionable today!

Some sources report that hair changes for the better after the first application. In fact, longer procedures are required to achieve the desired result. In addition to rinsing, nettle masks are effective, especially with the addition of vitamin and nutritional components.

As a result of using nettle preparations, dandruff disappears, and sometimes even the amount of gray hair decreases.

A weed that stings and bites everyone who touches it – this is how most of us know nettle. But behind its sharp “character” and immunity, there is much good. The benefits of nettle for hair are a clear example of this. Rinsing or rubbing in nettle products perfectly copes with all the shortcomings inherent in the scalp. A little patience – and everyone can show off a hairstyle that will be the envy of both friends and foes.