7 of the Most Effective Scientifically Proven Ingredients for Hair Growth and Shine

December 26, 2022

While many factors impact hair growth, some practical scientifically proven natural methods work quickly to grow hair back.

1. AMLA (INDIAN GOOSEBERRY)

What is Amla?

Amla Berry, known as Indian Gooseberry or Amalaki in Ayurveda, the ancient sister science of yoga from India, is a fruit long revered as a blood purifier and restorative tonic. One berry contains as much Vitamin C as 20 oranges!

What does Amla taste like? Amla has five tastes (sour, bitter, pungent, astringent, sweet), although sourness is pre-dominant for most people on the first bite.

Is Amla effective for hair growth? Is Amla effective for reducing premature graying?

Given that Amla is an excellent source of Vitamin C., it is full of many health benefits. It nourishes the hair roots and improves luster. The nutrients and antioxidants in Amla prevent free radical damage to hair follicles. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can stop dandruff formation.

Amla oil application to the roots of hair improves hair growth and reduces premature graying. This is a prevalent remedy to decrease baldness and hair loss. This quality is due to the tannin contents such as tannic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, iron, and antioxidant material that freezes free radical damage to hair follicles. According to studies published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) (Ref 1), Amla oil has an antifungal effect due to unsaturated C18 fatty acids.

Vedic Tiger Products with Amla:

Neeli Nourishing Hair Oil

Miracle Superfoods Organic Herbal Jam (Chyavanaprash)

Happy Belly Gut Detox Powder (Triphala)

Hair Growth Starter Kit

Customer Review of the Neeli Nourishing Hair Oil

2. BHRINGRAJ

What is Bhringraj?

Bhringraj, also known as Eclipta or False Daisy, is a medicinal herb that promotes hair growth. It is a member of the sunflower family. Bhringraj translates to “ruler of bees,” as it is an effective pollinating flower.

It is a popular ayurvedic ingredient revered for supporting hair growth and increasing hair shine and luster, earning its name as the “King of Hair” herb.

Is Bhringraj effective for hair growth? Is Bhringraj effective for dandruff?

Bhringraj helps blood circulation to the scalp by stimulating and triggering hair growth. It also prevents scalp problems caused by dandruff and irritation. Clinical Studies reported by the National Institute of Health (NIH) (Ref 2) show that Bhringraj extracts significantly reduced hair growth time by half.

Bhringraj prevents scalp issues and irritation due to dandruff, so that hair growth remains unhindered. It is an antioxidant to cleanse the scalp due to sebum deposition, opens blocked pores, kills bacteria, and promotes hair growth. It conditions hair and removes dandruff. It has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can help reduce dandruff, which can help psoriasis or other skin irritations on the scalp. It is also said to improve circulation to the scalp.

Vedic Tiger Products with Bhringraj:

Neeli Nourishing Hair Oil

Hair Growth Starter Kit

3. MORINGA

What is Moringa?

Moringa oleifera, or simply, Moringa, is a plant often called the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, though now grown in some other tropical areas, India remains the largest producer of Moringa.

Moringa is a nutrient-packed superfood. Moringa leaves, seeds, bark, roots, sap, and flowers have long been used in traditional medicine throughout Southeast Asia. Moringa powder is often added to smoothies, nutrition bars, energy drinks, and herbal teas. In oil form, it is used topically for hair and skincare.

Is Moringa Scientifically Proven for Hair Growth?

The Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences has reported studies showing effective hair growth activity favorably comparable to minoxidil (the generic form of the brand Rogaine). The absence of irritation, faster initiation, and high rate of hair growth are favorable activities that show Moringa’s effectiveness as a hair growth promoter, suggesting it would be beneficial to conduct further studies on humans. (Ref 3)

Is Moringa effective for hair growth? Does Moringa make hair shiny?

Minerals and amino acids in Moringa may be the cause for the significant hair growth activity. Moringa contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B, and Omega-3 fatty acids. All these nutrients nourish the hair and promote growth. Vitamin A is crucial in developing healthy cells and tissues in the body. Vitamin B helps produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. Improved blood circulation in the scalp allows the hair follicles to grow strong and healthy.

Moringa is also a good source of iron. Moringa is a rich source of zinc. Zinc protects the hair from drying and keeps the oil glands in the scalp healthy and nourished. The content of phytosterol compounds and fatty acids in moringa seed oil has the potential as an anti-alopecia. The mechanism of action of the mix as an anti-alopecia occurs through inhibiting the five α-reductase enzymes by preventing the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from binding to androgen receptors in hair follicles, which can prevent hair loss. Other components, such as tocopherols, can act as antioxidants to protect the scalp, help effectively circulate blood flow to the scalp, and provide nutrients for the hair.

Moringa is high in Oleic Acid, also known as Omega-9; it is the most abundant fatty acid and gently cleans the scalp without stripping the moisture. Moringa is also high in Behenic Acid, an intense conditioning agent that helps smooth and hydrate hair follicles, making hair shiny and bouncy.

4. NEEM

What is Neem?

Neem has recently attracted worldwide prominence due to its medicinal properties. Neem has been extensively used in Ayurveda and Homoeopathic medicine. Neem has more than 140 biologically active compounds that are chemically diverse and structurally complex. All parts of the neem tree- leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots, and bark have been used traditionally for various treatments. Neem Oil is a natural byproduct of the neem tree, a type of evergreen that primarily grows in India. The oil is pressed from the tree’s fruits and seeds.

Is Neem Effective for Hair Growth?

Neem helps with blood circulation to the scalp and keeps it calm, reducing irritation and dandruff. Neem oil contains the active ingredient nimbidin. Some research suggests that nimbidin can help suppress inflammation, which may make it helpful in treating dermatitis, psoriasis, or other scalp irritation. It reduces itchiness caused by dandruff and is an excellent anti-fungal, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial plant. It treats clogged pores and increases hair growth.

Neem oil is rich in fatty acids, triglycerides, calcium, and Vitamin E. Vitamin E can help skin cells regenerate and promote a healthier scalp. Although more research is needed, there is reason to believe that topical application delivers these nutrients directly to your hair, potentially resulting in healthier locks. A 2011 study found that neem seed extract successfully killed head lice larvae after 5 minutes of treatment and adult head lice after 10 minutes of treatment. (Ref 4)

5. PEPPERMINT OIL

Peppermint Oil Benefits for Hair Growth

Is Peppermint Oil Effective for Hair Growth?

Peppermint has been used for health purposes for many years, with experts believing that the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans used mint thousands of years ago.

Though research is limited, peppermint oil could hold promise as a hair growth treatment. A 2014 study suggests that a peppermint oil solution promotes hair growth. The peppermint oil used performed better than minoxidil, a hair growth product approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Research on a study group that used peppermint oil topically for four weeks showed prominent hair growth effects and a significant increase in dermal thickness, follicle number, and depth. (Ref 5)

Essential oils are usually very concentrated, which means a little can go a long way. Peppermint oil should not be used at full strength on the skin or scalp. Instead, it should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, or mixed in with a hair product.

6. HIBISCUS

Hibiscus Benefits for Hair Growth

Is Hibiscus Scientifically Proven for Hair Growth?

A 2003 study on rats published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) (Ref 6) concluded that the leaf extract of the Hibiscus plant positively affected hair length and hair follicles. These initial findings show potential for further clinical studies on humans.

Is Hibiscus Effective for Hair Growth?

Hibiscus has amino acids, vitamins A, C, and alpha hydroxyl acids that are beneficial for a healthy scalp and may promote hair growth. Hibiscus has astringent and cooling properties, which help reduce excess oil gland secretions in the scalp, assisting in the reduction of dandruff. Hibiscus leaves contain bioactive compounds like tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which are beneficial for hair.

7. ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha Root Benefits for Hair Growth and Alopecia

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as “Indian Winter cherry” or Indian Ginseng,” is an evergreen shrub that’s found in India, Africa, and parts of the Middle East. Ashwagandha's first known use is in India’s Ayurvedic system of medicine, dating back thousands of years. Traditionally, the roots and leaves of ashwagandha increase vitality, improve general health and longevity, and prevent disease — or give you the strength of a horse.

Ashwagandha is now considered an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens are a category of herbs traditionally regarded as nontoxic and thought to increase the body’s ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.

Over the last century, many scientific studies have shown that ashwagandha benefits various diseases due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammation qualities, supporting the immune system and decreasing anxiety and stress levels.

What are the Benefits of Ashwagandha for Hair? Is Ashwagandha Good for Hair?

High levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in the hair follicles are known to impact the hair growth cycle and decrease synthesis while increasing the breakdown of essential components in the skin. Human studies show that Ashwagandha performed significantly better than placebo in reducing anxiety and stress levels. (Ref 7)

Is Ashwagandha Effective for Hair Growth?

Scientifically Proven Benefits of Ashwagandha for Hair Loss

Active components in Ashwagandha work together to improve hair growth. These biologically active components include alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and steroidal lactones. The steroidal lactones present in Ashwagandha are Withanolides and withaferin. The anti-inflammatory property of Withanolide helps treat scalp conditions responsible for hindering hair growth. Withanolides suppress the activity of cyclooxygenase 2, which reduces pain and inflammation. Ashwagandha contains glycoproteins that possess anti-microbial properties and protects the scalp from harmful microorganisms.

Ashwagandha accelerates the production and release of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) which has antioxidant properties. This hormone protects the hair follicle and scalp from free radical damage. It stimulates the production of collagen and sebum release from the sebaceous gland, lying close to the hair follicles. Collagen repairs dry and damaged hair, whereas sebum nourishes the hair and scalp skin. Collagen and sebum protect the hair and scalp from sun damage and lock the skin's moisture.

Ashwagandha replenishes melanin stores and reverses the premature greying of hair. Melanin is the pigment required for imparting color to the hair. A decrease in melanin production leads to premature graying of hair and may be associated with several skin conditions. Tyrosine, an amino acid, is an integral component of ashwagandha. Tyrosine is the precursor amino acid for melanin production in the skin and hair follicles.

Ashwagandha manages the cortisol levels in the blood and controls follicular damage. Cortisol is the stress hormone responsible for causing the destruction of the hair follicles and impeding healthy hair growth. By reducing stress and anxiety, this herb reduces hair fall and increases hair density on the scalp. Moreover, ashwagandha treats postpartum hair loss.

Ashwagandha stimulates the release of nitric oxide by increasing the activity of nitric oxide synthetase, which leads to arterial vasodilation and improved blood flow to different areas of the body.

Ashwagandha also contains essential proteins, which are integral for hair structure, elasticity, and strength. Ashwagandha is rich in Vitamin C and has antioxidant properties, iron, tannins, glucose that nourishes hair follicles, potassium, nitrate, and other compounds.

Vedic Tiger Products with Ashwagandha:

Be Calm Powder (Ashwagandha)

The Supreme Soothing Body Massage Oil

Hair Growth Starter Kit

Glowing Skin Starter Kit

To recap, here are the 7 Natural Ingredients Backed By Science that are Most Effective for Hair Growth and Getting Thickness and Making Hair Shine