But does sulfur help with hair growth? Let us understand in the next section.

How Does Sulfur Affect Hair Growth?

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), an organosulfur compound, is also popular as an effective nutritional supplement that supports the growth and overall health of hair, skin, and nails. It contains keratin, a major building block of hair and nails (3). MSM helps donate sulfur to keratin, strengthening the bonds between the keratin molecules in the hair (3). This way, the sulfur strengthens hair and boosts its elasticity. This does show that sulfur can promote hair health. But are you getting enough of it?

Are You Getting Enough Sulfur?

Symptoms of sulfur deficiency include dry/brittle hair, skin, and nails. Some research shows that the elderly may not be receiving sufficient sulfur (4). There are three ways you can include enough sulfur in your diet/routine:

A. Have A Sulfur-Rich Diet

Have a protein-rich diet. Protein contains 3 to 6 percent sulfur amino acids as per studies (4). The following foods promote natural keratin synthesis (4):

fish high quality, grass-fed beef, and poultry eggs Brussels sprouts asparagus legumes garlic kale onion wheat germ

B. Take MSM Supplements

These supplements are available at most over-the-counter stores. However, speak to your dermatologist before you take them. Do not self-prescribe any supplement.

C. Use A DIY Sulfur Oil Recipe

Simple DIY Sulfur Oil Recipes For Hair Growth

Recipe 1

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of sublimed sulfur powder 4 oz. of jojoba oil 2 oz. of Jamaican black castor oil 2 oz. of extra virgin olive oil 4 to 5 drops of rosemary essential oil 4 to 5 drops of peppermint essential oil

Directions

Use an applicator bottle to mix all the ingredients. The nozzle also allows you to apply the mixture to the scalp easily. Apply to your scalp (without touching your hair length) and gently massage section by section. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before washing with cool water. You can wear a shower cap if you intend to keep it on overnight.

Recipe 2

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of sulfur powder 1 cup of coconut/castor oil 10 drops of your favorite essential oil, such as that of lavender, peppermint, or tea tree (optional)

Directions

Mix all ingredients in an applicator bottle. Use a funnel to avoid wastage. Shake it and apply the mixture to your scalp. Gently dab the oil on your roots. Ensure not to apply excess of it. Massage gently into your scalp. Leave it on overnight or rinse after 30 minutes.

Recipe 3

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of sulfur powder 2 oz. of extra virgin olive oil 4 oz. of jojoba oil 2 oz. of castor oil 4 drops of peppermint essential oil 4 drops of rosemary essential oil

Directions

Mix all ingredients in an applicator bottle. Use a funnel to avoid wastage. Shake it and apply the mixture to your scalp. Gently dab the oil on your roots. Ensure not to apply excess of it. Massage gently into your scalp. Leave it on overnight or rinse after 30 minutes.

You also must keep the following pointers in mind while trying out the DIY recipes.

How To Use The Hair Growth Oil Mix: Tips And Recommendations

Be mindful of shaking the applicator bottle before use. This evenly distributes the sulfur.

Do a patch test on a smaller area to check if you are allergic to sulfur.

Do not use sulfur in higher proportions. Do not exceed the recommended amounts.

Start by taking half the recommended amount of sulfur and gradually increase the quantity.

Is sulfur water good for your hair? Although anecdotal evidence suggests that consuming sulfur or soaking in sulfur water has hair benefits, there is little scientific data to support the claim. What is the difference between sulfur and sulfate? Sulfates are a type of substance known as surfactants that are crucial to the efficiency of shampoos. Surfactants reduce the surface tension of the liquid in which they are present, making it simpler to mix with water and form a foam. Sulfur is an element that has many advantages for the hair, particularly for people with brittle, dry hair. Sulfur is supposed to help strengthen the hair and improve its elasticity. It is also believed that taking sulfur supplements may assist in enhancing the overall hair health because keratin, a crucial protein in the hair, is composed of sulfur. However, more research is required to understand the benefits of sulfur for hair.

Sources

Sulfur in human nutrition and applications in medicine,https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11896744/#:~:text=Sulfur%20is%20the%20sixth%20most,homocysteine%2C%20homocystine%2C%20and%20taurine Chemistry and Biochemistry of Sulfur Natural Compounds: Key Intermediates of Metabolism and Redox Biology.https://www.ecronicon.com/ecnu/pdf/ECNU-14-00660.pdf Beneficial Effects of a Sulfur-Containing Supplement on Hair and Nail Condition,https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2019-11/beneficial-effects-sulfur-containing-supplement-hair-and-nail-condition Are we getting enough sulfur in our diet?,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2198910/