The stinging hairs are designed to act as a natural defense mechanism to ward off insects and pests. However, nettle leaves are rich in several biologically-active compounds, vitamins, and minerals like iron and sulfur (1). Along with the leaves, nettle flowers also contain potent antioxidants (1). Despite being classified as a weed, these potent biochemicals make stinging nettle a therapeutic and cosmeceutical herb.
What Are The Benefits Of Nettle For Hair?
When used the right way, stinging nettle can be a great nourisher, particularly for hair and skin.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The active biomolecules have potent anti-inflammatory properties that help in the treatment of skin and scalp conditions like eczema (1).
Controls Hair Loss And Baldness: By controlling and maintaining a clean scalp, nettle extracts prevent hair loss (1). Nettle may also strengthen hair anchorage by clearing clogged cuticles, thus preventing baldness. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove the same.
Antimicrobial Effects: Nettle leaves and flowers have shown antimicrobial effects against bacteria and fungi like coli and Candida albicans (1). So, you can use this herbal extract to manage scalp infections often caused by such microbes in humid conditions.
Heals Bleeding Wounds: Turkish ancient medicine uses a combination of thyme, licorice, common grape, and nettle to stop bleeding and blood loss (1). This may also effectively heal painful bleeding wounds and scabs on the scalp too.
Manages Dandruff: Massaging nettle oil into the scalp or using a shampoo containing nettle is said to control dandruff and flaking on the scalp (2).
Now that you know all about the benefits of nettle for your hair, find out how to use it in the next section.
How To Use Nettle For Hair DIY Methods
1. Nettle Extract Salve
This salve uses nettle leaves and seeds that are rich in nutrients and polyphenols. These active molecules nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair fibers. Applying this salve may help prevent baldness and dandruff. You Will Need
Dried nettle seeds Surgical spirit (alcohol/ethanol): enough to cover the seeds Nettle herb: 1 part Olive oil: 3 parts Muslin cloth or sieve Rosemary or lavender essential oils (optional) Glass bowls or mixing bowls (small or medium-sized)
What To Do
2. DIY Herbal Rinse
This nettle-based hair rinse uses herbs like rosemary, sage, and lavender. Rosemary leaves and lavender flowers improve the hair count and control hair loss and alopecia (3), (4). Sage has a characteristic camphor scent and potent anti-inflammatory effects, both of which may be beneficial for your hair and scalp (5). You Will Need
Nettle dried leaves: 10 teaspoons Dried lavender flowers: 7 teaspoons Dried sage herb: 6 teaspoons Rosemary herb: 5 teaspoons Filtered water: 2 cups Mixing bowl (medium-sized) Saucepan Amber bottle (small/medium)
What To Do
3. Rosemary-Nettle Anti-Dandruff Rinse
Rosemary extracts can easily penetrate the scalp to treat dry scalp and dandruff (6). When combined with apple cider vinegar and nettle leaves, it is said to effectively maintain scalp and hair health. You Will Need
Nettle dried leaves: 1 tablespoon Rosemary dried leaves: 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar (ACV): 2 tablespoons Filtered water: 2 cups Glass or ceramic pot with lid
What To Do You can also nettle in other forms to improve your hair health. Check them out in the next section!
Other Ways To Use Nettle For Hair Health
Stinging nettle leaves are not limited to external use and topical application. They retain their nutrients even when cooked or boiled. Some Native American tribes eat nettle as the first green food of the season (7). Here are a few common ways to use nettle to improve your hair health. However, note that not all of them have supporting scientific evidence.
Nettle Oil: Add a few nettle leaves (fresh or dried) to a container with olive oil. Let it infuse for about a month. Massage the oil into your scalp regularly before washing your hair. The active molecules in this oil infusion may help control hair loss.
Nettle Tea: Boil a spoonful of dried nettle leaves in 2-3 cups of filtered water. Let it steep for 4-5 minutes. Strain and serve the tea warm or cold.
Nettle Shoots And Roots: Blanch or boil tender nettle shoots and roots. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on them. Add a dollop of butter and combine well. This can be a nutrient-dense side-dish or salad as the toxic chemicals in nettle are deactivated during the cooking process (8).
Nettle Supplements:
Not a fan of nettle leaves? Try nettle supplements. They come in the form of capsules or tablets that retain all the nutrients of fresh nettle. No more fear of stings, rashes, or irritation! There are many other options to get your share of nettle nutrients. However, you should be cautious in choosing which ones you use and when and how you use them. The active molecules of this powerful weed could trigger side effects.
Does Stinging Nettle Have Risks And Side Effects?
Not using proper equipment while harvesting or handling nettle can cause severe rashes and irritation. Pregnant and lactating women are advised against using nettle. It may induce abortion and uterine contractions (7). Nettle juice may cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal complaints (7). If you are on blood thinners, diuretics, blood pressure, or diabetes medication, consult your doctor before using nettle products.
Does nettle tea block DHT? Yes. Nettle has the potential to block DHT (dihydrotestosterone), i.e., the hormone responsible for hair loss and thinning hair. Nettle extracts inhibit the enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT, thus blocking its production. How do you make nettle spray for hair? Boil a cup of fresh nettle leaves in a cooking pot for 10-20 minutes. Strain out the leaves and let the water cool down. Add about 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the water and store it in the fridge. Pour the water into a spray bottle and spray your hair and scalp with it after shampooing.
