The Potential Benefits of Witch Hazel for Your Hair and Scalp

     You may have seen witch hazel in the first aid or wound care section of your local pharmacy, but did you know that it may also benefit your hair and scalp?

     Witch hazel is a plant (Hammamelis virginiana) whose bark, leaves, and twigs have medicinal purposes.  This plant was initially used by Native Americans [1] and has since become a drug store staple.   Uses of witch hazel include hemorrhoids, minor bleeding, and skin irritation. It can be used as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent and is an astringent [1].  It is likely safe in adults when applied to the skin [2].  This plant derivative is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is an overall safe product to use for many people [3].

     Witch hazel may have many uses for the hair and scalp.  Due to its astringent nature, it can promote drying and may be useful for individuals experiencing oily hair and oily scalp [3], as well as dandruff.  Dandruff is a form of seborrheic dermatitis that affects the scalp.  It is the result of an overgrowth of yeast and inflammation subsequent to an overabundance of oil production in the sebaceous (oil) glands in the scalp hair follicles. It often presents with flakiness of the scalp in consequence to increase cell turnover.  Due to its drying nature, it should not be used for those experiencing a dry scalp [4].  It may also help with an itchy, irritated, and red scalp [3].

     You may also be wondering if witch hazel has any benefit for those experiencing hair loss or those who may want to promote hair growth.  Currently, there is little research to support the use of witch hazel for hair loss.  However, some people postulate that it may help to reduce hair follicle inflammation, and thus may help to reduce hair loss.  More work needs to be done in this arena.

     Witch hazel is available as an ingredient in many over-the-counter hair care products; it can also be used directly onto the scalp or as an ingredient in a homemade hair care product [3]. Like any topical agent, certain individuals may have skin sensitivity to witch hazel. As such, if you are interested in using this product for hair or scalp concerns, speak with your physician first.  You may also need to do a patch test [3] to determine if you are someone who may have a reaction.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to be used for diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment purposes.  This is not medical advice.  Please see your physician or care provider with any questions or concerns.

Sources

1. Trueb, Ralph.  (2014).  North American Virginian Witch Hazel (Hammamelis virginiana): based scalp care and protection for sensitive scalp , red scalp, and scalp burn-out [Online].  Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158622/

2. Witch Hazel-Uses, Side Effects, and More [Online].  Available: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-227/witch-hazel

3. Hubbard, Ashley.  (2021, April 7).  Witch hazel for hair: benefits, recipes, and how to use [Online].  Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/witch-hazel-for-hair

4. Devine, Catherine.  (2013, November 18).  Fact or fiction: does witch hazel treat dry scalp? [Online].  Available: https://www.allure.com/story/witch-hazel-remedy-dry-scalp