Turmeric is a popular Indian spice that has been used for centuries in cooking and traditional medicine. It contains an active compound called curcumin which gives turmeric its bright yellow color and potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In recent years, turmeric has gained immense popularity as a superfood and natural remedy for various health conditions. However, some people have raised concerns about whether high doses of turmeric or curcumin supplements can cause hair loss or thinning. In this comprehensive article, we will analyze the scientific evidence behind turmeric’s effects on hair growth to find out if turmeric can really cause hair thinning.
What is turmeric?
Turmeric is a flowering plant from the ginger family known scientifically as Curcuma longa. The rhizomes (underground stems) of the turmeric plant are dried and ground into a yellow powder which is used as a spice. Turmeric has an earthy, bitter, and peppery flavor. It has been used since ancient times in India and other Asian countries not just for cooking but also as an Ayurvedic medicine due to its medicinal properties. The active compound responsible for turmeric’s vibrant color and therapeutic benefits is curcumin. Curcumin comprises around 3-5% of raw turmeric powder. It provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and potential anticancer effects. Turmeric also contains various volatile oils like tumerone, atlantone, and zingiberone along with sugars, proteins, and resins. However, most of the health benefits of turmeric are attributed to curcumin.
Turmeric benefits for hair
Turmeric has been traditionally used for hair care in Eastern cultures. It is believed to help cleanse the scalp, stimulate hair follicles, and promote hair growth. Some of the ways in which turmeric can benefit hair health include:
Anti-inflammatory properties
The curcumin in turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities. It helps fight inflammation and oxidative damage which can affect the hair follicles and scalp health. Chronic scalp inflammation can hamper hair growth and cause hair thinning or loss. The anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric can counteract these effects.
Antimicrobial effects
Dandruff and other scalp infections caused by fungal or bacterial growth can also lead to hair fall. Curcumin in turmeric exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties which can battle against these pathogenic microbes and infections.
Improves blood circulation in the scalp
Healthy blood flow in the scalp is essential for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles for optimal growth. Turmeric helps improve blood circulation in the scalp and provides vital nourishment to the hair roots.
High antioxidant content
Turmeric is choc-full of antioxidants that neutralize harmful free radicals and prevent oxidative stress to hair follicles. This helps maintain a healthy environment for hair growth.
Exfoliates scalp
A mixture of turmeric powder and oils can gently exfoliate the scalp and remove dead skin cells, dandruff flakes, product buildup, and other impurities. This rejuvenates the scalp and allows better absorption of nutrients into hair follicles.
Stimulates hair growth
Curcumin in turmeric may stimulate hair follicle stem cells and boost regeneration of hair follicles. It regulates the activation of growth factors like β-catenin and transcription factors that induce the anagen (growth) phase of hair.
Does turmeric cause hair loss?
Despite its beneficial effects on hair as mentioned above, some reports have indicated that turmeric may in fact cause hair thinning in some people when consumed in very high doses over long periods.
A few small studies have found a correlation between oral turmeric supplements and hair loss:
Animal studies
A 2001 study published in the journal Toxicological Sciences gave oral doses of curcumin to rats for 3 months. The results showed ulceration, inflammation, and atrophy of the skin associated with significant hair loss. The rats lost almost all body hair by the end of the 3 month curcumin treatment.
Another 2006 study in the same journal found that treating pregnant rats with high dose curcumin resulted in complete alopecia (hair loss) in the mother rats as well as abnormal skin and limb development in the baby rats.
Human case reports
A few case reports in humans have also associated high dose curcumin/turmeric supplements with hair loss:
– A 2008 case study described a 30 year old woman who developed hair loss after taking a curcumin supplement of 1500mg daily for 5 months. The hair loss stopped after discontinuing the curcumin capsules.
– Another case reported alopecia in a 37 year old woman who had been consuming 500-1000 mg curcumin daily for 4-6 months. The alopecia improved after she stopped the supplements.
– A report in 2018 compiled 4 cases of hair loss linked to overconsumption of turmeric. The affected individuals were taking 1-2 grams of turmeric daily for 2-4 months. Hair regrowth occurred after discontinuation.
However, these case reports and studies used very high doses of curcumin in the grams per day range over several months. Turmeric consumed occasionally in cooking is unlikely to pose any issues.
How could turmeric cause hair loss at high doses?
The exact mechanisms by which excessive oral turmeric or curcumin doses might trigger hair loss are unclear. Here are some possible theories:
Iron deficiency
High doses of curcumin can interfere with iron absorption in the intestines. Since iron is essential for hair growth, low iron levels induced by curcumin supplements can potentially hamper follicular activity.
Vitamin D deficiency
Similar to iron, curcumin can also impede vitamin D absorption in high amounts. Vitamin D deficiency is another factor associated with hair loss.
Binding to androgen receptors
Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) bind to androgen receptors on scalp hair follicles to regulate growth. Some research indicates curcumin might inhibit this binding and activity of androgens, thereby inhibiting hair growth.
Toxicity and inflammation
Excessively high doses of any compound can become toxic. As seen in rat studies, high curcumin doses over long periods may induce scalp irritation, inflammation, and contact alopecia (hair loss due to damage of hair root and bulb).
However, more studies are warranted to confirm curcumin’s hair loss mechanisms in humans at chronic high intakes. Acute toxicity due to turmeric overdose is highly unlikely as the rarely observed side effects are mild and turmeric has an excellent safety profile at regular dietary intake levels.
Safe dosage of turmeric for hair
When used safely within recommended dosage limits, turmeric can be beneficial for scalp and hair health for most people. Some general dosage guidelines:
Dietary turmeric
Consuming turmeric liberally in cooking and diet is very safe. The typical Indian diet provides up to 2500-3000mg of turmeric daily with no adverse effects. Culinary amounts of turmeric pose no risk of hair loss. Turmeric tea, turmeric milk (golden milk), soups, curries, etc. can be consumed daily.
Topical application
Applying turmeric paste, masks, scalp massage oils infused with turmeric is an excellent way to harness its benefits for hair growth and scalp health. This avoids excessive internal exposure.
Turmeric/Curcumin supplements
The recommended dosage for turmeric capsules or curcumin extracts is around 500mg twice daily. Higher doses may be advised by doctors for specific health conditions, but doses above 1000-1200mg daily are not necessary or safe for extended periods (months) for general health or hair.
| Source | Daily dosage limit |
|---|---|
| Dietary turmeric | 2500-3000mg |
| Turmeric supplements | 500-1200mg |
| Topical turmeric | No limits |
Conclusion
In summary, consuming turmeric in moderation through diet or taking turmeric/curcumin supplements within recommended dosages is very unlikely to cause hair loss and can even boost hair growth for most people. However, some individuals may experience hair thinning when taking high doses of turmeric/curcumin supplements exceeding 1000mg daily for prolonged periods. The hair loss is reversible on ceasing the supplements. Always consume turmeric safely within the limits and consult a doctor before taking any herbal supplements for extended timeframes.