Elevate Your Mane Game: Stinging Nettle's Benefits for Hair

You may not be able to prevent your hair from turning gray or thinning as you age, but you can take proactive measures to keep it strong, healthy, and remarkably shiny. 

To take care of your hair, you first need to understand how hair works and what keeps it healthy. We’ll cover the basics, let you know what can cause your hair to become “unhealthy,” and tell you how an incredible herb, stinging nettle, can help support your healthy hair goals.

What is Stinging Nettle?

Stinging nettle, scientifically known as Urtica dioica, is a perennial plant that is found in many parts of the world. It is well-known for its stinging hairs, which contain a variety of chemicals that can cause skin irritation upon contact. Despite its prickly reputation, stinging nettle has a long history of traditional medicinal uses dating back centuries.REF#3923

Nettle tea, made by steeping the leaves in hot water, is believed to have soothing, diuretic properties, making it useful for a wide range of conditions.

Stinging nettle has also been used as a mild laxative. It's also used in traditional medicine systems as a tonic for overall health. 

The leaves can be consumed as food when cooked, as the stinging chemicals are neutralized by heat, and they provide a nutrient-rich addition to meals.

What Are the Active Compounds in Stinging Nettle?

To understand the benefits of stinging nettle for hair, it's essential to explore the active compounds within the plant that contribute to its potential effects.

These include:

• Phytonutrients: Stinging nettle is rich in phytonutrients, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and tannins. These compounds possess antioxidant properties, which can help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and damage.

• Minerals: Stinging nettle contains essential minerals like iron, silica, and sulfur, which are vital for healthy hair growth and strength. Iron supports proper oxygenation of the hair follicles, while silica and sulfur are essential components of keratin, the protein that makes up hair.

• Vitamins: The plant also provides vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C, which are important for overall hair health. Vitamin A promotes sebum production, keeping the scalp moisturized, while vitamin C supports collagen production, necessary for hair strength and elasticity.

• Sterols: Stinging nettle contains plant sterols that may influence the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is associated with hair loss, particularly in individuals with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).

How Can Stinging Nettle Help Your Hair?

How can this plant help your hair? Read on for a few main ways this herb might just be your hair’s best friend.

Supports Blood Flow to the Scalp

Stinging nettle contains a compound called beta-sitosterol. Beta-sitosterol can help encourage blood flow and circulation to the scalp.REF#3923

The new hair forming at the hair bulb is supplied by tiny blood vessels, which carry oxygen and nutrients to help build the hair. Stinging nettle can help support healthy blood circulation so that these tiny vessels can deliver nutrients and oxygen to the new hair and help it thrive.REF#3923

Promotes Hair Growth

Stinging nettle may encourage hair growth by supporting blood circulation to the scalp. Improved circulation ensures that hair follicles receive adequate oxygen and nutrients, creating an environment conducive to healthy hair development. 

Additionally, nettle's potential to influence the conversion of testosterone into DHT can be helpful, as DHT is a major contributor to hair loss. By supporting healthy DHT levels, stinging nettle may help maintain hair follicles and promote hair growth.REF#3926

Supports Scalp Health

The nutrients and antioxidants in stinging nettle contribute to a healthy scalp. For instance, vitamin A promotes sebum production, which keeps the scalp moisturized and helps prevent dryness and flakiness. 

This can be particularly beneficial for those with an itchy scalp. The soothing and antioxidant properties of stinging nettle may also alleviate scalp irritation, making it a valuable addition to natural remedies for scalp conditions.

Strengthens Hair

Stinging nettle's mineral content, including iron, silica, and sulfur, is essential for hair strength and resilience. Iron supports the transportation of oxygen to the hair follicles, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for growth. 

Meanwhile, silica and sulfur are integral components of keratin, the protein that makes up the hair shaft. They make hair less prone to breakage. By providing these key minerals, stinging nettle can help support the overall strength and durability of hair.

Enhances Hair Texture

Regular use of stinging nettle can lead to shinier and smoother-looking hair. This can be attributed to the plant's potential to encourage healthy hair growth and maintain scalp health. 

A healthier scalp and stronger hair strands translate to hair that appears smoother, shinier, and more lustrous. Additionally, stinging nettle may reduce frizz and dryness, contributing to better overall hair texture.

How Has Stinging Nettle Been Used for Hair in the Past?

The use of stinging nettle for hair care dates back to ancient times. Indigenous cultures across the globe, from Native Americans to traditional European herbalists, have employed this plant to improve hair health. Historically, stinging nettle was believed to stimulate hair growth, prevent hair loss, and enhance the overall quality of hair. 

While empirical evidence may not have been as rigorous as modern scientific studies, these historical uses have sparked interest in its potential benefits for hair.

How Can You Use Stinging Nettle for Hair?

If you want to experience the benefits of stinging nettle for yourself, there are a few ways you can go about it, including:

• Topical Applications: You can create a stinging nettle-infused hair rinse or oil by steeping dried nettle leaves in water or carrier oils. Applying this to your scalp and hair can help promote hair health.

• Supplements: Stinging nettle supplements in the form of capsules or extracts are available. Consult a healthcare professional before using these to ensure proper dosage and safety.

• Herbal Hair Products: Look for shampoos and conditioners containing stinging nettle extracts as an active ingredient.

• Dietary Inclusion: Incorporating stinging nettle in your diet by consuming nettle tea or incorporating it into salads and dishes may provide some of the benefits discussed above.

How Else Can You Keep Your Hair Healthy?

It’s important to remember that the hair you see on your head is actually made of dead cells. Although the hair is technically dead, it still can look healthy and vibrant. Additionally, there are many different types of hair, and learning to care for the hair you have is essential for helping it thrive. 

Here are a few ways you can encourage your hair in your day-to-day routine.

1. Wash Regularly

If you have an oily scalp, washing your hair once a day may be a good solution. If you have a dry scalp or feel like your hair itself is very dry, you may not need to wash your hair as much. Using a natural shampoo that works for your hair type can help you care for your hair properly. 

If you begin to notice flakes, that doesn’t necessarily indicate a dry scalp. In fact, it could indicate you aren’t washing your hair enough.REF#3924

2. Use Conditioner

Using conditioner on your hair can help seal the cuticle of the hair (the outer layer of the hair shaft). The cuticle may be opened by shampoo to thoroughly rinse away dirt and products, but conditioner helps seal it, lock in moisture, and smooth the hair shaft so that the hair appears shiny and smooth. 

If you have an oily scalp, focus the conditioner on the ends of your hair, away from the scalp. Using conditioner on the scalp can cause your hair to look limp.REF#3924

3. Avoid Harsh Products 

Shampoos and conditioners can house harsh ingredients like phthalates, sulfates, and parabens. They may also include formaldehyde-releasing ingredients. Not only are these toxins but they’ve also been linked to oxidative stress, which is a key driver in many illnesses.REF#3925

Being gentle with your hair and avoiding heat-styling, chemical processes, and aggressive pulling and tugging can also help keep your hair healthy. But if you’re still experiencing unhealthy hair, there could be an underlying concern. 

Healthy Hair, No “Stings” Attached

Stinging nettle is a little herb that has been used for years to support numerous bodily functions, including hair health. Adding it to your daily lineup of supplements can help you support healthy hair from the inside out. 

In addition to ensuring you are properly caring for your hair by regularly washing, using conditioner, and avoiding processes that could damage it, stinging nettle can become a partner in ensuring your hair’s vitality. 

For more support when it comes to your overall health and wellness, check out our selection of herbs. At Gaia Herbs, we understand the importance of quality when it comes to herbal supplements. That’s why we grow many of our herbs right here on our farm. Whether you’re looking to support your hair or encourage endurance, we’re here to help through every step of your health journey.