Few ingredients are more fundamental to the culture and cuisine of India and Southern Asia than the spice of the turmeric plant. With its infamous orange-yellow color and earthy, peppery flavor, the spice has been used for centuries for practically everything, whether it be as a central component of curry seasoning to its medicinal use in traditional herbal medicine.
Recently, turmeric has become quite a trendy ingredient in the beauty world due to its potential to treat several skin and hair related concerns. Turmeric’s active chemical, curcumin, has been proven to be a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient, which helps explains the plant’s traditional use in treating a variety of ailments. As if that weren’t enough, turmeric has also demonstrated numerous antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making this plant an all-around superstar. With all of this in mind, let’s explore the many ways in which this ingredient can help give you your best hair yet!
Fight Hair Loss
Did you know that one of the leading causes of hair loss is scalp inflammation? When the scalp becomes inflamed, whether it be due to an infection or skin condition, the hair follicle becomes weakened, leading to diminished hair growth and loss in hair density. Thankfully, turmeric can treat this inflammation directly thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of its active ingredient, curcumin. With frequent application, turmeric may be able to help hair become fuller and thicker while boosting overall hair growth.
Treat Scalp Conditions
Aside from causing inflammation that leads to hair loss and thinning, skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis can also cause a great deal of pain and discomfort and lead to dry, flaking skin and dandruff. By reducing the amount of inflammation on the scalp, turmeric can help alleviate pain and discomfort and provide a soothing benefit. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of turmeric can help prevent fungal and bacterial infections, giving your scalp an all-around boost!
Provide Anti-Aging Benefits
In addition to its incredible healing and soothing benefits, turmeric has demonstrated antioxidant abilities as well. Antioxidants are ingredients which neutralize free radicals, which are damaging, harmful molecules which expedite the degradation and aging of the hair and skin. Many of these free radicals originate from sun exposure and air pollution, making their effects even more pronounced in warm climates or urban environments. Thankfully, antioxidants such as turmeric can provide a level of defense to your hair and scalp from these free radicals, helping to delay the signs of aging and fatigue!