Green Tea for Hair Growth: A Natural Solution?

If you’ve been searching online for home remedies for hair growth, you’ve probably come across an article touting the benefits of green tea for hair.

But as with many things you read online, you may have wondered if the claims regarding its effect on hair growth were legitimate.

We’re here to debunk any myths you may have heard about the benefits of green tea for hair and give you 7 ways to incorporate it into your haircare regimen.

7 Benefits of Green Tea on Hair

Green tea goes far beyond simply supporting healthy hair growth. Adding green tea products to your haircare regimen can support follicle health, prevent dandruff, and even reduce oiliness between washes. 

Read on to learn more about the benefits you can expect from green tea products.

#1 Promotes hair strength

Strong hair has enough elasticity to withstand regular environmental stress without breaking. When hair is dry, it becomes increasingly brittle and is more at risk of splitting, especially at the ends.

Green tea has long been an ingredient in moisturizers designed to hydrate both skin and hair cells because of its hydrating qualities. Using products infused with green tea is a great way to prevent dryness while simultaneously reducing excess hair and scalp oiliness.

#2 Helps with dandruff

Since oils of the scalp are what the yeast-like funguses that cause dandruff feed on, one of the main causes of dandruff is oily skin as a result of blocked hair follicles.

Along with being full of antioxidants, green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the scalp and regulate oil production. It can also help restore the scalp’s natural pH balance, reducing oiliness and flaking, making it less hospitable to dandruff-causing fungus.

#3 Prevents hair loss

One of the contributors to hair loss is hormonal changes, such as changes in testosterone levels and an increase in a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). 

Green tea, or more specifically, the compound EGCG found within it, has shown promise in decreasing the levels of DHT found in the blood, which can help prevent hormone-related hair loss.

It’s also speculated that massaging green tea into the scalp can help stimulate blood flow to prevent unnecessary hair loss.

#4 Reduces split ends

The B vitamins found in green tea have long been used to moisturize both skin and hair, helping to reduce dryness and improve hair strength. 

You can try drinking green tea and using it in a hair mask or conditioner to take advantage of the B vitamins to reduce split ends and improve overall hair health.

#5 Enhances hair growth

One of the most sought-after benefits of green tea for hair is the impact it can have on hair growth. These advantages are a byproduct of several physiological changes that green tea can contribute to.

One of the more significant benefits of green tea for hair growth is a byproduct of the compound EGCG which is found in green tea leaves. Studies have proven its effectiveness in stimulating hair growth, even in as little as four days.

On top of that, green tea has been shown to increase blood circulation to the skin. Since blood delivers oxygen and other important nutrients to the follicles, increasing blood flow is an easy way to stimulate hair regrowth. 

Lastly, the high concentration of antioxidants, in combination with green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties, helps support hair growth by preventing damage to the hair’s follicles.

#6 Reduces oiliness

Many people rely on dry shampoo to prevent oil buildup on the hair and scalp between washes. And while dry shampoo is effective at improving the appearance of hair, it can also leave a thick residue on the scalp that clogs hair roots and contributes to stunted hair growth.

The anti-microbial properties of green tea make it useful for restoring the scalp’s pH balance, helping to regulate oil production and unblock any clogged hair follicles.

#7 Leaves hair with a healthy shine

Because green tea is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamins A, C, E, and many B vitamins, applying it to your hair can restore any shine that may have been lost.

A lack of moisture is another key factor in dull hair, so the moisturizing properties of green tea can help enhance your hair’s natural shine. 

How to Use Green Tea for Hair?

If you want to start using green tea products to support healthy hair growth, there are many options for you to choose from. From homemade masks to shampoos with green tea extract, there’s something for everyone. 

Read on for 7 different options you can choose from to start experiencing the benefits of green tea for yourself.

#1 Use a shampoo containing green tea

One of the easiest ways to apply green tea directly to your scalp is by purchasing a shampoo with green tea extract. To enjoy the benefits of green tea for hair, like reduced dandruff and oil production, ensure that the shampoo you use contains pure green tea extract.

#2 Try a green tea conditioner

Another method to add more green tea to your haircare routine is to purchase a green tea conditioner. Many are useful for hydrating the hair and scalp while simultaneously reducing oil buildup at the roots.

#3 Make a homemade hair rinse

After shampooing and conditioning your hair, you have the option to end your hair-wash routine with a green tea rinse. Because green tea is so light, you can rinse your hair with it without needing to wash it out, providing you with all its benefits for a longer period of time.

How to make a green tea rinse:

• Step 1: Add 4 green tea bags to 2 cups of boiling water.
• Step 2: Allow the tea to steep in the water for at least 1 hour.
• Step 3: Once cool, rinse your hair with the tea directly after shampooing and conditioning it.

#4 Use it in a spray

Another way for you to use your green tea rinse is to add it to a spray bottle. Doing so will allow you to mist your hair with the tea when it needs refreshing or to easily spray it directly onto the scalp before massaging it into the skin.

#5 Make a green tea hair mask

You can combine green tea with a number of other ingredients that help improve hair growth. Masks are generally thicker, thus packing a bigger punch than a simple green tea rinse. You cannot leave them on. Most are recommended to be washed out after 5–30 minutes.

How to make a green tea hair mask:

Ingredients:

• 30ml distilled water (hot)
• 1 green tea bag
• 40ml honey
• 10ml olive oil

Directions:

1. Make green tea using 30ml of hot water and one green tea bag.
2. After steeping the green tea for 10–30 minutes, remove the bag.
3. In a large bowl, mix the tea with the remaining ingredients.
4. Apply the mask to clean, damp hair.
5. Leave in the hair for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.

#6 Try a matcha mask

Matcha is a type of green tea that is sometimes used for weight loss and contains 20x more antioxidants than regular green tea, and is packed with unique amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. 

Using a combination of green tea and matcha products can help you maximize hair growth and make your hair shine.

How to make a matcha mask:

Ingredients:

• 45ml distilled water (hot)
• 15ml matcha tea
• 15ml green clay
• 5ml sesame oil
• 1 egg yolk

Directions:

1. Mix the matcha tea with the green clay, and mix thoroughly.
2. Next, add the egg yolk, mixing it thoroughly, followed by the sesame oil.
3. Add the water to the mixture.
4. Apply the mask to clean, damp hair.
5. Leave in the hair for 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.

#7 Drink more green tea

Another way to maximize the potential benefits of green tea for your hair is to drink 1–2 cups of it per day, though the benefits of drinking green tea are less potent than using it topically.

You can also try green tea supplements, which provide all the same benefits as drinking green tea. Just beware of the high caffeine content of both options and avoid consuming them too late in the day.

FAQs

Conclusion

Green tea products are clinically proven to not only improve hair growth but also provide several other benefits, including enhancing hair strength, reducing oiliness, and hydrating hair to improve its appearance.

There are many different ways you can include green tea products in your day, including taking green tea supplements or using a green tea rinse or mask. However, you will experience more potent hair benefits after using it topically.