Sulfur for Hair Growth: 7 Benefits and Uses

Beyond having an odor that’s similar to that of rotten eggs, many of us know nothing about sulfur. And because of this, we’re unaware of the many benefits that this essential mineral provides. 

Sulfur-containing products have been around in the beauty world for many years and provide enormous benefits when it comes to the health of your hair.

If you’ve invested in a sulfur product or are considering doing so, you might be curious about the different sulfur products or wondering what benefits to expect. In this article, we’re here to answer all of your questions.

7 Benefits of Sulfur on Hair

The benefits of sulfur go far beyond just hair growth. Applying sulfur to dry or wet hair or gently massaging it directly onto the scalp can also help with pesky dandruff, prevent hair loss, and provide several other benefits, which we’ll go into greater detail about below.

#1 Promotes collagen production

Collagen is important for hair for a few different reasons, the most important of which is its effect on the body’s production of hair-building proteins, like keratin, which is essential for growing strong, healthy hair.

Sulfur not only enhances collagen production in the body because it is essential to the formation of many amino acids, but it also strengthens the structure of collagen itself. Many sulfur-containing amino acids also provide antioxidant benefits that help protect collagen from free radical damage.

#2 Key component in keratin

Keratin is a protein that is a main component of both your hair and nails and is made up of many different amino acids. Cysteine and methionine, which are both found in sulfur, are essential in the production of keratin. 

Because of this, using sulfur products or increasing the amount of sulfur-rich foods in your diet can promote keratin production within the body.

#3 Promotes hair growth

Proper blood flow to the hair follicles is essential to follicle health since blood supplies the follicles with oxygen and other important nutrients. Since sulfur is an important part of blood vessel health, using it topically can help to stimulate hair growth.

Research also supports the idea that sulfur – because it’s a key mineral involved in hair composition – is necessary for maximum growth during the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. 

#4 Improves scalp health

If you’re considering using products containing sulfur for hair growth, its effects on scalp health can be very beneficial. 

Sulfur shampoo, for example, has been shown to reduce inflammation and dandruff. And since a healthy scalp is a foundation for healthy hair growth, changing the environment of your scalp can have big benefits for hair health overall. 

#5 Promotes hair elasticity

Low elasticity hair is brittle hair that is dry and lacks protein. Therefore, using sulfur products to support high levels of keratin can make all the difference in improving the strength of your hair and preventing hair breakage.

#6 Essential for amino acid production

Sulfur is an important compound in many essential amino acids used to improve hair and nail condition. 

These amino acids are responsible for many benefits related to healthy hair growth since they are needed to produce keratin molecules and create powerful antioxidants that protect the hair and stimulate hair growth.

#7 Has anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation is responsible for many adverse conditions related to scalp health. Experiencing hair loss, dandruff, itchiness, and scalp buildup can all be traced back to scalp inflammation. 

Many studies have proven the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of sulfur, and people around the world are having great results using sulfur-containing hair products to treat inflammation-related hair conditions like dermatitis.

Possible Side Effects of Sulfur on Hair

Although sulfur-containing products can have amazing benefits for human hair, it’s important to be mindful when using these products to prevent the following effects:

#1 Dry hair

Although sulfur has benefits related to moisturizing the hair and increasing its strength, overusing these products or creating DIY blends that contain too much sulfur can lead to dryness of the hair.

#2 Scalp irritation

Whether it’s due to an allergy or simply that sulfur doesn’t agree with your skin, in some cases, sulfur can cause scalp irritation. Therefore, it’s important to do a patch test before using a new sulfur product and to discontinue use if it leaves your skin feeling red and irritated.

How to Use Sulfur for Hair? 

Unlike other natural ingredients for hair growth, like green tea, you shouldn’t use sulfur in DIY masks for your hair. Instead, consider purchasing sulfur-containing products that promote hair growth, like the ones listed below:

#1 Hair oil/butters

There are many lighter hair oils and thicker hair butters that contain sulfur. The instructions for how to use these differ from product to product, with some being encouraged for daily use and others being recommended to use 1 or 2 times weekly.

Although these products do a superb job delivering the desired effect, it’s important to note that many have a distinct and sometimes overwhelming smell. Because of this, you may only want to use them overnight the evening before a hair wash day.

#2 Supplements

Another way many people work more sulfur into their daily routine is by taking a sulfur-containing supplement. The most popular sulfur supplements are dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

Since sulfur is the third-most abundant mineral in the human body, increasing your intake of this essential mineral through supplementation can provide other non-hair-related benefits. Don’t be surprised if your skin clears up or you experience a sudden improvement in skin conditions like dermatitis.

#3 Shampoo

Sulfur can have noticeable effects on reducing dandruff and scalp oiliness. Because of this, many people choose to use a shampoo that contains sulfur since it can keep the scalp and hair clean while still promoting overall hair health.

Much like hair oils and butters, sulfur shampoos can have an intense smell. But unlike the other products, shampoos are meant to be washed out immediately and are better at preventing lingering smells.

#4 Eat sulfur-containing foods

The best way and most natural way for you to maximize your sulfur intake is to eat more sulfur-containing foods. Some of these foods include eggs, meat, and vegetables like garlic, onion, and broccoli.

Sulfur and Hair Type

Sulfur can promote hair growth and improve the strength and elasticity of hair strands on all hair types.

But those with curly hair will likely appreciate the effect that sulfur can have on the hair’s structure, which can enhance your hair’s natural curl.

Generally, hair products containing sulfur are recommended for individuals with dry hair or oiliness and dandruff issues beginning at the scalp. This is because sulfur has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the scalp and restore its natural balance.

But, not everyone has the same reaction to sulfur products, so even those with dry hair or an oily scalp may not receive the relief they seek through using sulfur hair products.

FAQs 

Conclusion

Sulfur is a mineral found in foods like garlic and eggs and is involved in the creation of amino acids and certain proteins like keratin – which is essential for your hair and nail health.

There are several ways to include sulfur in your daily routine, whether using a hair oil with sulfur, taking sulfur-containing supplements, or eating more foods containing sulfur. 

Doing so can help you improve your scalp and hair’s health and, most importantly, speed up your natural hair growth.