Benefits of Raw Honey for Hair Growth
Felipe Cabral
Like many people, I've struggled with hair thinning and breakage over the years.
No matter what shampoos or conditioners I used, it seemed like my hair just wouldn't grow past a certain length before the ends would split and break off. I eventually resigned myself to having perpetually short hair. That was until I discovered the amazing hair growth benefits of raw honey!
Did you know that raw honey has many health benefits and can in fact support hair growth? It's true! Raw honey is a humectant, meaning it attracts and seals in moisture. This is key for preventing breakage and helping hair grow longer. But raw honey also contains nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants that actually nourish hair follicles to stimulate regrowth. Keep reading to learn all about how HNY raw honey can help improve hair growth, and also easy tips for using honey as part of your routine.
Actual Benefits of Raw Honey for Hair Growth
There are so many ways that raw honey benefits hair growth and health:
1. Stimulates Regrowth in Dormant Follicles
The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found especially in raw honey help to nourish hair follicles. For follicles that have become dormant or aren't actively growing hair, this nourishment can revive them and stimulate new growth. I found that adding a weekly honey hair mask really helped regrow my thinning patches.
2. Contains Nutrients that Nourish Hair
Raw honey contains over 30 vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants that hair loves! Some of the nutrients include:
Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6
Vitamin C
Zinc, calcium, phosphorous
Amino acids
Antioxidants
By nourishing hair strands and follicles with these essential compounds, raw honey promotes healthy growth and strength.
3. Reduces Breakage by Sealing in Moisture
Honey is a humectant with emollient properties, meaning it attracts and seals in moisture. This helps smooth and condition hair strands, preventing dryness and breakage. The more your hair retains its moisture and natural oils, the stronger it will be and the more it can grow without damage.
4. Protects Against Damage from Styling & Overwashing
Heat styling tools, chemical treatments, sun exposure and overwashing with harsh shampoos can all damage hair. This damage causes breakage and split ends which inhibits length. Honey is a natural protectant that acts as a barrier to shield hair from damage. Also, honey cleanses gently so they won't strip hair oils.
5. Reduces Hair Loss by Protecting Scalp
There are antioxidants in honey that protect the scalp by eliminating free radicals. This boosts scalp health and circulation, therefore reducing follicle-harming inflammation. Healthier scalp equals healthier follicles and less hair loss!
7. Promotes Scalp Health for Growth
Honey has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that promote scalp health. This includes treating issues like dandruff or dermatitis. A healthy scalp means healthy hair growth! Honey also supports epithelial cell growth to stimulate follicles.
As you can see, honey is almost like a magical elixir for optimal hair health and growth! Now let’s get into the best ways to use honey for all these benefits.
How Honey Improves Hair Growth
There are a few main mechanisms behind how honey encourages strong, healthy new growth:
A. Reduces Breakage
By sealing in moisture and nutrients, honey makes hair smooth and strong and prevents breakage. Less breakage equals longer hair growth.
B. Protects Hair from Damage
Honey coats the hair to protect it from environmental and heat damage that lead to split ends. This allows hair to grow longer without having to be trimmed.
C. Reduces Hair Loss
The antioxidants in honey boost scalp circulation and eliminate bacteria. This catalyzes growth in previously dormant or thinning follicles.
D. Strengthens Strands
Nutrients like amino acids and vitamin B help fortify weak or brittle strands making them less prone to breakage.
E. Promotes Scalp Health
Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory compounds treat issues like dandruff for a healthy scalp environment. Healthy scalps mean healthy, growing hair.
How to Use Honey for Hair Growth
The best way to leverage honey's hair benefits is to use high-quality hair products that are infused with raw honey. Here are some options:
A. Honey Infused Shampoo + Conditioner
Look for a sulfate-free honey shampoo and conditioner set. Use them together in place of your regular duo 2-3 times a week. The honey will help build up your hair's moisture and strength over time.
B. Honey Hair Mask Treatment
Treat yourself to a nourishing honey hair mask 1-2 times per week. Comb the mask through damp hair, put on a shower cap, then let it soak in for 20 minutes before rinsing out. This gives an extra dose of strengthening and growth encouragement.
C. Daily Honey Leave-In Conditioner
After shampooing, apply a honey leave-in conditioner to help smooth and hydrate hair before heat styling. The leave-in will protect strands and ends while adding shine.
D. Honey Hair Serum
Serums with honey may also contain growth factors that boost follicle production.
E. Honey Hair Oil
Oils aren't just for moisture - some also spur growth! Apply a honey hair oil to the scalp and lengths and let it soak in overnight once a week.
As you can see, you have lots of options for easy, fuss-free ways to incorporate the benefits of hair growth inducing honey into your regular routine based on your hair needs and goals.
A few quick tips:
Stick to raw, unpasteurized honey for purity, nothing better than HNY raw honey for this
DIY masks with pure honey are also effective
Use honey hair products at least 2x a week for best results
In summary, honey is chock full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nourishing compounds that make it a powerhouse for supporting hair growth and thickness. It promotes growth and regrowth in follicles while also protecting existing strands from damage and thinning. Raw honey helps hair grow faster, longer and healthier!
The best way to leverage honey is through products infused with raw honey like masks, shampoos, serums and oils. Or you can DIY it by applying pure raw honey directly to your hair and scalp.
I had almost given up hope that my hair could grow to my desired length. But after incorporating honey infused products, I’ve happily grown my hair longer than it's ever been before. Now I trim less, have way fewer split ends, and it’s fuller than ever!
So if you want to reduce hair loss, minimize breakage, increase shine AND stimulate new growth - then it’s time to harness the magic of raw honey for luscious locks! Add honey to your hair care routine and get ready to swish around some seriously fabulous hair. Share you experience with us on our Instagram!