Cayenne Pepper For Hair Growth: Benefits, Usage, And Risks

Cayenne pepper for hair growth is gaining attention slowly in the beauty world as it is said to promote hair health and growth. It is included in many hair care regimens as an effective remedy for improving hair growth. But what science says about it? How cayenne pepper promotes hair growth? Continue reading further to get an answer to these queries.

What Is Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne pepper, scientifically known as Capsicum annuum, is a type of hot chili pepper commonly used in cooking to add spiciness and flavor to various dishes. It originates from Central and South America but is now cultivated worldwide. The heat and pungent, spicy taste of cayenne pepper is primarily due to the presence of capsaicin, a compound found in its seeds and membranes. It is a versatile ingredient used in a wide range of cuisines, sauces, and condiments and is known for its ability to enhance a recipe with its spicy flavor. Cayenne pepper comes in various forms, including dried powder and fresh peppers.

Learn more about the benefits of cayenne pepper for hair in the section below.

Benefits Of Cayenne Pepper For Hair: What Does Science Say?

Cayenne pepper

is related to jalapenos and capsicum and has a moderately spicy flavor. It is used for seasoning various culinary dishes. It has been used for many medicinal therapies, including hair loss treatment. Some believe it may even stimulate hair growth.

• The capsaicin in cayenne pepper may be used to treat alopecia areataⁱ  An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles leading to hair loss with the appearance of bald patches. as it works as a contact sensitizer. Some research suggests that capsaicin stimulates hair growth (1).
• Capsaicin is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat painful inflammatory conditions (2). It may also help soothe any inflammatory issues associated with the scalp.
• Capsaicin can trigger the vallanoid receptors in hair follicles and may boost hair growth (3). The spice may also stimulate hair growth by inhibiting substance P (a peptide). In a study, participants with alopecia showed hair growth in a 5-month period when they ingested capsaicin and isoflavone (4), (5).
• Anecdotal evidence suggests that cayenne pepper may also improve hair shine and feel. Some research shows that cayenne pepper may improve hair health in general (6).
• Most peppers in the same family as cayenne pepper are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and folate (7). These vitamins are known to play a role in hair loss (8).

Using cayenne pepper for promoting hair health is simple. We have discussed the recipes below.

How To Use Cayenne Pepper For Hair Growth

1. Onion Juice And Cayenne Pepper

You Will Need

• 2-3 tablespoons of cayenne pepper powder
• 4-5 tablespoons of onion juice
• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera (optional)

Processing Time

30 minutes

Procedure

1. Combine the cayenne powder, onion juice, and aloe vera.
2. Store the mixture in a jar and leave it in the sunlight for about 6-8 hours.
3. Massage the mixture into your hair and scalp.
4. Leave it on for 30-40 minutes.
5. Wash with warm water and shampoo.

How Often

Twice to thrice a week, until you see substantial hair growth.

Why It Works

Onion juice can be used as an alternative treatment for hair loss (9), (10). It can also be used to stimulate hair growth and eliminate head lice (11). Aloe vera can prevent hair loss and protect the scalp from infections and dandruff (12).

Quick Tip

Use gloves to apply your homemade cayenne pepper hair mask to avoid a burning sensation.

2. Olive Oil And Cayenne Pepper

You Will Need

• 5-6 cayenne peppers
• 1 cup of olive oil

Processing Time

1 hour

Procedure

1. Chop the pepper into tiny pieces and add olive oil to it.
2. Pour the mixture into a jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 10-15 days.
3. Ensure the oil is stored away from sunlight.
4. Strain the oil and discard the peppers.
5. Take 2-3 tablespoons of the cayenne-infused oil.
6. Section your hair and apply this oil to your scalp and the whole hair length.
7. Leave the oil in for an hour and shampoo and condition as usual.

How Often?

You can repeat this up to thrice a week.

Why This Works

Natural remedies with olive oil help moisturize the scalp and hair. Olive oil is known to penetrate hair follicles and nourish them from within (13). You can also try warming the olive oil to increase its penetrative properties.

3. Castor Oil And Cayenne Pepper

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of ground cayenne pepper
• 1 cup of castor oil

Processing Time

30 minutes

Procedure

1. Combine the two ingredients and store them in a jar for two weeks, away from sunlight.
2. Take 1 tablespoon of the oil mixture and apply it to your scalp while gently massaging it in with your fingertips.
3. Let the oil sit for 30 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual.

How Often?

Repeat this 3-4 times a week.

Why This Works

Castor oil is a well-known hair growth stimulant (14). It may also treat dandruff and hair luster.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar And Cayenne Pepper

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 drop of liquid cayenne extract

Processing Time

1 hour

Procedure

1. Combine the two ingredients in a bowl.
2. Rub the mixture into your scalp with your fingertips. Gently massage.
3. Leave the cayenne-cider mixture in your hair for an hour and rinse with water.

How Often?

You can repeat this up to twice a week.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar may help improve scalp health and reduce hair issues like dandruff, head lice, scalp acne, alopecia areata, baldness, and hair loss (15).

5. Coconut Oil And Cayenne Pepper

You Will Need

• ½ a cup of coconut oil
• ½ a cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper

Processing Time

1 hour

Procedure

1. Mix the coconut oil and cayenne pepper in a jar and store in a cool, dark place for two weeks.
2. Add the olive oil to the mixture.
3. Take about 2 tablespoons (or more depending on your hair length) of the oil infusion and apply it to your scalp and hair.
4. Leave it in for 30 minutes and wash with shampoo as usual.

How Often?

You can repeat this up to twice a week.

Why This Works

Coconut oil reduces protein loss in hair follicles. It also protects hair from UV damage (16).

6. Vodka And Cayenne Pepper

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of vodka
• 3-4 medium-sized cayenne peppers

Processing Time

5 minutes

Procedure

1. Chop the peppers and put them in a jar. Pour the vodka into the jar, seal it shut, and store it in a cool, dark place. Leave it undisturbed for two weeks.
2. Mix two parts of water with one part of the pepper-infused vodka.
3. Apply the mixture to your scalp after every wash with shampoo.

How Often

Once a week.

Why This Works

Anecdotal evidence suggests that vodka balances the scalp pH levels. It also may unclog scalp pores.

A blogger shares her experience of using cayenne pepper for hair growth in her blog. She uses a mixture of cayenne pepper, aloe vera, vodka, or a light alcohol base and/or olive oil to apply on her scalp. She firmly says, “I don’t care who says Cayenne Pepper doesn’t make your hair grow. Cayenne Pepper does make your hair grow from my personal experience! (i).”

7. Aloe Vera And Cayenne Pepper

You Will Need

• 1 cup of aloe vera juice
• 1 tablespoon of ground cayenne pepper

Processing Time

20 minutes

Procedure

1. Mix the ingredients in a jar.
2. Seal the jar and store it in a dark place for ten days.
3. Once the mixture is ready, apply it to your scalp 20 minutes before washing your hair with shampoo.

How Often?

You can repeat this up to thrice a week.

Why This Works

Aloe vera is a good emollientⁱ  The ability to hydrate and smooth the skin and help manage dry, itchy, or scaly skin conditions like eczema. . It also treats hair loss and can be used to reduce dandruff (12). It may also protect the scalp from infection.

8. Cayenne Pepper And Honey

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons of honey
• 1 tablespoon of ground cayenne pepper

Processing Time

45 minutes

Procedure

1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture to freshly washed hair.
3. Wrap a warm towel around your hair.
4. Leave it on for 40 minutes and rinse your hair with water.

How Often?

You can repeat this twice a week.

Why This Works

Honey is a good emollient. It also treats dandruff and seborrheic dermatitisⁱ  A skin ailment that primarily affects the scalp and generates red skin and scaly patches, and can lead to stubborn dandruff.  (17). It can also be used to treat hair loss (18).

9. Cayenne Pepper And Egg Yolk

You Will Need

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper

Processing Time

30 minutes

Procedure

1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl and place it in a warm place for 20 minutes.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp.
3. Leave the mixture on for 30 minutes and wash with shampoo.

How Often?

Repeat this twice a week for a month.

Why This Works

Lemon juice and olive oil can be used to treat scalp and hair disorders (19). Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may also eliminate dandruff and lice and reduce scalp acne.

Before you go ahead and start using cayenne pepper, note that it may also pose certain risks.

10. Cayenne Pepper and Yogurt

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of plain, unsweetened yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper powder

Processing Time

15-20 minutes

Procedure

• Ensure your hair is clean and dry before application.
• Mix the yogurt and cayenne pepper powder in a bowl until it forms a smooth paste.
• Using gloves, apply the mask directly to your scalp, gently massaging it in firm circular motions with your fingertips.
• Be careful when applying the mask. Avoid contact with your eyes or other sensitive areas.
• Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes. You may experience a tingling sensation, which is normal.
• Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. Then wash your locks with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

How Often?

Apply this mask once a week for optimal results. If you experience any irritation, reduce frequency or discontinue use.

Why This Works

This mask combines the stimulating effects of cayenne pepper with the nourishing benefits of yogurt. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper may elevate blood flow on the scalp, stimulating hair follicles to promote hair growth (5). Yogurt is commonly used in hair masks for its conditioning properties, making your tresses smooth, healthy, and shiny.

Mixing cayenne pepper with natural ingredients may help moisturize, nourish, and stimulate your scalp and tresses. Cayenne pepper and these natural ingredients have hair care benefits that help improve hair health in an organic and healthy way. However, remember that, just like with any other treatment, there is always a chance of certain side effects. So, check the risks of adding cayenne pepper to your hair care regimen.

Risks Of Using Cayenne Pepper

While cayenne pepper may be considered a herbal medicine for stimulating hair growth, its capsaicin can also cause a burning sensation on the scalp. While the burning sensation may reduce with time, it is advisable not to use a direct concentrate of capsaicin. You can instead pair cayenne pepper with other soothing ingredients like avocado or aloe vera or oils like coconut or olive.

Other side effects of cayenne pepper based on anecdotal evidence include allergic reactions, dry scalp aggravation, and changes in hair dye color. If you notice any of these signs, stop use and consult your doctor.

Quick Tip

Avoid keeping cayenne pepper hair masks for too long as they may cause irritation or inflammation.

Infographic: Top Cayenne Pepper Recipes To Boost Hair Growth

Cayenne pepper is a lip-smacking spice that is extensively used in several cuisines. Although its role in promoting hair growth and maintaining health is not well known, you can still try it as it is safe. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the top homemade cayenne pepper recipes you can use to potentially boost your hair growth.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for cayenne pepper to grow hair?

As with any natural hair growth remedy, you will have to use cayenne pepper continuously over a period of time to see substantial hair growth. Don’t stop using it once you notice hair growth. Keep using it until you reach the desired length.

Does cayenne pepper cause hair loss?

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which can burn your scalp and damage the hair follicles, leading to hair damage and hair loss. To prevent this from occurring, pair cayenne pepper with a soothing ingredient like avocado or aloe vera gel.

Does cayenne pepper regrow hair?

Cayenne pepper can help grow hair, but it cannot regrow hair if there is an underlying hair or scalp condition that needs medical attention. In some conditions, hair loss can be irreversible.

Is cayenne pepper good for your face?

The capsaicin in cayenne pepper soothes redness on the skin as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It may also reduce acne-induced discoloration. But, do not use cayenne pepper by itself on your skin. Pair it with a moisturizing or soothing ingredient.

Illustration: Cayenne Pepper For Hair: Benefits How To Use It And Side Effects

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Curious about cayenne pepper for hair growth? Watch this video to find out if the oil really works!