Sulfur For Hair Growth: Truth Or Myth?

Have you heard of the benefits of using sulfur for hair growth? This hair care trend has lately been making the rounds on the internet. But is it effective? Our body requires various nutrients, including minerals like sulfur, for proper functioning. Although it is mostly known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, rumor is that sulfur has many benefits for hair growth and good scalp health. But is there any truth to this? Keep reading to find out if sulfur can really stimulate hair growth and how you can use it effectively if it does.

What Is Sulfur?

Sulfur is the third-most abundant mineral in the human body after calcium and phosphorus (1).It is an important dietary source needed for nutrition, metabolism, synthesizing proteins and enzymes, and balancing oxidative stress and inflammation (2).

But does sulfur help with hair growth? Let us understand in the next section.

How Does Sulfur Affect Hair Growth?

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), an organosulfur compoundⁱ  A compound containing sulfur that occurs in our body in the form of essential amino acids, enzymes, and hormones. , is also popular as an effective nutritional supplement that supports the growth and overall health of hair, skin, and nails. It contains keratinⁱ  A fibrous protein that forms the structure of your hair and the outermost layers of your skin and regulates cell growth. , a major building block of hair and nails (3).

MSM helps donate sulfur to keratin, strengthening the bonds between the keratin molecules in the hair (3). This way, the sulfur strengthens hair and boosts its elasticity.

Tiki, a blogger, shares her sulfur hair growth oil recipe which includes ingredients such as sulfur powder, and jojoba, castor, and olive oil that are for their benefits for hair. Of her own personal experience of using it, she writes in one of her blog posts, “I’ve had great results and the recipe has been in rotation for years. Still to this day, if I need an extra boost in my hair growth, I mix up a batch of the recipe and go for it (i).”

This does show that sulfur can promote hair health. But are you getting enough of it?

Are You Getting Enough Sulfur?

Symptoms of sulfur deficiency include dry/brittle hair, skin, and nails. Some research shows that the elderly may not be receiving sufficient sulfur (4).

There are three ways you can include enough sulfur in your diet/routine:

A. Have A Sulfur-Rich Diet

Have a protein-rich diet. Protein contains 3 to 6 percent sulfur amino acids, as per studies (4). Let’s check out foods for hair growth that also promote natural keratin synthesis (4):

• fish
• high quality, grass-fed beef, and poultry
• eggs
• Brussels sprouts
• asparagus
• legumes
• garlic
• kale
• onion
• wheat germ

B. Take MSM Supplements

Hair experts often recommend MSM for hair growth. These supplements are available at most over-the-counter stores. However, speak to your dermatologist before you take them. Do not self-prescribe any supplement.

C. Use A DIY Sulfur Oil Recipe

Simple DIY Sulfur Oil Recipes For Hair Growth

In this section, we will share a few recipes where you can incorporate sulfur oil into daily home remedies for hair growth and maintenance.

Recipe 1

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of sublimed sulfur powder
• 4 oz. of jojobaⁱ  An evergreen shrub that bears seeds containing oil that possesses healing and lubricating properties. oil
• 2 oz. of Jamaican black castor oil
• 2 oz. of extra virgin olive oil
• 4 to 5 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 4 to 5 drops of peppermint essential oil

Directions

• Use an applicator bottle to mix all the ingredients. The nozzle also allows you to apply the mixture to the scalp easily.
• Apply to your scalp (without touching your hair length) and gently massage section by section so that the mixture penetrates the hair follicles.
• Leave it on for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before washing with cool water. You can wear a shower cap if you intend to keep it on overnight.

Did You Know?

Look for hair care products for straight and wavy hair types containing sulfur. You can also add sulfur powder to hair masks and packs.

Recipe 2

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of sulfur powder
• 1 cup of coconut/castor oil
• 10 drops of your favorite essential oil, such as that of lavender, peppermint, or tea tree (optional)

Directions

• Mix all ingredients in an applicator bottle. Use a funnel to avoid wastage.
• Shake it and apply the mixture to your scalp.
• Gently dab the oil on your roots. Ensure not to apply excess of it.
• Massage gently into your scalp.
• Leave it on overnight or rinse after 30 minutes.

Quick Tip

Coconut oil is ideal for all hair types. But it is recommended for wavy and straight hair as it isn’t very greasy and thick. You can add sulfur powder to warm coconut oil and massage it on your scalp.

Recipe 3

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of sulfur powder
• 2 oz. of extra virgin olive oil
• 4 oz. of jojoba oil
• 2 oz. of castor oil
• 4 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 4 drops of rosemary essential oil

Directions

• Mix all ingredients in an applicator bottle. Use a funnel to avoid wastage.
• Shake it and apply the mixture to your scalp.
• Gently dab the oil on your roots. Ensure not to apply excess of it.
• Massage gently into your scalp.
• Leave it on overnight or rinse after 30 minutes.

You also must keep the following pointers in mind while trying out the DIY recipes.

How To Use The Hair Growth Oil Mix: Tips And Recommendations

• Be mindful of shaking the applicator bottle before use. This evenly distributes the sulfur.

• Do a patch test on a smaller area to check if you are allergic to sulfur.

• Do not use sulfur in higher proportions. Do not exceed the recommended amounts.

• Start by taking half the recommended amount of sulfur and gradually increase the quantity.

After understanding the benefits of sulfur for hair, let’s have a look at the side effects.

Side Effects Of Sulfur On Hair

Sulfur, often used in hair care products to combat various scalp conditions, such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis due to its antifungal properties, can also lead to some adverse effects. Although there is limited research on this, excessive use of sulfur-containing products can dry out the scalp and hair, leading to irritation and itchiness. To reduce the risk of dryness, you may opt for moisturizing hair care products, including conditioners or hair masks. You can also apply hydrating oils like argan or coconut oil to counteract the drying effects of sulfur and support scalp health. Some sulfur compounds often emit a distinct odor, which can be bothersome to some individuals, while others may experience allergic reactions like redness, swelling, or rash when using such products. It’s crucial to use sulfur products as directed, and to consult a dermatologist if you experience any adverse reactions, to ensure appropriate usage and minimize potential side effects.

Infographic: Sulfur Oil Recipes To Accelerate Hair Growth

Sulfur is becoming increasingly popular for its skin, beauty, and hair benefits. It helps strengthen the hair and improves elasticity by boosting keratin in the hair strands. One easy way to reap the advantages of this mineral is by using it in massage oils for your hair. Check out the infographic below for three sulfur oil recipes that will help your hair grow faster.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sulfur water good for your hair?

Although anecdotal evidence suggests that consuming sulfur or soaking in sulfur water has hair benefits, there is little scientific data to support the claim.

What is the difference between sulfur and sulfate?

Sulfates are a type of substance known as surfactants that are crucial to the efficiency of shampoos. Surfactants reduce the surface tension of the liquid in which they are present, making it simpler to mix with water and form a foam.
Sulfur is an element that has many advantages for the hair, particularly for people with brittle, dry hair. Sulfur is supposed to help strengthen the hair and improve its elasticity. It is also believed that taking sulfur supplements may assist in enhancing the overall hair health because keratin, a crucial protein in the hair, is composed of sulfur. However, more research is required to understand the benefits of sulfur for hair.

Can sulfur also help with scalp issues, such as dandruff or inflammation?

Yes, studies suggest that sulfur alone or in combination with sodium sulfacetamide may help treat scalp issues such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis due to its antifungal, antibacterial, and keratolytic properties (5).

How can I properly store sulfur-based hair growth products to ensure maximum effectiveness?

Store sulfur-based hair growth products in a container at room temperature and away from direct light and heat.

Can sulfur be used for all hair types and textures?

Sulfur is beneficial for repairing dry, damaged, or brittle hair. It can be used by all hair types. However, there is not enough research to support the use of sulfur on different hair types.

What should I look for when choosing a sulfur-based hair growth product?

You should choose a product that contains argan oil or antioxidants to provide proper conditioning to your strands.

Does sulfur change hair color?

If you use sulfur on your dyed hair, then it will strip off the hair color without causing any change to the natural color of your strands.

Illustration: How You Can Use Sulfur To Make Your Hair Grow Faster

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Unveil the secret of using sulfur 8 and cloves for hair growth. Watch this interesting video for a step-by-step guide on how to do it to get strong and healthy locks.

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Sergio R. Cardona PerezCertified Trichologist

   

Sergio Cardona is a certified trichologist, a passionate professor, an international public speaker, and an advocate of the trichology profession, with 21 years of experience. Currently, he is an Advisory Board Member, Trichology Professor and Director of Communications for the World Trichology Society.

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Annie JangamBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer with 11 years of experience. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make science interesting and easy to understand.

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Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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