How To Use Yogurt For Hair Growth

Probiotics are popular for skin but it's time to unveil their benefits for your tresses.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Meena Konada, MBBS, DDVL Dr. Meena Konada Dr. Meena KonadaMBBS, DDVL facebook_icontwitter_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Monomita Chakraborty MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
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woman applying yogurt for hair

Image: ShutterStock

Using yogurt for hair growth can be a good idea as it is rich in nutrients that can help nourish hair. It is inexpensive, free from harsh chemicals, and can be easily incorporated into your hair care routine. Whip up a customized yogurt-based hair mask to say goodbye to all your hair woes. It is also known to restore hair shine and reduce dandruff. Want to learn more about how to get beautiful, healthy hair with this simple pantry item? Do try our yogurt hair mask recipes!

protip_icon Know Your Ingredient: Yogurt
What Is It? Yogurt is a dairy product made from heated milk. What Are Its Benefits? It helps to promote hair density, boost hair growth, reduce hair fall or dandruff, and improve overall scalp health. Who Can Use It? Anyone can use it except those allergic to yogurt. How Often? Few tablespoons according to hair length and twice a week. Caution Avoid if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to dairy. A patch test is recommended.

Benefits Of Yogurt For Hair Growth

Wooden comb and bowl of yogurt for hair
Image: Shutterstock
  • A study states that adjusting the scalp’s bacterial balance by increasing the Propionibacterium and suppressing Staphylococcus may help reduce dandruff (1). Yogurt produces Propionibacterium that can help enhance the bacteria on your scalp (2). This, in turn, can help reduce dandruff.
  • It helps calm the frizz by keeping your hair moisturized for longer.
  • Yogurt contains probiotic bacteria that promote hair density. It increases the anagen phasei  First active phase of the hair growth cycle where the hair cells divide and form new hair, growing 1 cm every 28 days. of hair follicles (3). This also helps boost hair growth.
  • It improves scalp health and reduces the clogging of follicles, thus reducing hair fall and hair damage (4).
  • Yogurt balances the pH levels of your scalp by regulating sebumi  An oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands that hydrates and protects your skin. production (3).

Ave Renee, a blogger, tried a DIY yogurt hair mask for her extremely thick medium-length hair. On her blog, she writes, “It made detangling my hair a breeze, helped define my curls, and has kept my hair soft days later without having to apply anything else. Any natural products I make contain vitamin E and rosemary, and I can honestly say I think they’re helping with hair growth (i).

Explore different yogurt hair masks to treat hair loss and promote hair growth in the section below. Scroll down now!

How To Use Yogurt For Hair Growth

1. Egg And Yogurt

Bowls of egg and yogurt for hair
Image: Shutterstock

Egg yolk contains peptidesi  Short-chained amino acids used in cosmetics that help strengthen the hair and aid collagen production. that stimulate hair growth (5).

You Will Need
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons of yogurt

Processing Time: 30 minutes

Directions
  1. Whisk the egg in a bowl until the yellow and white are mixed properly.
  2. Add the yogurt to form a consistent paste.
  3. Divide your hair into sections and apply the mixture from the roots to the tips.
  4. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
  5. Rinse your hair with shampoo and cool water.
  6. You can use this mask up to two times a week.
protip_icon Quick Tip
Curly and coily hair tends to be drier, while straight or wavy hair is more prone to oiliness. If you have curly or coily hair, use the egg yolk. For straight or wavy hair, use the egg white. The yolk contains fatty acids and protein, while the white only contains proteins (5). Fatty acids can moisturize curls, while proteins strengthen the hair.

2. Banana And Yogurt

Banana contains potassium, carbohydrates, and vitamins that help nourish the hair. It improves the scalp’s health, reduces dandruff, and makes the hair shiny. It also prevents hair breakage and split ends by protecting the hair’s natural elasticity (6).

You Will Need
  • ½ ripe banana
  • 1 tablespoon of yogurt
  • 3 teaspoons of honey
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Processing Time: 30 minutes

Directions
  1. Mash the banana in a bowl until there are no lumps.
  2. Add all the ingredients and mix well to form a smooth paste.
  3. Apply this mixture from the roots to the tips of your hair.
  4. Leave it on for 25-30 minutes.
  5. Wash your hair with shampoo.
  6. You can repeat this up to two times a week.

3. Yogurt And Olive Oil

Yogurt and olive oil in a bowl each, along with a hair brush
Image: Shutterstock

Olive oil and yogurt are good hair conditioners (4). Lemon helps maintain the pH balance of the hair (7).

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 cup of yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • 2 cups of water

Processing Time: 20 minutes

Directions
  1. Mix the olive oil and yogurt in a bowl and set it aside.
  2. Dilute the lemon juice in water.
  3. Apply the yogurt-oil mixture to damp hair.
  4. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
  5. Rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water.
  6. Wash your hair finally with lemon water.
  7. You can repeat this up to two times a week.
protip_icon Quick Tip
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use other carrier oils like coconut oil or argan oil. You can also try hair butters like mango, shea, or cocoa butter. They are great moisturizers, especially for dry, damaged, and frizzy hair.

4. Yogurt And Honey

Honey conditions your hair, treats dandruff, and reduces hair loss (8) (9).

You Will Need
  • ½ cup of yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon of honey
  • 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar

Processing Time: 30 minutes

Directions
  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to form a smooth paste.
  2. Apply this mixture from the roots to the tips of your hair. Ensure that your hair is entirely covered.
  3. Leave the yogurt-honey mixture on for about 30 minutes.
  4. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
  5. You can repeat this up to 2 times a week.

Note:

If you have dry hair, add a banana to this mask. And for greasy hair, add strawberries.

5. Aloe Vera And Yogurt

A bowl of yogurt and aloe vera mix with mint leaf on top
Image: Shutterstock

Aloe vera helps treat dandruff (10). It has moisturizing properties and can reduce hair loss (11).

You Will Need
  • 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
  • 2 tablespoons of yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of honey

Processing Time: 45 minutes

Directions
  1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth mixture.
  2. Massage this mixture onto your scalp for about 15 minutes.
  3. Apply it to the length of your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
  4. Shampoo your hair.
  5. You can repeat this up to 2 times a week.

6. Avocado And Yogurt

Avocado is rich in vitamin E, vitamin B5, vitamin A, antioxidants, minerals, and fatty acids (12). These nutrients improve scalp health and increase hair growth (13). Avocados are best for conditioning and make for a perfect hair care ingredient for dry hair.

You Will Need
  • 1 cup of yogurt
  • ½ ripe avocado
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of honey

Processing Time: 25 minutes

Directions
  1. Mash the avocado until it is free of lumps.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well to get a smooth paste.
  3. Section your hair and apply this paste from root to tip.
  4. Leave it on for 20 minutes and shampoo your hair.

Note:

Use this mask once a week if you have dry hair and once a fortnight for normal hair.

7. Curry Leaves And Yogurt

Curry Leaves And Yogurt
Image: Shutterstock

Curry leaves are rich in vitamin C, A, E, and B and protein that reduce hair fall and promote hair growth (14). This mask helps thicken the hair and boost hair growth rate.

You Will Need
  • 1 cup of yogurt
  • A handful of fresh curry leaves

Processing Time: 30 minutes

Directions
  1. Wash and then grind the curry leaves to form a smooth paste.
  2. Mix this paste with the yogurt in a bowl.
  3. Apply this mixture to your hair from the roots to the tips.
  4. Leave it on for 30 minutes and shampoo your hair.
  5. Use this mask once a week to boost hair growth.
protip_icon Quick Tip
If you don’t have curry leaves, you can grind a handful of mint leaves to add to this hair mask. Mint leaves refresh and cleanse the scalp.

8. Coconut Milk And Yogurt

You can use coconut milk for the hair, owing to its rich content of essential fatty acids and proteins (15). Anecdotal evidence suggests that applying coconut milk helps nourish your scalp and aids healthy hair growth.

You Will Need
  • 1 cup of coconut milk
  • ½ cup of yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons of camphor oil

Processing Time: 2 hours

Directions
  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Massage this mixture onto your scalp and hair.
  3. Leave it on for an hour or two.
  4. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water.
  5. Use this hair mask once a week.

9. Fenugreek And Yogurt

Fenugreek showed hair growth-promoting effects in mice studies (16).  It also maintains natural hair pigmentation and keeps the hair silky(17).

You Will Need
  • 1 cup of yogurt
  • A handful of fenugreek seeds

Processing Time: 30 minutes

Directions
  1. Soak the fenugreek seeds in yogurt overnight.
  2. In the morning, grind the seeds and yogurt into a consistent paste.
  3. Apply the paste to your scalp and hair.
  4. Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
  5. Repeat this process twice a week.

10. Lemon Juice And Yogurt

Lemon juice is a short-term remedy for dandruff (18). This hair mask is an easy way to soothe aggravated scalp. You Will Need

  • 4 tablespoons of yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon of honey

Processing Time: 20 minutes

Directions
  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair.
  3. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water.
  4. Use this hair mask once a week.

Learn how to use yogurt to promote hair growth! Discover the benefits of yogurt for your hair and how to use it for maximum results in this video. Play it now!

While we have covered ways to use yogurt for hair growth, let us learn about some other ways and helpful tips that can help you keep your hair healthy. Scroll down to know more.

Other Ways To Improve Hair Health And Boost Hair Growth

Scalp massage with hair oil
Image: Shutterstock
  • Increasing protein in your daily diet can help strengthen the hair follicles and bestow lustrous tresses (19).
  • Adding essential oils like jojoba oil and rosemary oil can aid in boosting hair growth. Rosemary oil is known for nourishing the hair follicles to promote hair growth and combat hair loss (20).
  • Performing scalp massages with some warm oil may help increase blood circulation in the scalp and, as a result, promote healthy hair follicles for hair growth.

Infographic: 5 Amazing Benefits Of Using Yogurt For Hair

Applying yogurt is a natural, chemical-free, inexpensive way to restore natural shine and hair health. You can use it alone or mix it with other ingredients to prepare DIY hair masks. But before you do that, take a glance at the reasons you should include yogurt in your haircare routine. Check out the infographic below!

5 amazing benefits of using yogurt for hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

There are numerous benefits of using yogurt for hair growth. It reduces dandruff, calms frizz, increases hair density, prolongs the anagen phase in hair growth, vastly improves scalp health, prevents hair fall and damage, and regulates the scalp pH level. It is rich in probiotics and amino acids and can help provide nourishment and hydration to your hair. Pairing yogurt with natural ingredients like eggs provides additional hair care benefits such as increased moisturization and stronger hair. Use these hair packs as recommended above for the best results. Remember, with consistency and patience, you can see good and healthy hair growth. Pair these yogurt hair packs with additional tips such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, and regularly relieving stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave yogurt on my hair overnight?

No, do not leave yogurt on your hair overnight as you might catch a cold.

Does yogurt thicken the hair?

Yes. Yogurt helps promote hair growth, which makes it thick and healthy.

Are there any possible side effects of using yogurt for the hair?

No. However, if you have a sensitive scalp, you might experience a tingling sensation. 

Is yogurt good for dandruff?

Yes, yogurt can help eliminate dandruff. Apply it to the roots and massage in a circular motion. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing off with an anti-dandruff shampoo. Check out these anti-dandruff hair masks to help control dandruff.

IsCan I put yogurt on my hair everyday?

Yes, you can. Yogurt has nutrients required for healthy hair, and can hence be applied to hair regularly to keep it shiny and strong.

Can I apply yogurt on oiled hair?

Yes, you can apply yogurt to oiled hair as well by simply massaging it onto the scalp and along the hair length.

Is Greek yogurt good for hair loss?

Yes, Greek yogurt is rich in protein (which is a building block for hair). It also contains vitamin B5, which prevents early hair graying and boosts hair growth (19).

Does curd make hair straight?

Yes, applying curd can make your hair straight and smooth.

Key Takeaways

  • Protein, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin D in yogurt promote hair growth.
  • Because yogurt is anti-inflammatory, it can calm the scalp and lessen dandruff.
  • Yogurt softens and detangles hair with its hair-conditioning properties.
  • The lactic acid content in yogurt exfoliates the scalp and removes dead skin cells.
  • You can apply yogurt as a mask to strengthen your hair and repair damage. It serves as a healthy substitute for hair products with chemical bases.

Illustration: Yogurt For Hair: Masks For Hair Growth & Benefits | StyleCraze

Yogurt For Hair Growth

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. DIY Beauty: Greek Yogurt Hair Mask;https://averenee.blogspot.com/2012/05/diy-beauty-greek-yogurt-hair-mask.html

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Dandruff is associated with the conjoined interactions between host and microorganisms
    https://idp.nature.com/authorize?response_type=cookie&client_id=grover&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fsrep24877
  2. Effect of using propionic acid bacteria as an adjunct culture in yogurt production https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030208713444
  3. Probiotic bacteria induce a ‘glow of health’ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3547054/
  4. Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/
  5. The Golden Egg: Nutritional Value, Bioactivities, and Emerging Benefits for Human Health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470839/
  6. Traditional and medicinal uses of banana https://www.phytojournal.com/vol1Issue3/Issue_sept_2012/9.1.pdf
  7. PREPARATION OF HERBAL SHAMPOO (HS) BY GREEN METHOD AND THEIR CHARACTERIZATION https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319173153_PREPARATION_OF_HERBAL_SHAMPOO_HS_BY_GREEN_METHOD_AND_THEIR_CHARACTERIZATION
  8. Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/
  9. Therapeutic and prophylactic effects of crude honey on chronic seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11485891/
  10. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of an Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09546639909055904
  11. Evaluation of the Nutritional and Metabolic Effects of Aloe vera. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/
  12. Hass avocado composition and potential health effects. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2011.556759
  13. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/
  14. Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng: An ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological review https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284278701_Murraya_koenigii_L_Spreng_An_ethnobotanical_phytochemical_and_pharmacological_review
  15. COCONUT MILK https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/548604/nutrients
  16. Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Hair Gel Containing Fenugreek Seed Extract for Nourishment and Hair Growth https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335000156_Formulation_and_Evaluation_of_Herbal_Hair_Gel_Containing_Fenugreek_Seed_Extract_for_Nourishment_and_Hair_Growth
  17. Impact of Trigonella foenum-graecum Leaves Extract on Mice Hair Growth https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318655670_Impact_of_Trigonella_foenum-graecum_Leaves_Extract_on_Mice_Hair_Growth
  18. Analysis on the Natural Remedies to Cure Dandruff/Skin Disease-causing Fungus – Malassezia furfur https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261071142_Analysis_on_the_Natural_Remedies_to_Cure_DandruffSkin_Disease-causing_Fungus_-_Malassezia_furfur
  19. Nutrition of women with hair loss problem during the period of menopause https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4828511/
  20. The Use of Natural Ingredients in the Treatment of Alopecias with an Emphasis on Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7595365/
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Dr. Meena Konada
Dr. Meena KonadaMBBS, DDVL
Dr. Meena Konada is a board-certified dermatologist with 9 years of experience. She is a public health nutrition graduate from New Jersey, USA. She specializes in aesthetics and trichology and is a practicing consultant in one of the internationally renowned skin clinics in Hyderabad, India.

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Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Ramona Sinha
Ramona SinhaEditor
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Monomita Chakraborty
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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