How To Use Yogurt For Hair Growth

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!

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

• 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

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.

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

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.

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

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 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.

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.

Before you start using these yogurt masks, there are some precautions you need to learn about to avoid the possibility of any adverse reactions.

Precautions and Tips

1. Do a small patch test on your skin to ensure that you are not allergic to yogurt.
2. Don’t apply yogurt if you have any cuts or recent injuries on your scalp.
3. Adjust how often you use yogurt based on your hair type. Dry hair may need it twice a week, while oily hair may need it once a fortnight.
4. For best results, use plain, unsweetened yogurt to avoid unnecessary additives.
5. Rinse your hair thoroughly afterwards to prevent any residue buildup on your scalp.

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

• 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!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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.

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

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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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 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 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 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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