Having thick, long hair is something that many women desire. However, factors like hair loss and thinning can often hinder this dream. One natural remedy that is gaining popularity for hair growth and health is cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper is rich in vitamins A, C, E, riboflavin, manganese, potassium, and vitamin B6, and its compounds may help to promote hair growth. If you’re looking for a natural and safe way to improve your hair’s health and growth, cayenne pepper may be an option worth considering. Let’s explore the benefits of cayenne pepper for hair growth and how you can incorporate it into your hair care routine.

What is cayenne pepper?

Cayenne pepper is a hot chilli pepper that is frequently used to add spiciness and flavour to dishes. It is made by grinding dried cayenne pepper, which is a cultivar of capsicum annuum. Cayenne peppers are long, red, or orange peppers that are typically very spicy, rating between 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units. Due to their high capsaicin content (the compound that gives peppers their spicy heat), cayenne peppers impart a fiery heat, pungent smell, and crispy flavour. Cayenne pepper is commonly used in spicy cuisines in places like Mexico, Thailand, and India.

Also Read: Eating chillies can give you a longer life, says this study

Benefits of cayenne pepper for hair growth

Here are some of the potential benefits of cayenne pepper for hair growth:

1. Helps with alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. It is believed that including cayenne pepper in your haircare routine might promote hair growth. This pepper contains capsaicin, which acts as a contact sensitizer and can be used to treat alopecia areata. According to a study published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Science, capsaicin promotes hair growth.

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2. Rich in anti-inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory qualities of capsaicin are well known, and they may aid in the treatment of inflammatory conditions that cause hair loss. It might also assist in reducing any scalp inflammation, as mentioned in a study published in an Experimental and Therapeutic Medicines Journal.

3. Boosts hair growth

“Capsaicin may promote hair development by activating the calanoid receptors in hair follicles. Additionally, the spice may promote hair development by blocking the substance P, a peptide,” says Dermatologist Dr DM Mahajan.

4. Reduces hair loss

The majority of peppers belonging to the same family as cayenne pepper are high in folate and vitamins A, C, and E. It is well known that these vitamins contribute to hair growth.

Also Read: Want to grow your hair faster? Try these 5 tips and home remedies

How to use cayenne pepper for hair growth?

Cayenne pepper can be used in several natural hair care remedies to help stimulate growth.

1. Cayenne pepper and olive oil hair mask

Ingredients:

Procedure:

1. Chop the pepper finely and toss them in olive oil.
2. Transfer the blend into a jar and keep it for 10 to 15 days in a cool, dark area.
3. Make sure the oil is kept out of direct sunlight.
4. After straining the oil, throw away the peppers.
5. Take 2 to 3 tablespoons of the oil.
6. Apply this oil to the entire length of your hair, including the scalp, after sectioning it.
7. After an hour, remove the oil by using your regular shampoo and conditioner.

2. Onion juice and cayenne pepper hair mask

Ingredients:

• Onion
• Cayenne pepper
• Aloe vera

Procedure:

1. Mix the aloe vera, onion juice, and cayenne powder.
2. After putting the mixture in a jar, expose it to the sun for 6 to 8 hours.
3. Massage the blend into your scalp and hair.
4. Let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes.
5. Use shampoo and warm water to wash.

Also Read: I applied onion juice on my scalp for a month and my hair is grateful for it!

3. Coconut oil and cayenne pepper hair mask

Ingredients:

• Coconut oil
• Olive oil
• Cayenne pepper

Procedure:

• Incorporate the cayenne pepper and coconut oil into a jar, then keep it somewhere cool and dark for a week.
• Add the olive oil to the mixture.
• Apply two teaspoons (or more, based on the length of your hair) of the oil infusion to your scalp and hair.
• After 30 minutes, remove it with a sulphate and paraben-free shampoo.

4. Cayenne pepper and honey hair mask

Ingredients:

Procedure:

• Combine the ingredients in a bowl.
• After shampooing your hair, apply the mixture.
• Give your hair a warm towel wrap.
• Leave it on for 40 minutes to give your hair a water rinse.

5. Cayenne pepper and egg yolk hair mask

Ingredients:

• Egg
• Cayenne pepper
• Olive oil

Procedure:

• After mixing the ingredients in a bowl, set it aside for 20 minutes in a warm location.
• Massage the mixture into your scalp and hair.
• Leave the mixture on for 30 minutes before washing with shampoo.

Are there any side effects of cayenne pepper?

While cayenne pepper shows promise for stimulating hair growth, the spice’s intense heating properties mean it must be used with caution. Cayenne contains capsaicin, which can cause significant skin irritation, redness, and burning sensations when applied topically. If left on too long or used too liberally, cayenne-infused masks, oils, or rinses may cause damage, dryness, and increased shedding rather than hair growth. Oral consumption of cayenne via supplements or drinks is likely safer, yet can still cause stomach pains, cramps, or ulcers in sensitive individuals.

Are there any risks of using cayenne pepper?

Cayenne pepper contains a powerful compound called capsaicin, which gives the peppers their intensely hot and pungent flavour. This capsaicin can cause significant skin irritations, redness, burns, and pain when coming into contact with sensitive skin, eyes, nose, and mouth. Consuming large amounts of cayenne pepper, either in food or supplement form, may irritate the digestive tract, provoking stomach pain, cramps, nausea, and ulcers in some individuals.

“People with conditions like GERD, IBS, or diverticulitis face higher risks for complications if using cayenne internally. Some people may have allergic reactions as well, ranging from mild itching to full-blown anaphylaxis in severe cases. Cayenne pepper is also known to amplify symptoms for those prone to migraines or cluster headaches. While the spice offers health benefits when used moderately, ingesting high doses of cayenne pepper powder has been linked to liver damage and even death in extreme cases. Those planning to incorporate cayenne into their routines should start slowly and discontinue use if any concerning symptoms develop,” says the expert.

Moderation is key!

Cayenne pepper should be used carefully to test individual tolerance levels before regular use to prevent adverse reactions that could counteract any potential hair growth benefits.