Having thick, long hair is the desire of many women. However, factors such as hair loss and thinning often hinder this dream. Cayenne pepper is a popular natural remedy for hair growth and health. Cayenne pepper is rich in vitamins A, C, E, riboflavin, manganese, potassium and vitamin B6 and its compounds help promote hair growth. If you are looking for a natural and safe way to improve your hair health and growth, cayenne pepper is 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 chili pepper that is often used to add spice and flavor to dishes. It is prepared by grinding dried cayenne pepper in the cultivar of Capsicum annuum. Cayenne peppers are long, red or orange in color and are usually very spicy, ranging between 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units. Because of their high capsaicin content (the compound that gives peppers their spicy heat), cayenne peppers provide a fiery heat, pungent aroma, and crunchy flavor. Cayenne pepper is commonly used in spicy dishes in places like Mexico, Thailand, and India.

Also Read: This study says that eating chilies can help you live longer

Benefits of cayenne pepper for hair growth

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

1. Helps with alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. Adding cayenne pepper to your haircare routine is also believed to promote hair growth. These peppers contain 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.

2. Rich in anti-inflammatory

Capsaicin’s anti-inflammatory properties are well-known, and they help treat inflammatory conditions that cause hair loss. It may also help reduce any scalp inflammation, as noted in a study published in the Journal of Experimental and Therapeutic Medicines.

3. Increases hair growth

“Capsaicin promotes hair growth by activating the calanoid receptors in hair follicles. Additionally, masala promotes hair growth by inhibiting substance P, a peptide,” says dermatologist Dr DM Mahajan.

4. Reduces hair loss

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

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

How to use cayenne pepper for hair growth?

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

1. Cayenne pepper and olive oil hair mask

Required:

Procedure:

1. Finely chop the peppers and toss them in olive oil.
2. Transfer the mixture into a jar and keep it in a cool, dark place for 10 to 15 days.
3. Keep the oil out of direct sunlight.
4. After straining the oil, throw the peppers away.
5. Take 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil.
6. After sectioning, apply this oil to the entire length of your hair, including the scalp.
7. After an hour, remove the oil using your regular shampoo and conditioner.

2. Onion juice and cayenne pepper hair mask

Required:

• onion
• cayenne pepper
• Aloe vera

Procedure:

1. Mix aloe vera, onion juice and cayenne powder.
2. After placing the mixture in a jar, expose it to sunlight 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 thankful for it!

3. Coconut oil and cayenne pepper hair mask

Required:

• Coconut oil
• Olive oil
• cayenne pepper

Procedure:

• Combine cayenne pepper and coconut oil in a jar, then store somewhere cool and dark for up to a week.
• Add olive oil to the mixture.
• Apply two teaspoons (or more, depending on the length of your hair) of the oil to your scalp and hair.
• After 30 minutes, remove it with sulfate and paraben free shampoo.

4. Cayenne pepper and honey hair mask

Required:

Procedure:

• Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
• After shampooing your hair, apply the mixture.
• Give your hair a warm towel wrap.
• Leave it for 40 minutes before rinsing your hair with water.

5. Cayenne pepper and egg yolk hair mask

Required:

• Eggs
• cayenne pepper
• Olive oil

Procedure:

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

Are there any side effects of cayenne pepper?

Although cayenne pepper shows promise for stimulating hair growth, the spice’s intense heating properties should be used with caution. Cayenne contains capsaicin, which can cause significant skin irritation, redness, and burning when applied topically. If left on too long or used too liberally, cayenne-coated masks, oils or rinses can cause hair loss, dryness and breakage rather than growth. Oral consumption of cayenne through supplements or drinks is safe, although it may cause stomach pains, cramps, or ulcers in sensitive individuals.

Are there any dangers of using cayenne pepper?

Cayenne peppers contain a powerful compound called capsaicin, which gives chili peppers their intense heat and pungent flavor. This capsaicin can cause significant skin irritations, redness, burns and pain when it comes into contact with sensitive skin, eyes, nose and mouth. Consuming large amounts of cayenne pepper in food or supplement form can irritate the digestive system, provoking stomach pain, cramps, nausea and ulcers in some people.

“People with conditions such as GERD, IBS, or diverticulitis face a higher risk of complications if they use cayenne pepper internally. Some people may even have allergic reactions ranging from mild itching to full-blown anaphylaxis in severe cases. Cayenne pepper can also improve symptoms in those prone to migraines or cluster headaches. The spice is used in moderation. “Provides health benefits, overdose of cayenne pepper powder can cause liver damage and in extreme cases even death. Those planning to add cayenne powder to their routines should start slowly and discontinue use if any related symptoms develop,” says the expert.

Moderation is key!

Cayenne pepper should be used with caution to test individual tolerance levels before regular use to avoid adverse reactions that counteract the hair growth benefits.