Green tea has been enjoyed as a beverage since centuries and is extremely popular around the world. Considered as a cure-all beverage, several companies have begun adding green tea to their products, especially the ones that revolve around healthier hair.
That said, you may often wonder if green tea truly has hair-enhancing properties. Here, we explore the benefits of green tea in the form of a hair rinse for healthy hair.
What is Green Tea?
Tea leaves originate from the plant Camellia sinensis. Based on the method of processing, tea leaves can eventually produce black, white, oolong, or green tea.
Green tea is prepared from fresh tea leaves that successfully undergo drying and exposure to sunlight to help in preventing oxidation and fermentation, which leads to its distinct, characteristic flavour.
Green tea is renowned because it is a rich source of antioxidants. Most of these come from compounds that are known as flavanols, especially a type that is known as catechins.
The most powerful and abundant catechin present in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (or EGCG), which has been linked to reduced risks of developing heart disease and some types of cancer.
Because it is a rich source of antioxidants, green tea and its extracts are being used for diverse purposes, such as prevention of hair loss and improvement in hair health.
Green Tea Hair Rinse
To prepare homemade green tea hair rinse, add 1 or 2 bags of green tea to boiling water. Allow them to steep for approximately 5 minutes. Post cooling, apply the liquid to your hair at the end of the shower. You can also use green tea to prepare a shampoo and conditioner.
Mentioned below are some potential hair benefits when it comes to green tea.
- May Prevent Hair Loss
Hair loss affects both men and women, and it is caused by several factors such as stress, hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases and an unhealthy diet.
Two primary hormones, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, can negatively impact the hair-growth phase, thus increasing hair loss. Some studies have demonstrated that EGCG (which is present in green tea) can successfully inhibit the effects of these hormones on the hair and slow down hair loss.
In another study, mice that were administered a topical treatment of EGCG-rich green tea had markedly less hair loss in comparison with those that did not receive any treatment.
It appears that EGCG successfully decreases hair loss induced by testosterone through the prolongation of the androgen phase of hair growth and slowing down of the telogen phase, which leads to hair fall.
- Supports Hair Growth
In Ayurveda, green tea is known to help in supporting healthy hair growth as well as regrowth.
In one small study, researchers applied EGCG extract (derived from topical green tea) to the scalps of 3 participants with alopecia. After a period of 4 days, the participants experienced a marked increase in hair growth activity.
EGCG appears to augment hair growth through the stimulation of hair follicles and the prevention of damage to hair cells and skin.
That said, it is presently unknown as to how quick or effective green tea hair rinses are for the promotion of hair growth in humans, especially in those who do not experience hormone-related hair loss.
How to Use Green Tea Hair Products?
Green tea hair products are popping up in almost any supermarket, and their cost-effectiveness eventually depends on how you use them.
Hair follicles receive blood flow and nutrition to successfully promote the growth of hair strands. After the hair strand (or shaft) emerges from the hair follicle, it no longer receives any supply of nutrients.
While certain hair products (such as green tea hair rinse) can hydrate and nourish strands of hair, they will not help them to grow.
If you are using a hair rinse or shampoo, ensure that you apply it to the roots and scalp because this helps the product reach the hair follicles. In addition, make sure to scrub your hair gently while using a hair rinse to avoid any damage to the roots.
On a Final Note
Several green tea hair products are available both in stores as well as online. That said, make it a point to apply them to the scalps and roots for optimum results. If you have prepared a green tea hair rinse, use it after shampooing and conditioning your hair.
