This Plant Extract Could Help You Regrow Your Thinning Hair

As we get older, beauty issues like hair loss seem to become more of a problem. While we can’t do anything to stop our bodies from reacting to hormonal changes, we can still make small efforts to take care of our hair and scalp. Using ingredients like kale extract, for example, could be a great way to strengthen our hair and reduce fall out.

Kale Extract For Hair Loss

When we typically think of kale, it’s more in the context of its nutritional benefits. Since it contains so many vital nutrients our bodies need, experts argue that eating kale, whether you love or you hate it, is one of the best things you can do for your health. However, lately you might find kale extract listed as an ingredient on some of your haircare products — this powerful leafy green is also packed with vitamins and minerals that may improve hair health.

Kale is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, as well as several other antioxidants and minerals which all contribute to healthy hair. Vitamin A and K both help us grow new cells and tissues, including hair which is the fastest growing tissue in the body. Vitamin A also helps the skin produce sebum, or oil, which keeps the scalp moisturized so new, silky strands can grow. Similarly, antioxidants in kale like vitamin C, folate, and beta-carotene all help block oxidative damage to skin cells on the scalp. Protecting the hair follicles means less shedding and thicker, more luscious locks!

While there aren’t many studies that have been done on kale extract for hair, clean cosmetic chemist and KKT Consultants founder Krupa Koestline told Byrdie that “based on the biochemical composition of kale — namely it’s high in quercetin, vitamin C, folate, and other minerals — it can be deduced that kale extract can potentially help promote hair growth.”

To that end, BosleyMD-certified trichologist Gretchen Friese told the publication that it’s detoxing properties make kale extract the perfect ingredient for those with issues like scalp buildup. “Because it helps detox the scalp and control sebum it is a great option for people with issues like dandruff and a dry, flaky scalp,” she said. “The iron in kale will also help strengthen weak strands. So people with fragile, damaged hair, split ends, or thin, frizzy, or dry hair will benefit.”

How to Use Kale for Hair Loss

You can get the hair benefits of kale in a few different ways. You can make your own hair mask using fresh kale by blending two to three kale leaves with three tablespoons of water until it forms a smooth paste. Apply the paste to your roots and leave for 20 minutes before washing as usual. If you want to get creative, try adding other hair-boosting ingredients, like a few drops of rosemary essential oil.

You can also purchase products that are already infused with kale extract. One of our favorites is this Not Your Mother’s Naturals Blue Sea Kale and Coconut Water shampoo and conditioner set (Buy on Amazon, $26). Not only will this set help you get noticeably thicker hair, it also smells like the beach!