You've probably heard of ginseng as a traditional herbal remedy, used for centuries in Asian medicine.
In recent years, ginseng has also become popular in hair care. Lab and animal research suggests that compounds in ginseng may support hair growth, though studies in people are still limited.
Read on to learn what the research says about ginseng for hair, and how to add it to your hair care routine!
Index
Ginseng Benefits for Hair
Here's what research has looked at so far:
- Hair follicle activity: Ginseng contains compounds called ginsenosides. In a lab study on human hair follicles, red ginseng extract helped follicles keep growing longer. That's promising, but lab results don't always carry over to people.
- Alopecia areata: In a small clinical study, people with alopecia areata who took Korean red ginseng alongside steroid injections saw better results than with injections alone. It was used together with medical treatment, not instead of it.
- Antioxidant properties: Studies show ginseng has antioxidant activity, which is one reason it's popular in skin and hair care.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Ginseng has been studied for its anti-inflammatory effects, which is why it's often included in products for the scalp.
Bottom line: ginseng is a promising ingredient, but more research in people is needed before anyone can say it grows hair.
Does Ginseng Stop DHT?
In androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), DHT binds to hair follicles and causes them to shrink over time, leading to thinner hair. Some research suggests ginseng compounds may affect the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT.
Most of that research has been done in the lab or in animals, so it's too early to say ginseng blocks DHT in people. If you're dealing with pattern hair loss, a dermatologist can walk you through proven treatment options.
How to Use Ginseng for Hair
The easiest way to add ginseng to your routine is through hair care products that include it. At Goldie Locks®, Panax ginseng root extract is part of our Signature collection:
- Goldie Locks® Signature Shampoo: Gently removes impurities, leaving your hair feeling clean, refreshed, and soft.
- Goldie Locks® Signature Conditioner: A lightweight, moisture-rich formula that hydrates without weighing hair down.
- Goldie Locks® Signature Serum: A rich yet lightweight formula that adds shine and tames frizz. It's clinically shown to reduce breakage by 83% and protect against heat up to 450°F.*
- Goldie Locks® Leave-In Conditioner: Adds lightweight hydration and slip for easier detangling, plus softness and shine.
*Based on third-party testing, when used as directed.
Choosing the Right Ginseng for Hair Care
There are two main varieties of ginseng in the Panax family: Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Most hair research, including the studies above, has looked at Asian or Korean red ginseng.
When you shop for ginseng hair products, a few tips:
- Look for Panax ginseng: On ingredient lists it usually appears as Panax ginseng root extract.
- Check where it falls on the list: Ingredients are listed from highest to lowest concentration, so the list tells you how prominent it is.
- Think about the whole formula: Ginseng works alongside everything else in the product, so choose a formula that fits your hair type.
- Talk to your doctor before taking it by mouth: Ginseng supplements can interact with some medications, so check first.
FAQs
Does ginseng help hair grow?
Lab and animal studies suggest it may support hair growth, and a small study found it helped alongside steroid treatment for alopecia areata. More research in people is needed before anyone can say ginseng grows hair.
Does ginseng block DHT?
Some lab research suggests ginseng compounds may affect the enzyme that makes DHT, but it hasn't been shown in people. For pattern hair loss, ask a dermatologist about proven options.
Which type of ginseng is used in hair research?
Most hair research has used Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), often as Korean red ginseng.
Final Thoughts
Ginseng is an interesting ingredient with a long history, and early research on hair is promising. There isn't strong clinical evidence yet that it reverses hair loss or grows hair in people.
If you'd like to try it, our Goldie Locks® Signature collection includes Panax ginseng root extract alongside hydrating oils, so it fits easily into your everyday routine.