Today, revel in all the information you could possibly need pertaining to ginger. Or should I say adrak? An extremely common food spice among Indian households, its benefits range from doing away with joint pain and common colds to relieving gastrointestinal problems in the body.

Having said that, however, its effects on the scalp and hair of Misters is often underrated and undervalued, if I may take the liberty to say so. Did you know that some studies have contradicted the claim of ginger for hair health and mention that it could also decrease hair growth? Hence, its appropriate incorporation in your hair routine is paramount, if you wish to see desired results.

Let’s touch upon hair growth first. Ginger is known to possess circulatory agents, promoting a healthy scalp and facilitating hair growth. The popular antioxidant gingerol and fatty acids present in this spice aid the destruction of free radicals that damage your hair cells resulting in it’s thinning. Moreover, it is rich in natural essential oils and nutrients that serve as a great conditioner for hair, shiny and soft.

Containing antiseptic, antibacterial properties, ginger has the ability to fight dandruff, an itchy and inflamed scalp that let’s face it, nobody would want to deal with. It also helps with dry hair, breakage and split ends.

A great way to ensure density and growth is by using this spice in the form of a hair mask consisting of ginger powder, mixed with an additional oil base such as vegetable oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, almond oil or castor oil. Make sure to apply it on wet hair, leave it in for a few hours and rinse it off with normal temperature water.

An important tip to remember is that numerous people are allergic to ginger. So make sure to rub some onto your skin to see if you experience a minor reaction or irritation. It goes without saying- don’t use it if it is harmful for your body. If you feel fine, consult a specialist and weave it into your hair routine!

Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP