Honey and Hair Growth
Dermatitis and Dandruff

A 2001 honey and hair study reported how raw honey may be used to treat scaling, itching and hair loss.

Traditional use of honey on hair has been widely known throughout the ages. A 2001 study conducted by the Dubai Specialized Medical Center discovered honey may be used to treat scaling, itching and hair loss.

Honey has antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties and has high nutrient value. In this study, Al-Waili investigated whether or not unprocessed honey can be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.

30 patients with chronic seborrheic dermatitis of scalp, face and front of chest were entered for study. 20 patients were males and 10 were females, their ages ranged between 15 and 60 years.

The patients had scaling, itching and hair loss. The lesions were scaling macules, papules and dry white plaques with crust and fissures.

The patients were asked to apply diluted crude honey (90% honey diluted in warm water) every other day on the lesions with gentle rubbing for 2 to 3 minutes. Honey was left for 3 hours before gentle rinsing with warm water.

The patients were followed daily for itching, scaling and hair loss, and the lesions were examined. Treatment was continued for 4 weeks.

The improved patients were included in a prophylactic phase, lasting six months. Half of the patients were treated with the topical honey once weekly and the other half served as a control group.

All the patients responded markedly to the application of honey. Itching was relieved and scaling disappeared within one week. Skin lesions were healed and disappeared completely within 2 weeks.

In addition, patients showed subjective improvement in hair loss.

None of the 15 patients treated with the honey application once weekly for six months showed relapse, while the 12/15 patients who had no prophylactic treatment with honey experienced a relapse of the lesions 2-4 months after stopping treatment.

The study concluded that crude honey could markedly improve seborrheic dermatitis and associated hair loss and prevent relapse when applied weekly.

Honey and Hair Remedy

Another simple way to introduce a shine into your hair is to use honey as a hair rinse.

Mix 1 teaspoon of honey into 4 cups of warm water. Use as a hair rinse. Add lemon juice if you are a blond.

References

Al-Waili NS. Therapeutic and prophylactic effects of crude honey on chronic seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff (2001). Eur J Med Res. 2001 Jul 30;6(7):306-8.

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