Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Nettle (Urtica dioica), commonly known as stinging nettle, has a long history of traditional use in supporting hair health and addressing hair loss or thinning. In European folk medicine and some Ayurvedic traditions, nettle has been used both topically (as a hair rinse or tonic) and internally (as teas or extracts) to promote hair growth and reduce shedding. The rationale often cited is nettle's rich nutritional profile, including vitamins (A, C, K, several B vitamins), minerals (iron, silica, magnesium, calcium), and its purported effects on circulation and inflammation. Some traditional practices also use nettle to address underlying conditions believed to contribute to hair loss, such as poor scalp health or hormonal imbalance.

Scientific studies directly evaluating nettle's efficacy for hair loss in humans are limited and generally of low quality. There is some laboratory evidence suggesting that nettle extract may inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone implicated in androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). However, robust clinical trials confirming these effects in humans are lacking. Therefore, while nettle remains popular in traditional and herbal hair care formulations, its use for hair loss is primarily justified by historical practices rather than strong scientific validation.

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