Fenugreek or methi is a herb that is often used in India and other southeast Asian countries for cooking and medicinal purpose. Fenugreek seeds are used as a part of Ayurvedic medicine to improve digestion, reduce blood sugar levels, and promote milk production in nursing mothers.
Fenugreek seed for hair growth has been used by Indian women as a part of a home remedy since long. In the early days, fenugreek seeds were soaked and ground along with henna leaves and applied as a hair pack.
But why fenugreek seeds is so beneficial for hair? This is because fenugreek seeds contain several phytochemicals including saponin and proteins. Fenugreek seed extracts also exhibit antioxidant activity by the free radical scavenging method. (Naidu et.al, 2010).
Fenugreek interacts at a physiological level by stimulating the blood circulation to the hair follicles and steroid saponin is then expected to interact with the DHT (dihydrogen testosterone) metabolism. The binding of DHT on the hair follicle is the main reason why the follicle dies out and eventually leads to hair loss. Fenugreek seed extracts have been used for preparing ointments and it has shown positive results in chemotherapy-induced alopecia. (Gupta et.al 2013).
Fenugreek seed for hair growth can be used in following ways-
Fenugreek hair pack:
1) Fenugreek seeds can be ground into powder. Then 2 tablespoons of powder can be taken and mixed with warm water with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and used as a hair pack. The pack will be slightly slimy and sticky and this imparts shine to the hair.
Keep it for 30minutes and then wash it and dry the hair naturally.
Nowadays you can find fenugreek powder online too
2) Fenugreek seeds can be soaked overnight and then made into a hair pack too. For this, take two to three tablespoons of fenugreek seeds and then soak overnight, the next morning seeds will turn soft and slimy. Grind this into a paste and apply this paste generously to the scalp and the hair for soft, shiny, and strong hair.


Fenugreek hair spray:
1) For making fenugreek hair spray, boil tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in 1 glass of water and then let it cool down. Now keep this mixture overnight. The next morning you will find that the water is slightly slimy and has brownish-yellow. Strain out the seeds and then store the slimy water in a spray bottle and keep it in the fridge. You can use this for up to 1 month. Spray the fenugreek water on the scalp and massage it.
2) You can add essential oils like rosemary and chamomile to mask up the pungent smell of fenugreek.

Fenugreek seed hair oil:
1) Add 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds to 1 cup of coconut oil, and let it simmer on a very low flame. Let it simmer for some time and keep stirring. Turn off the flame and store this mixture in a bottle. Allow this mixture to sit for a week until the oil is nicely infused with nutrients from the fenugreek seeds.
2) Apply this to your hair, keep it for around 20 mins and massage your scalp gently. Then, wash it off with a mild shampoo.
Benefits of the fenugreek seeds for hair:
So, how will the fenugreek hair mask/spray /oil help your hair?
Just after 2-3 sessions of using fenugreek seeds for hair, you will notice a reduction in hair fall.
You will also notice that your hair has gained luster.
The hair also turns softer and less dry.
Fenugreek seed when ground into a paste has a slimy gel-like texture which helps in making your mane lustrous and lends it a body. If you have porous hair which that is too much dry, then methi will help add a little weight to your hair. However, the pungent smell of methi is seriously irritating, but if you can get through this, you can surely get healthy locks with strong roots.
You can try using methi/ fenugreek for hair at least once a week and you will get to see the visible difference after 4 to 5 weeks.
Let us know, if you tried it, and how was your experience using fenugreek seeds for hair growth.