Published on February 5, 2018. Last Updated on October 22, 2021.
What is Horsetail: Horsetail is an herb used as a remedy dating back to the ancient Romans and Greeks. Traditionally it was used to stop bleeding and to treat ulcers and wounds, as well as tuberculosis and kidney issues. Today horsetail for hair growth or horsetail extract for hair growth has been studied as a possible natural treatment for alopecia or hair loss. In this article we will cover horsetail benefits for hair, and what the research says.
How Does Horsetail Help Hair Growth?
The main ingredient in horsetail is the mineral silica, otherwise known as silicon. Silicon helps strengthen the bone. More so, research states that silicon is perhaps the alkalizing property that is responsible for strengthening hair strands and improving hair sheen and texture.
Another essential health component of horsetail is selenium. Selenium helps the body process iodine, which is responsible for boosting hair growth and maintaining its strength. And because of its anti-bacterial properties, it helps fight infection on your scalp, clearing follicles and roots to support healthy hair growth.
More so, there may be chemical properties inherent within horsetail or horsetail extract which can help inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production in the body. DHT is known as a precursor to hair loss and balding, as increased DHT production inhibits hair growth by shrinking hair follicles. Studies shown below report that horsetail may inhibit DHT production, to help alleviate hair loss and increase or restore hair growth on the scalp.
Horsetail for Hair Growth: Benefits & More
Horsetail for hair growth has been studied over the years, and the research results support its efficacy in treating various ailments. As mentioned, horsetail is an ancient herb used for thousands of years to treat and improve bone health, regulate blood flow, and maintain skin and hair health. Besides horsetail’s benefits for hair growth, horsetail extract also exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties that can help fight infection. The most recent research has indicated that horsetail’s anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidants have proven valuable for hair health.
Horsetail Research Demonstrates Positive Outcomes in Hair Growth
Researchers investigated the natural food supplement’s efficacy and tolerability in a recent controlled study titled “Objective and Subjective Effects and Tolerability in Persons with Hair Loss” (1). The supplement included marine proteins, minerals, vitamins, and horsetail herbs. These ingredients are suspected to be effective in treating hair loss.
Fifty-five subjects with hair loss participated in the 6-month blind study. All subjects had hair-loss problems of at least 1 year before entering the study. Subjects were exposed to either the food supplement or a placebo for approximately 6 months. After 6 months, the placebo group was given the supplement that contained marine proteins, minerals, vitamins, and horsetail extract, among other ingredients. This product is intended to supply the hair follicles with nutrients necessary for the hair’s growth and quality.
The Findings
Hair counting was done to identify the results. The group using the supplement achieved positive results with an average hair growth increase of 35.7%. On the other hand, the subjects in the placebo group showed only a 1.5% improvement.
Therefore, this study shows that the subjects reported more favorable hair gain with the supplement containing horsetail than the placebo.
More so, this study also indicates that this supplement may be a viable option for treating hair loss. It is also possible that the ingredients, including horsetail, might be related to the decrease in the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body.
This finding is important because the hormone testosterone is responsible for converting to DHT with the aid of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT inhibits hair growth by shrinking the follicles when this occurs, which eventually prevents healthy hair growth. Thus, horsetail for hair growth seems to be a possible option due to horsetail benefits for hair found in this research due to horsetail’s DHT-blocking properties.
Study Shows Promise for Horsetail Enhancing Hair Growth in Oral Supplement
In a second study titled, A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of an Oral Supplement in Women with Self-Perceived Thinning Hair (2), a controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of an oral supplement in women with perceived hair loss.
Specifically, this random, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was designed to test whether administering a new oral supplement will increase hair growth in adult women. Most participants complained of self-perceived thinning hair associated with poor diet, stress, and hormonal influences. The women participated in the study for 6-Months.
The study included women between 21 to 75 years of age with Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV. The Fitzpatrick scale is used to classify a person’s complexion concerning their tolerance to sunlight. The women were generally in good health but complained of self-perceived hair loss. The subjects were randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive the new oral supplement or the placebo. The oral supplement contained the AminoMar C marine complex, a proprietary blend of shark and mollusk powder, vitamin C, an organic form of silica derived from horsetail, and several other ingredients. The study evaluated subjects treated with the medication for three months.
The Results
The mean number of terminal hairs in the target scalp area increased from 271 at baseline to 571. After six months, the mean number increased further to 609.6. This growth in the number of hairs was significantly higher than the mean number of terminal hairs among the placebo-treated subjects at baseline (256.0).
Due to the significant increase in the mean number of terminal hairs, horsetail can be concluded as a very effective treatment for women with perceived hair loss or thinning hair.
These results support the hypothesis that the oral supplement containing horsetail extract increases hair growth in women with thinning hair.
In addition to the hair growth, improvements occurred in overall hair volume, thickness, hair shine, and moisture retention.
Therefore, this study suggests that horsetail for hair growth is a valid claim. In conclusion, the daily dose of a proprietary supplement containing horsetail significantly increases hair growth after 90 and 180 days with no adverse effects to report.
Based on this and other numerous studies’ work and research, horsetail benefits for hair can enhance the hair’s texture, strength, and shine to promote hair growth.
Does Horsetail Have Side Effects
When taken orally, horsetail is “possibly unsafe.”
Its thiaminase content breaks down thiamine which may lead to a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Horsetail also contains nicotine and should be avoided if you are allergic to this constituent. Horsetail should be avoided if you are pregnant, lactating, or suffer from conditions such as:
- Hypokalemia (i.e., low potassium)
- Thiamine deficiency
- Alcohol disorders
- Diabetes
Be sure to consult your physician before deciding to take horsetail or any other supplement.
Safety Profile
According to the FDA, the safety of horsetail extract is currently “undefined.” However, the EWG (Environmental Working Group) did assign horsetail a toxicity/hazard rating of 1 out of a 10 point scale with little to no risk of cancer, developmental or reproductive toxicity, allergies, or immunotoxicity.
General Horsetail Uses
The horsetail herb or horsetail extract for hair growth has long been prized for its anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, antioxidant, astringent, coagulant, diuretic, and demulcent activity. Today, people continue to take horsetail extract for
- “Fluid retention” (edema) purposes,
- Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
- Wound healing
- Urinary tract infections
- Increasing urine output (due to its diuretic effects)
Additional applications include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Weight loss
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Bladder/ kidney stones
- Frostbite
- Gout
While horsetail is available as capsules, horsetail can also be used in the form of teas, mixtures, and liquid tinctures.
Simultaneously, safe and effective dosage standards have yet to be established due to a lack of research.
While horsetail can offer many health benefits, its effectiveness would ultimately depend on how it is processed. Heat, for example, can destroy essential plant constituents that we rely on for healing and well-being, particularly for its hair growth or hair restoration benefits.
GASHEE: All-Natural Hair-Growing Lotion with Horsetail
Are you interested in powering up your hair’s beauty, styling, and health routine with horsetail? You don’t have to grow your own to enjoy horsetail benefits for hair. Nor should you rely on drinking horsetail tea. As mentioned before, horsetail may have great benefits for hair growth and hair restoration, but consuming horsetail orally can be a complex process with potential side effects. It is recommended that horsetail topical be used instead, to utilize horsetail’s hair benefits without the possible dangers associated with its oral consumption.
Here at Dr.UGro Gashee, we have done the work for you – so you can safely use horsetail extract benefits for your hair – without the dangers of horsetail consumption. Not only have we included horsetail in our hair lotion and pomade, but we have also made sure to cold process it so you can truly benefit from this botanical’s inherent natural bioactive components the way nature intended. Click the image below to begin your hair growth transformation now:
VIDEO: Woman Reverses Aging Hair Using Gashee Roots Lotion With Horsetail Extract
Laura noticed a drastic decline in the quality and texture of her hair once she reached menopause. Although she tried conventional medical treatments, they did not work. However, she did not want to give up on finding a solution.
Things changed for the better when she had started using our Gashee hair lotion, which contains horsetail extract combined with other natural plant-based ingredients. Our thoughtful formulation considers what components to include and how they are processed – in the most natural means we can to preserve as much of their natural health and hair-growing properties as possible. All plant components in our lotion and product line were treated without heat to maintain the bioactive healing properties intended by Nature.
Within 2 months of consistent use of Dr.UGro Gashee All-Natural Hair Lotion, Laura noticed significant growth in her scalp and hair health. Many of our Dr. UGro Gashee products report similar significant changes to their hair health and continue to continue to notice notable new improvements over time, and you can too.
Dr.UGro Gashee Hair Roots Lotion – We Are Published!
Unlike other hair-growth products, Dr.UGro GASHEE hair lotion topical has been studied extensively for its hair growing capabilities. Due to the special combination of natural ingredients, expertly curated by Dr. U himself over 25+ years of practice, Dr. UGro GASHEE topicals and supplements offer the most comprehensive solution to hair growth available today.
Case Studies in Dermatological Medicine published our work and results. Read more about the journey of five people whose lives changed from using our Gashee hair lotion.
FAQ’s – Horsetail for Hair Growth
Would it be typical to see additional hair growth with the oral supplement’s future use in the first study?
Yes. After three months, the participants report improving hair shine, skin smoothness, and moisture retention. These results suggest that users may see additional benefits with future use.
Are there any other supplements discussed in the study with females with alopecia that may be responsible for increased hair growth in women?
Yes. Biotin and Zinc are effective for the treatment of hair loss. Biotin is a B vitamin responsible for converting nutrients into energy. It also plays a vital role in the health of your hair, skin, and nails. Zinc is an essential micronutrient that is responsible for the normal functioning of hundreds of enzymes. It may help keep hormone levels balanced, which may be responsible for preventing hair loss. Zinc might help eliminate dandruff on the scalp as well.
What ingredients in Horsetail extract makes it a suitable herb for hair growth?
Horsetail contains the mineral silicon, which strengthens hair strands. Silicon is also responsible for improving sheen and texture. Besides, Horsetail extract contains selenium which helps the body process iodine, which regulates hair growth.
What is the best way to consume horsetail?
When horsetail is taken as a supplement for hair growth in oral form, the usual dosage is 300 mg consumed three times daily.
Related Articles on Hair Loss & Restoration
For additional information regarding hair loss and restoration ingredients that you may find helpful, check out the articles below.
References – Horsetail for Hair Growth
- Thom E Nourkrin: objective and subjective effects and tolerability in persons with hair loss. J Int Med Res 2006;34(5):514-9
- Ablon G. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy of an oral supplement in women with self-perceived thinning hair. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2012;5(1):28-3