Witch Hazel For Hair: 5 Benefits For Strong, Healthy Strands + How To Use It

Let's throw a caveat into the mix: witch hazel for your hair. Can those who renounced the active for good possibly seek its benefits in hair care? Allow us to investigate.  

To begin, here are five purported benefits of using witch hazel on your hair and scalp: 

Witch hazel's astringent nature is great for decreasing oil in your skin; the liquid has anti-inflammatory and sebum-control properties1 that make it fare quite well for oily and acne-prone skin (and is why witch hazel toners have gained their beloved reputation). 

Scalp inflammation manifests in a number of ways: redness, scaling, itching, pain, even flaking. That's where witch hazel comes in: "Topical witch hazel is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory," board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., says regarding witch hazel toners, and one study shows that witch hazel was effective in soothing sensitive, irritated scalps2. Physician assistant at Marmur Medical Jennifer Schloth, PA-C, agrees, even touting witch hazel as a helpful remedy for inflammatory conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. 

On the subject of inflammation, flaking and dandruff deserve their own moment. While dandruff might be a result of scalp inflammation, sometimes those flakes fall due to aspects like oil and product buildup. Witch hazel’s naturally cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties can tackle the dandruff with a one-two punch, controlling the oil production and calming any inflammation. 

"It's a mild scalp refresher," says texture specialist and artistic director at Matrix Michelle O'Connor, which not only helps relieve itchiness but also helps control those flakes and oily buildup. That's what makes witch hazel an especially great cleansing option for protective styles, such as braids or twists, O'Connor adds. 

There's little scientific evidence to back up any claims, but anecdotally, people have noticed that witch hazel can help prevent hair loss. Why? Because, as mentioned, the liquid can help soothe irritation in the hair follicles (which is what inhibits hair growth). O'Connor notes that witch hazel can increase the blood circulation in the scalp, which helps deliver vital nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicle. Much more research is needed before witch hazel is touted as an effective hair-growth treatment, but it makes sense in terms of why people have noticed the association.

Those with super-sensitive skin might also want to steer clear. "[Witch hazel] has a slightly acidic pH, which can be irritating, and it's important not to irritate sensitive skin too much," Nazarian explains. You can dilute the witch hazel with water before you apply, which can potentially reduce the effects; just know your limits here, and be sure to do a patch test before swiping witch hazel on your full scalp.

Interested in testing this all-natural astringent? Here's what you need to know:  

When it comes to witch hazel for your hair, you'll still want to keep your skin type front of mind. If you have an oily scalp that faces lots of flaking—try it! The natural skin care remedy might work wonders. But those with dry or sensitive skin probably want to proceed with caution, as the astringent might not fare too well for your individual scalp's needs (a gentle scalp scrub or apple cider vinegar rinse may be just what your skin is begging for).