Bananas are a popular ingredient in DIY hair masks.
And why?
Bananas are a superfood for hair, providing deep nourishment and conditioning. They are rich in vitamins and minerals that can help to improve the health of your hair. They contain potassium, which helps to strengthen hair and prevent breakage. Bananas are also high in vitamin C, which promotes healthy hair growth. Additionally, bananas can help to smooth frizz and add shine to dull or damaged hair. And lastly, the extracts are antibacterial and antioxidant. They aid in calming an irritated scalp and aid in getting rid of dandruff. Dry scalp is one of the primary causes of dandruff. [1]
Researchers are looking into natural products with hair growth properties like banana flower extracts because hair loss treatments like Finasteride and minoxidil can have side effects [2]. In a clinical trial involving 50 subjects, those who consumed banana flower extract daily for 12 weeks had a reduced hair loss and scalp redness and an increased hair root diameter compared to the placebo group. It was also mentioned that the nutritional value of banana flowers is the same as banana fruit.
Banana flower extracts from various cultivars of banana plants were used in the study. Polyphenols, flavonoids, and other substances found in the extract have been shown to improve hair density, encourage hair growth, and lessen scalp redness. According to the study, banana flower extract holds potential as a natural ingredient for hair care products. Results suggest that the extracts stimulate hair growth and inhibit the activation of hair loss genes.
A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study on 83 participants was carried out to investigate the effects of hair restoration supplements containing banana extract, parthenolide, and soy isoflavone. Of these, 40 participants consumed the supplement, and the other 20 received a placebo, over the course of 12 weeks. The self-assessment revealed significant differences in factors like hair fallout during shampooing, hair fallout in daily life, tension of the hair, texture of the hair, sebum capacity of the scalp, and itching of the scalp. Physician assessments of scalp coverage also revealed improvement. After 12 weeks of supplement consumption, the researchers found that the condition of the hair and scalp had improved and the rate of hair loss had decreased [3].
The fruit and its flower show promising action in hair growth, scientifically speaking. Despite being used in DIY hair masks and shampoos, there is no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. More research should be conducted to determine the potential benefits of bananas for hair health. This could lead to the development of new hair care products that utilize the natural properties of bananas, providing consumers with healthier and more sustainable options.
References:
1. Brand. (2021, November 25). Benefits of banana for hair. – Garnier India. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.garnier.in/hair-care-tips/benefits-of-banana-for-hair#:~:text=Banana%20extracts%20have%20antioxidant%20and,get%20rid%20of%20flaky%20scalp.
2. Liang, C.-H., Lin, Y.-H., Lin, Y.-K., & Chiang, C.-F. (2023). Hair growth-promotion effects and antioxidant activity of the banana flower extract HappyAngel®: Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Food Science and Human Wellness, 12(5), 1917–1923. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fshw.2023.02.043
3. Masatomo, Najima, Akinobu, Miyata, Katsuhisa, Kinoshita, Asako, Horikawa, Kenji, & Kunishige (2016). Hair restoration efficacy of supplements containing banana extract, parthenolide derived from feverfew, and soy isoflavone in healthy japanese.