Pomegranate juice: what are its effects on hair and the scalp?

The name "Punica granatum" is used to refer to both the tree and the fruit of the pomegranate. This is a tree that grows between 2 to 5 metres high, belonging to the Punicaceae family. Originally from Central Asia, the cultivation of the pomegranate has spread to several countries such as Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and even America. As a mythical fruit, numerous benefits are attributed to the pomegranate. In Egyptian mythology, it is considered a symbol of fertility. Its use also extends to medicine, and recently, to skincare and haircare.

To harness all its benefits, the pomegranate is utilised in the form of anextract. This plant-based active ingredient is obtained following an alcoholic extraction and maceration of the fruits in water and glycerine. The pomegranate fruit extract is a slightly amber liquid with a characteristic smell, soluble in water or another hydrophilic medium. The recommended dosage of this ingredient in a skincare product ranges from 0.5% to 2%.

Therefore, in cosmetics, pomegranate juice is actually an aqueous extract of pomegranates.

Pomegranate seeds containbenzoic acid which stimulates and enhances blood circulation in the scalp. As the hair follicles are nourished and hydrated, the hair remains healthy and grows rapidly. Furthermore, thepunicic acid, present in pomegranate seeds, also helps to strengthen hair follicles and ensure good blood circulation in the scalp. This contributes to stimulating hair growth by bringing out the natural oils they contain and preventing hair from breaking. In addition, the high amounts of antioxidants also promote hair growth and help to prevent hair loss.

Hair ageing is characterised by the emergence of grey and white hairs, as well as the weakening of hair fibres, which promotes hair loss. While this is a natural phenomenon, it can be significantly accelerated by oxidation reactions due to pollution, exposure to UV rays, smoking, etc. Rich in vitamins E and C, as well as polyphenols (tannins) known for their antioxidant power,pomegranate juice protects the hair from free radicals and oxidative stress. Indeed, these compounds neutralise free radicals to prevent them from causing damage, maintaining the best possible hair quality for as long as possible.

Thanks to tannins, pomegranate juice contributes to the fixation of colour on the hair. Moreover, it creates a balance between pigments and hair fibres. Furthermore, pomegranate peel is rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols. These preserve the intensity and shine of coloured hair in the case of repeated blow-drying.

A 2022 study demonstrated that liposomes loaded with pomegranate bark extract can protect hair colour. This research showed that the prepared formulations provide good colour protection for hair fibres, thanks to the antioxidant properties of the pomegranate bark extract and the film-forming effect of the liposomal formulations. According to the results, the prepared liposomal formulations could serve as a good alternative to reduce the frequency of hair dyeing and protect hair fibres.

• Sakine Tuncay Tanriverdi & al., Protection of hair color with pomegranate peel extract-loaded liposomal formulation: Preparation, characterization, and ex-vivo activity studies, (2022).