the benefits of basil for hair and beard

Basil is an aromatic plant native to India, but now cultivated all over the world. In skin and hair care, it can be found in different forms: hydrolate (Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Water), essential oil (Ocimum Basilicum Oil) or plant extract (Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract). The steam distillation of the leaves and stems of sweet basil produces the essential oil and the hydrosol. These two fractions contain mainly three compounds which are linalool, eugenol and 1,8-cineole.

Alopecia is the scientific term for hair loss. As a reminder, this phenomenon is normal and natural: on average, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day. However, it can be considered as abnormal beyond a loss of more than 100 hairs per day. The causes are internal and external (genetics, hormonal imbalance, tobacco, nutritional deficiencies, illnesses, stress, medical treatments, pollution…). Androgenetic alopecia is due to the action of testosterone, which is transformed into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) under the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. Basil extract is able to inhibit the activity of 5-alpha reductase and thus fight effectively against hair loss. Moreover, basil extract stimulates the activity of the dermal papillae, which are located at the bulbs of the hair follicles.

Note: Basil is not only recommended for hair, but also for beard maintenance. Indeed, by promoting the growth of hairs, basil makes it possible to densify the beard to fill certain holes or irregularities.

This plant is soothing and purifying. In the form of extract or hydrolat, it calms inflammation and cleanses the scalp. It thus makes it possible to fight against itchiness and/or the presence of dandruff.

• DAWBER R. P. & al. Finasteride, a type 2 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs (1999).