Stinging Nettle for Hair: What the Research Shows

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a traditional plant that shows up in hair products, and the research behind it is early. A 2023 review lists it among plants that may help reduce hair loss, and a lab study found a leaf extract lowered the gene expression of an androgen-related enzyme in skin cells. We found no trial of nettle for hair in people.

Here's what the research shows and what to know about nettle contact reactions.

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Key Takeaways

• A 2023 review of natural compounds for hair loss lists Urtica dioica among herbal extracts that may be effective in reducing hair loss directly or indirectly.
• In human skin cells (HaCaT) in a dish, Urtica dioica leaf extract significantly lowered gene expression of 5α-reductase type II, to about 0.59 of untreated cells.
• Nettle stings cause contact urticaria, a stinging skin reaction.
• We found no clinical trial of nettle for hair growth.

What Is Stinging Nettle?

Stinging nettle is a perennial plant of temperate regions, used in traditional medicine for dermatological problems and hair loss, and studied for benign prostate hyperplasia.

Does Nettle Help Hair?

It's promising in the lab but unproven in people. The idea rests on its effect on 5α-reductase gene expression in skin cells, which isn't the same as growing hair.

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Using Nettle Carefully

• Treat nettle as unproven for hair.
• Patch test any product with nettle extract.
• Handle fresh nettle carefully. Its stings cause skin reactions.

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What The Research Shows

A Review Of Natural Compounds

A 2023 review of medicinal plants and natural compounds for hair loss reported that extracts of Urtica dioica, Humulus lupulus, Serenoa repens, Vitis vinifera, Pygeum africanum and Cucurbita pepo, among others, may be effective in reducing hair loss directly or indirectly, thanks to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It said research suggests promise, not proof (Gasmi et al., 2023).

A Lab Study

Urtica dioica is reported to have therapeutic activity against benign prostate hyperplasia, mainly through 5α-reductase inhibition. In cultured HaCaT skin cells treated with leaf extract, expression of the 5α-reductase type II gene fell significantly (p = 0.0021) to 0.587 fold. The authors suggested potential in cosmetic dermatology against androgenic skin diseases; this was a cell study (Pekmezci & Türkoğlu, 2023).

Contact Reactions

Skin contact with the common stinging nettle is a frequent cause of contact urticaria, with a stinging sensation lasting more than 12 hours. Nettle hair contains histamine and serotonin (Oliver et al., 1991).

See also: Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) for Hair: What the Research Shows · Pygeum Bark for Hair: What the Research Shows

Frequently Asked Questions

Does stinging nettle help hair growth?

We found no clinical trial. Lab work shows nettle leaf extract lowered a 5α-reductase gene's expression in skin cells.

Is stinging nettle safe on the skin?

Fresh nettle stings and causes contact urticaria. Patch test any nettle product.

Does nettle block DHT?

Not shown in people. The lab study measured gene expression for 5α-reductase in cells.

References

1. Gasmi A, Mujawdiya PK, Beley N, et al. Natural Compounds Used for Treating Hair Loss. Curr Pharm Des. 2023. PubMed
2. Pekmezci E, Türkoğlu M. URTICA DIOICA EXTRACT DOWNREGULATES THE GENE EXPRESSION OF 5Α-RII IN HACAT CELLS: POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS AGAINST ANDROGENIC SKIN DISEASES. Georgian Med News. 2023. PubMed
3. Oliver F, Amon EU, Breathnach A, et al. Contact urticaria due to the common stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)--histological, ultrastructural and pharmacological studies. Clin Exp Dermatol. 1991. PubMed