Is chewing raw curry leaves good for hair?

Millennials and GenZers are always on the lookout for quick-fix hacks. Dealing with acne? Just eat raw garlic. Seeking natural Botox? Give flaxseed gel a try. Want glowing skin? Chug some Japanese drinking vinegar.
Social media is filled with such beauty hacks, and the newest obsession is curry leaves. Curry leaves, or kadi patta—a staple in Indian households and the flavour bomb behind many dishes—have been topping the list for beauty influencers.
One of the most talked-about claims is that curry leaves can promote healthy hair. But do you really need to chew raw curry leaves for that? Let’s find out from experts.
But first…
“Consuming raw curry leaves is generally safe for most people,” Dr DM Mahajan, senior consultant, dermatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, tells India Today.
He adds that when consumed raw, curry leaves retain their full nutritional profile and bioactive compounds. However, some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort or allergic reactions, especially if consumed in large quantities.
While the doctor advises starting with small amounts to assess tolerance, he suggests that pregnant women must consult their healthcare provider, as curry leaves may have mild uterine stimulant effects. It is vital to ensure that the curry leaves are thoroughly washed to remove any potential contaminants or pesticides.
Adding to this, Dr Vikas Jindal, consultant, gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, mentions that those who have allergies to a member of the Rutaceae plant family or some spices should always consult an expert before consuming the leaves raw.

Chewing raw curry leaves is generally safe, but you need to be cautious (Photo: Getty Images)

Dr Nirupama Parwanda, a Delhi-based dermatologist and founder of Zolile Skin Clinic, tells us that curry leaves are rich in essential nutrients like Vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as some minerals like calcium, iron, and phosphorus.
According to the doctor, consumption of these leaves can help with skin repair, boost collagen, and support cell growth.
She adds that curry leaves are good for hair health as well. “They are rich in vitamins and minerals that help nourish hair and promote hair growth. Compounds like beta-carotene and protein may reduce hair thinning and enhance shine,” shares the doctor.
To this, Dr Mahajan adds that chewing raw curry leaves may potentially improve hair health, although scientific evidence is limited.
The doctor says, “The high content of beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A, is particularly important for hair health as it helps in the production of sebum, which naturally conditions the hair and scalp. The antioxidants in curry leaves may help protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing hair loss and breakage.”
It is also believed that chewing curry leaves can improve blood circulation to the scalp, thereby enhancing nutrient delivery to hair follicles.
Dr Parwanda mentions that because curry leaves have rich antioxidant content, they may help reduce oxidative damage that could contribute to early greying of hair.
“While curry leaves are often touted as a remedy for grey hair, there is currently no strong scientific evidence to support the claim that raw curry leaves can treat or reverse grey hair,” adds Dr Mahajan.
Greying of hair is primarily a genetic and age-related process involving the loss of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Curry leaves contain nutrients that are beneficial for overall hair health, which may indirectly support hair pigmentation.
However, once hair has turned grey, it’s unlikely that consuming curry leaves will restore its original colour. The belief in curry leaves as a treatment for grey hair is largely based on traditional medicine practices rather than scientific studies.
According to experts, chewing raw curry leaves may contribute to overall hair and scalp health, but it’s important to have realistic expectations about their ability to reverse hair damage.
One must understand that severe hair damage, such as split ends or breakage, typically requires external treatment or trimming to be effectively addressed.

Curry leaves are good for hair health but might not reverse damage (Photo: Getty Images)

Hyderabad-based Dr Ravishankar Polisetty, a pioneer of polyscientific Ayurveda (PSA), states that in Ayurveda, every herb is understood through its rasa (taste), viriya (potency), vipaka (post-digestive effect), and prabhava (special action). Modern science emphasises how substances act on the body, but Ayurveda goes deeper by considering the impact of taste.
Curry leaves primarily have a tikta (bitter) and katu (pungent) taste. Due to these tastes, they activate specific channels in the body, and through their potency, they produce a sensation of heat in the stomach when chewed.
The post-digestive effect of curry leaves is also pungent, which leads to a slightly acidic environment in the intestines, helping to aid digestion.
“In Ayurveda, hair is considered a by-product of waste from the asthi dhatu (skeletal tissue). This means that hair issues like hair fall or premature greying are often linked to deeper imbalances within the skeletal system. Curry leaves support the health of asthi dhatu, improve digestion, and help hair growth for some individuals. However, not everyone will benefit equally,” adds Dr Polisetty.
Dr Jindal shares what can go wrong while consuming curry leaves:
There are several ways to use curry leaves for potential hair health benefits beyond chewing them raw.
“One popular method is to create a curry leaf hair oil by infusing the leaves in coconut or olive oil. This oil can be applied directly to the scalp and hair, potentially nourishing the follicles and improving overall hair condition,” shares Dr Mahajan.

You can add curry leaves to your hair care routine in various ways (Photo: Getty Images)

Dr Parwanda says that blending curry leaves with curd, aloe vera, and coconut milk to form a hair mask is also a good option.
Additionally, boiling curry leaves in water to make a rinse is another method that can be used after shampooing to potentially improve scalp health and add shine to hair.