Maca for Hair
Maca Root - A Natural Supplement for Hair Growth, Shine, and Health
If you're looking for easy and affordable ways to naturally improve hair growth and health, you're in the right place. This article will discuss how adding maca root to your diet can balance hormone levels and improve the health of your hair. We’ll cover the following topics:
- Introduction to Maca Root
- What Does Maca Do For Hair?
- What Scientific Evidence and Research Says About Maca for Hair
- Does Maca Really Work For Hair Health? – Some User Experiences
- How to Use Maca for Hair Growth?
- Which Maca Is Best For Hair Growth?
- Safety Considerations When Using Maca
- Final Words On Maca for Healthy Hair
Introduction to Maca Root
Maca is the world’s highest growing food crop, thriving in the extreme conditions of the Andes at altitudes of above 13,000 feet (3900 m). Maca root has been cultivated in Peru for thousands of years and people have used it both as a food and as a medicine.
Maca is renowned for its high nutritional value. It contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids, earning maca root its title as a potent superfood. Key nutrients in maca include vitamins B1, B2, C, and E, as well as calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron. These nutrients are essential to supporting overall wellness, including hair health. Beyond that, maca root contains unique nutrients (macaenes and macamides) that help the body to balance hormones. Healthy hormones are key to various functions in the body, including hair and skin health.
What Does Maca Do For Hair?
Adding maca root to your diet can affect your hair in three particular ways, hair growth, hair shine and hair repair.
Maca for Hair Growth
While research into the efficacy of maca for hair growth is ongoing several factors explain how this may work:
- Maca is rich in nutrients like zinc and iron that play a role in maintaining healthy hair follicles and preventing hair loss.
- Maca is an adaptogen, or a plant that helps the body adapt to stress and normalizes bodily processes including hormone health. Hormonal imbalances, particularly those involving androgens, can lead to hair thinning and loss. By helping to regulate hormone levels, maca may combat hair loss associated with hormonal fluctuations.
- Maca promotes improved blood circulation to the scalp to help ensure that hair follicles receive adequate oxygen and nutrients.
- Maca can reduce stress and anxiety, both of which are well-studied factors for contributing to thinning hair.
Maca for Shiny Hair
Shiny hair is often an indicator of good health and proper hair care. Maca can contribute to achieving glossy locks in a number of ways:
- Hydration and Nourishment: The fatty acids in maca, such as linoleic and oleic acids, help nourish the hair and scalp, locking in moisture and preventing dryness. Well-hydrated hair is less prone to frizz and more likely to appear shiny and smooth.
- Improved Scalp Health: A healthy scalp is crucial for shiny hair. Maca’s anti-inflammatory properties can soothe an irritated scalp, while its antimicrobial mechanisms help prevent infections that can lead to scalp issues. A well-maintained scalp creates an optimal environment for healthy, shiny hair.
- Strengthening Hair Structure: The proteins and amino acids in maca help strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage and split ends.
- Enhanced Hair Growth: As mentioned earlier, maca promotes healthy hair growth. New hair growth is typically healthier than older hair, contributing to its overall luster.
Maca for Overall Hair Health
Beyond growth and shine, maca supports overall hair health in several ways.
- Maca may prevent or decrease hair loss associated with hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies.
- Maca can help the body to repair damaged hair. Environmental factors, heat styling, and chemical treatments can wreak havoc on your hair. The nutrients in maca can help repair and restore damaged hair.
- Maca’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help maintain a healthy scalp, and can help prevent issues like dandruff and infections.
What Scientific Evidence and Research Says About Maca for Hair
While traditional use and anecdotal evidence strongly support the benefits of maca for hair, scientific research on this specific application of maca root is still in its early stages. Some maca research has provided insight into its potential for supporting hair health.
- Hormone Health: Several studies have demonstrated maca’s ability to balance hormones, particularly in menopausal women and individuals with hormonal disorders. Since hormonal imbalances are a common cause of hair loss, this supports the idea that maca can promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
- Stress Reduction: Research has shown that maca can reduce stress and improve mood, likely due to its aforementioned adaptogenic properties. Since stress is a significant factor in hair loss, this adds weight to the claim that maca can help maintain healthy hair.
- Nutritional Support: Numerous studies have highlighted the nutritional richness of maca, confirming its high level of essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining healthy hair and preventing deficiencies that can lead to hair problems.
Does Maca Really Work For Hair Health? – Some User Experiences
For over 20 years, we have been sourcing and selling high-quality Peruvian maca. We are pleased to hear many people sharing their stories about how maca has improved their hair health. Using maca to improve hair is certainly not a guarantee, but these reports are no doubt encouraging.
"I have had hot flashes/night sweats for 15 yrs plus. I still have the night sweats off and on, but not as bad, it helps me to sleep at night. I have a low thyroid. When washing my hair, I would lose wads of hair. Since on Red Maca Power I lose very little or none at all, that is a good sign." - Tina
"I have already written a review how the maca powder helped with the symptoms of hot flashes. Now I also have noticed that my hair has stopped falling out. At first I did not want to admit it to myself. Whenever I would give my hair a good brushing I noticed quite a lot came out on the brush/bathroom floor. I told myself, well that’s probably a normal amount to lose when you brush it. However now I have noticed after several months of about 3 teaspoons a day {divided doses} of the maca powder that there is virtually no more hair loss. I sure am grateful. Thank you again for this product that has been so very helpful." Sincerely, Laurie Prince Chippewa Falls, WI.
"I've been using your product/red and black maca since last fall. My hair is so improved, my weight is down, and my circulation has greatly improved! Your product’s great." - Susan Stolt
"I went through menopause and need hormone balance. Also I was losing a lot of hair daily. The maca has helped me a lot! It's amazing I'm not losing much hair now! Thank you for a great product!" - Kathy
"I’ve tried several maca capsules over the years and The Maca Team’s maca is, by far, the best one I have ever used. I started using maca to help with hair fall due to menopause, and this product DOES NOT DISAPPOINT! IT IS OUTSTANDING! I have more hair now than I know what to do with! I just take four capsules twice a day and, voila! Hair galore!" - Nicole Durham
"This is my third time buying from this company. The shipment is always punctual and the product is excellent. I put it in my smoothies for recovery after working out and it has helped my girlfriend regrow hair lost from alopecia." - April
"I have been taking this MACA Liquid now for 3 months and what a difference!! My hot flashes stopped since the first day I took it! My energy is noticeably up (my coworkers noticed too-lol)! My thyroid must be in better balance because I have been losing my hair at the hairline for the past couple years and now it is all growing back in! I will NEVER be without it !" Helen
" Can maca help with hair loss? Well, I have been putting it in my shampoo for the last two years. About 50% less hair loss with no side effects." Gina Leigh
How to Use Maca for Hair Growth?
Using maca for hair growth and overall hair health is simple.
- Eating maca: The quickest way is simply to incorporate maca powder into your routine is to take maca powder, maca capsules or maca extracts daily. Capsules and extracts are particularly convenient, while powders are less expensive and more versatile to be added into smoothies or oatmeal, etc.
- Shampooing with maca: For an added boost, maca can be used in hair masks and conditioners. Mixing maca powder with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and applying it to the scalp and hair can help nourish and strengthen the hair. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
- Combination: To maximize results, consider combining oral and topical use. This ensures that your hair benefits from maca’s nutrients both internally and externally.
Which Maca Is Best For Hair Growth?
Based on our experience, tri-color maca products have an excellent track record when it comes to supporting hair. Tricolor maca combines yellow, red, and black maca roots, ensuring that you get the best benefits from all three colors of maca root. Whichever maca you choose, make sure that it is from Peru, organically grown, and as fresh as possible. 
Safety Considerations When Using Maca
People have used maca daily for thousands of years and it is generally considered safe. To date no known side-effects have been identified. If you have health issues, especially hormone-related, talk to a healthcare provider before using maca for safety and effectiveness. If you take blood pressure medication, monitor your blood pressure while taking maca as it can increase circulation.
Final Words On Maca for Healthy Hair
Maca root shows potential as a natural remedy for improving hair growth, shine, and overall hair health. It is good for hair because it contains vital nutrients, helps balance hormones, and is anti-inflammatory.
Research on maca for hair is still ongoing. The evidence we have so far and centuries of traditional use suggest that it may have significant benefits. Whether consumed orally or applied topically, maca might just help you in the pursuit of healthy, beautiful hair.
Enjoy the day!
