Licorice Root for Hair: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects and Safety

Many natural hair remedies claim to help hair grow faster, reduce dandruff, and improve scalp health. Licorice root, also known as mulethi, has become popular for these reasons. It contains plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used in traditional wellness for a long time.

Today, many brands include licorice extract in shampoos, scalp treatments, and hair masks. People who use it say it helps with dryness, soothes irritation, and supports healthy hair growth. Still, there is not much research on how well licorice root works for hair. It might help your scalp, but it should not take the place of proven treatments for dandruff, scalp conditions, or unexplained hair loss.

What Is Licorice Root?

Licorice root is taken from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. The root is used to make powders, extracts, teas, and products you can apply to your skin or scalp. In Ayurveda, it is often called mulethi.

Licorice root has active plant compounds like glycyrrhizin, glabridin, licochalcone A, and several flavonoids. Research shows that licorice is a good source of triterpenoids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which may have helpful effects.

Using licorice root on your hair or scalp is different from taking licorice supplements by mouth. Shampoos and serums work on the surface of your skin, but oral supplements affect your whole body. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health warns that taking too much glycyrrhizin can cause serious side effects, especially if used for a long time.

Potential Benefits of Licorice Root for Hair

1. May Soothe an Irritated Scalp

A common reason people use licorice root for hair is to calm an uncomfortable scalp. Some compounds in licorice have shown anti-inflammatory effects in lab and early studies.

If your scalp feels calmer, it may be less itchy, tight, or uncomfortable. Still, licorice has not been proven to treat eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis. If you have ongoing itching, redness, soreness, or scaling, you should see a professional.

2. May Support a Healthier Scalp Barrier

A dry scalp can feel tight and may have visible flakes. Hair products with licorice extract often include moisturizing ingredients to help your scalp feel better.

A shampoo or serum with licorice root may help your scalp keep moisture and feel less dry. This can support scalp comfort, but treating dandruff usually needs a special anti-dandruff ingredient.

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that good scalp care can help prevent certain forms of hair damage and support healthier-looking hair.

3. Provides Antioxidant Support

Things like pollution, UV rays, and normal body processes can cause oxidative stress. Antioxidants help protect against damage from unstable molecules called free radicals.

Licorice has several flavonoids and other antioxidants. That is why many cosmetic brands add licorice root to hair and scalp products. Still, just because it works as an antioxidant in the lab does not mean it will stop hair loss or fix damage.

4. May Complement a Dandruff Routine

Dandruff leads to flakes and often makes your scalp itch. Some compounds in licorice have shown antimicrobial effects in lab studies, but there is not strong clinical proof that licorice treats dandruff.

So, licorice root for hair might help soothe your scalp, but it should not be your main dandruff treatment. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using proven dandruff shampoos and notes that how often you wash your hair depends on your hair type.

5. May Help Hair Feel Softer

Licorice root powder by itself does not work like a regular conditioner. But if you mix it with aloe vera, yogurt, or a good oil in a hair mask, it may make your hair feel softer for a while.

When you use licorice root for hair, the moisturizing effect usually comes from the whole product, not just the licorice. Conditioners and oils help by coating your hair, reducing friction, and making it easier to manage.

6. May Reduce Breakage Indirectly

Dryness, rough handling, and heat styling can make hair weaker and cause it to break more easily. If a product with licorice helps your scalp feel better or makes your hair easier to comb, it might help prevent some breakage.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends gentle shampooing, conditioning after washing, and reducing heat exposure to help protect fragile hair.

7. May Support a Healthy Environment for Growth

Many people try licorice root for hair because they hope it will help their hair grow faster. Right now, there is not strong evidence from human studies that putting licorice on your scalp makes new hair grow.

A scientific review found over 20 studies linking poor scalp health to changes in hair quality. This shows that scalp health matters, but it does not prove that licorice makes hair grow.

Healthy hair follicles also depend on things like genetics, hormones, nutrition, medical conditions, and good hair care. Licorice can be part of a healthy routine, but it is not a proven treatment for pattern hair loss or alopecia.

8. Fits Easily Into a Natural Hair Routine

Licorice root for hair is also versatile. You can find it in shampoos, scalp serums, pre-wash treatments, and powdered hair masks.

It also mixes well with ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and amla. However, using several natural ingredients together can raise the risk of irritation. Try one new product at a time so you can tell what causes a reaction if it happens.

What Does Research Say?

Scientists have studied licorice for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial compounds. However, most research has not looked at licorice root for hair in large, well-controlled human studies.

This means that claims about fast hair growth, thicker hair, or completely getting rid of dandruff are not proven. The current evidence supports licorice more as a soothing or antioxidant ingredient in cosmetics.

The American Academy of Dermatology says that hair loss can have many causes. Finding out the reason early can help you choose the best treatment.

How to Use Licorice Root for Hair

Licorice Root Scalp Mask

Mix one teaspoon of licorice root powder with enough aloe vera gel or plain yogurt to make a smooth paste. Spread a thin layer on your scalp and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.

Rinse your scalp well and shampoo gently. Use this licorice root hair mask no more than once a week at first. Stop right away if you feel burning, swelling, or more itching.

Licorice and Coconut Oil Treatment

Add a small amount of licorice powder to warm (not hot) coconut oil. Let the mixture sit for a short time, then strain it carefully so the powder does not stay on your scalp.

Massage a small amount into your scalp, leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, and wash it out well. Coconut oil can feel heavy on fine or oily hair, so use less if needed for your hair type.

Shampoo or Scalp Serum

A product made by professionals is usually more reliable than a homemade remedy. Check the ingredient list for Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract.

Follow the instructions on the product label. Using it more often will not always give faster results.

Side Effects and Precautions

Using licorice root on your hair or scalp can sometimes cause irritation, itching, or an allergic reaction. Always do a patch test before using it on your whole scalp.

Put a small amount behind your ear or on your inner arm and watch the area for at least 24 hours. Do not use licorice powder or extract on broken, infected, or very inflamed skin.

Taking licorice by mouth has different and possibly more serious risks. According to NCCIH, too much glycyrrhizin can cause abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and low potassium. Pregnant people and those with heart or kidney problems should be especially careful with oral licorice products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can licorice root make hair grow faster?

There is not enough strong research in people to show that licorice root for hair makes hair grow faster. It may help your scalp feel better, but it cannot fix every cause of hair loss.

Is licorice root good for dandruff?

Licorice may help soothe your scalp and has shown antimicrobial effects in lab tests. Still, you should use it along with, not instead of, proven anti-dandruff shampoos.

How often should I use it?

Start by using it once a week. If you use a store-bought shampoo or serum, always follow the instructions on the label.

Can I mix licorice root with coconut oil?

Yes, you can, but test the mixture on a small area first. Coconut oil does not work for every scalp or hair type.

When should I consult a dermatologist?

See a doctor if you have sudden hair loss, bald spots, scalp pain, bleeding, thick scaling, or hair loss that lasts for several weeks.

Final Thoughts

Using licorice root for hair can be a gentle way to help your scalp stay moist, comfortable, and protected by antioxidants. You can add it to masks, oils, or products made by professionals.

However, there is no proof that licorice root for hair will make your hair grow a lot faster or cure dandruff. Use it with care, test each new product on a small area first, and keep your expectations realistic. If you have ongoing scalp problems or hair loss, see a dermatologist instead of relying only on home remedies.

Recommended YouTube Resource

Here’s a helpful video by Dr. Eric:

References

1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Licorice Root—Usefulness and Safety
2. American Academy of Dermatology: Everyday Scalp Care
3. American Academy of Dermatology: How to Treat Dandruff
4. American Academy of Dermatology: Hair Loss Resource Center
5. PubMed: Role of Scalp Health in Achieving Optimal Hair Growth and Retention
6. PubMed: Review of Glycyrrhiza Species and Active Compounds
7. American Academy of Dermatology: Everyday Hair Care