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Egg for Hair Growth: How Well Does It Really Work?
Dr Hisham Band (GMC)
Medically reviewed by
Dr Hisham Band (GMC)
Updated on March 25, 2025

The internet has exploded in recent years with natural remedies for combatting hair loss. Hair loss affects 80% of men and 50% of women at some point in their life [1], so it’s no wonder that everyone’s keen for a quick at-home fix.

Egg for hair growth is one of the suggested treatments, with influencers claiming it can boost hair growth and nourish your locks. But is egg good for your hair, and does it really work? In this article, we will explore:

  • Whether egg for hair growth really works 
  • What egg can do for your hair
  • How to use an egg mask for hair growth
  • Other treatments for hair loss

Egg for hair growth: does it work?

There’s limited evidence on the use of eggs for hair growth. However, some research suggests that eggs may be helpful for your hair, both when eaten and applied topically to your strands.

Eating eggs for hair growth 

Eggs contain several nutrients which are essential for hair growth. By eating eggs, these nutrients can contribute to a diet for healthy hair growth.

Nutrients in eggs that may help with hair growth include:

  • Biotin — Eggs are rich in biotin (vitamin B7). This nutrient supports keratin production, which is essential for hair structure, and research has linked biotin deficiency to hair loss [2]. 
  • Protein — Getting enough protein helps to support strong, healthy hair, and protein deficiency has also been linked to hair loss [3]. 
  • Vitamin A — Vitamin A promotes sebum production, and a lack of vitamin A can lead to dry, brittle hair. If hair becomes brittle, it may lead to hair breakage. However, it’s worth noting that too much Vitamin A can cause hair loss.
  • Vitamin D — Vitamin D supports the hair growth cycle, and vitamin D deficiency has been linked to hair loss [4].
  • Iron — Iron helps red blood cells to deliver oxygen to your hair follicles, and is essential for growth. Iron deficiency anaemia can also cause hair loss [5].
  • Peptides — Certain peptides from eggs can stimulate VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and promote hair follicle cell growth [6].
  • Antioxidants — Eggs contain compounds that may protect your hair follicles from oxidative stress and inflammation. [7].
Is egg good for your hair

Applying eggs to your hair for growth 

For centuries, people have applied eggs for hair health and growth. A 2018 study investigated the use of water-soluble peptides from egg yolk as a treatment for hair growth. 

These peptides were tested on human hair follicle cells in vitro, and on living mice. Results suggested the peptides may be helpful for hair growth in female pattern hair loss [6]. 

While promising, research on this topic is very limited. Further studies are needed to confirm whether applying egg directly to your hair is helpful for growth. 

Also, there are several things to bear in mind when using egg masks on your hair. Using egg on your hair can be messy, and may carry the risk of salmonella if it’s not handled properly. You must also make sure to wash your hair thoroughly after using egg on your scalp, otherwise it could look greasy from the fat found in the egg yolk. 

Woman making egg mask for hair

Do eggs offer other benefits for your hair and scalp? 

Eggs offer several other benefits for your hair. For example, vitamin A in eggs helps to stop your scalp from becoming too dry or oily.

Eggs also have sulphur-containing compounds, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties [8]. This may help to protect your scalp from infections which could damage hair follicles. 

Eggs contain zinc, which is used as a treatment for dandruff [9], and antioxidants, which may help protect your scalp against UV damage [10]. Protein and biotin in eggs contribute to stronger hair, and the fat from egg yolk acts as a natural conditioner when applied topically. 

How to use an egg mask for hair growth

Egg hair mask for hair growth

Eggs can be combined with many other ingredients to maximise hair growth and other benefits. Here’s a sample recipe for an egg mask for hair growth: 

Egg mask for hair growth

You’ll need:

  • One or two eggs, depending on how long your hair is
  • A tablespoon of oil for extra hydration — try olive oil, coconut oil, or castor oil
  • A mixing bowl and whisk
  • Optional: add one tablespoon of honey (rich in antioxidants, has antibacterial properties) or yoghurt (rich in fat and works well as a deep conditioner)

How to make:

  1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and add the oil, honey, and yoghurt if you’re using them. Whisk them until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  2. Dampen your hair, divide it into sections, and apply the egg mask from root to tip, focusing on your scalp for hair growth. Use a brush or your fingers to spread the mixture evenly.
  3. Cover your hair with a shower cup or a towel and leave the mask on for 20 to 30 minutes to give your hair and scalp time to absorb the nutrients.
  4. Afterwards, wash your hair thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can cook the egg and make it harder to wash out!

Use a mild, sulphate-free shampoo to remove any residue, and follow up with a light conditioner if you need it. Let your hair air dry if possible, or dry it on a low heat setting to avoid heat-damaging your hair.

Use this mask every 1-2 weeks for best results.

Natural treatments for hair growth

What else can help with hair growth? 

Eggs are one of many potential treatments for hair loss, but other options have a stronger research backing. Here are some of the most effective treatments for hair growth.

Natural treatments for hair growth

PRP hair treatment

Medical treatments for hair growth

Expert help for hair loss

Getting help with hair loss at the Wimpole Clinic 

If you’re struggling with hair loss, using eggs is just one of many treatments that may help. However, it’s not the most research-backed treatment, and if you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s important to get your symptoms checked by a professional.

Our expert trichologists can identify the reason your hair is falling out. They will complete a thorough assessment and use diagnostic trichology tests if needed, such as blood tests for hair loss or a hair pull test

Once you have a diagnosis, they’ll be able to advise on the best treatment plan. Our hair doctors are experts in many types of hair loss treatments, from natural home remedies to cutting-edge medical treatments.

If you’re keen to use eggs for hair growth, they can give you advice on how to use it and whether it’s suitable for your type of alopecia. You may even be a candidate for a natural-looking hair transplant.

To learn more about how we can get your hair growth back on track, book a consultation at your nearest clinic location today.

Egg for Hair Growth: How Well Does It Really Work?, Wimpole Clinic

FAQs

Using eggs as a hair loss treatment may make your hair look greasy, especially if you leave it on the hair for too long. You need to wash it out very carefully or it may smell unpleasant afterwards. Using eggs on your hair can be dangerous if you have an egg allergy.

One or two eggs per day is considered a healthy amount for most adults. Eating more eggs than this is not recommended because of their cholesterol content. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may advise eating fewer eggs.

Egg yolk contains many of the egg’s nutrients, so the yolk is often recommended as a hair growth treatment. However, egg yolk also has a high fat content, so if you have oily hair, you may prefer using the white.

If you’re left with a lingering egg smell after washing, try mixing two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with four tablespoons of water. Use it as a final rinse after shampooing, leave it for a few minutes, then rinse it out with plain water. 

Dr Hisham Band (GMC)
Medically reviewed by Dr Hisham Band (GMC)Updated on March 25, 2025
The Wimpole Clinic offers FUE Hair, Beard & Eyebrow Transplants & Trichology.
Talk to a specialist ☎ 020 7935 1861.
Dr Hisham Band (GMC)
Medically reviewed by
Dr Hisham Band (GMC)
Updated on March 25, 2025
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