Bees,  DIY

Propolis Benefits for Hair

For those who struggle with hair loss and thinning hair, the answer may be in an unlikely place.  Propolis has long been used for skincare, cosmetics, and medical purposes.  But a recent study has shown that there are also propolis benefits for hair, especially thinning hair. 

What is Propolis

Propolis is a resin like substance made by bees from tree resins and sap.  It is usually dark brown and has a sticky texture, which is why it’s often called bee glue.  Bees use propolis all over their hive to fill cracks and gaps in the walls.  

Propolis is also used to line nest cavities and even reduce the hive opening.  Sometimes bees prefer a smaller opening because it’s easier to defend.  Because propolis is naturally antibacterial, it inhibits the growth of fungus and bacteria in the beehive.  

Propolis has a lot of benefits for people too.  It has been a sought after health and beauty ingredient since 30 B.C.  That’s because propolis naturally has antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties.  

Medically, propolis is used for many ailments, including chronic inflammatory issues, eczema, allergies, wound care, cold sores, and cancer.  Many people take propolis as a daily supplement to boost their immune system.  

In the beauty industry, propolis is a valuable ingredient, used in many cosmetics, skincare, and hair care products.  There are many propolis benefits for hair, including stimulating hair growth and repairing hair.  

How is Propolis Made

To make propolis, foraging bees must first collect tree resins and sap. They bring it back to the hive where it is then mixed with wax, stomach enzymes, and honey.  Bees constantly make propolis to ensure that they have a reserve ready for emergency patch jobs.  

Propolis Benefits for Hair

Prevents Hair Loss

One of the main propolis benefits for hair is that it prevents hair loss.  Hair loss and the thinning of hair is a big problem for many men and women.  It is known that some types of hair loss is the result of inflammation. That lead researchers to look into propolis as a solution since propolis has anti-inflammatory properties.

Scientists did research on mice and found that the mice that received propolis treatment experienced faster hair growth than those that did not.  That is because propolis promotes the growth of cells that are responsible for hair growth.  

Regrow Hair

After the propolis treatment, the researchers found that the cells that grow hair have increased.  Therefore, scientists conclude that propolis treatments can help with balding.  A second study, published in 2016 also found that propolis increased hair length and results in a greater percentage of hair follicles.  

How to Use Propolis for Hair

If you want to do a propolis treatment at home you can add 5-10 drops of alcohol free propolis tincture to your shampoo.  You can get propolis benefits for hair by ingesting it in capsule form as well.  

Propolis masks and propolis scalp therapy are sold online.  The benefit of these products is that it contains propolis and other beneficial ingredients for your hair. These products are used the same as shampoo or conditioner.  Simply put the product into your hair and massage into the scalp.  Then rinse thoroughly with water.  

Recommended Propolis Products for Hair

Sunyata Propolis Extract is alcohol free and can be added to shampoo or conditioner.

Iden Bee Propolis Scalp Therapy Conditioner contains propolis and other beneficial ingredients such as peppermint oil, birch leaf extract, green tea extract, and vitamin B5. These ingredients increase blood circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth. In addition, this conditioner unclogs hair follicles for healthy roots and nourished hair.

Who Should Use Propolis for Hair

Propolis products for hair should be used by people who are concerned with thinning hair. Propolis can also be used or taken as a precautionary measure.  Plus, propolis has many other health benefits other than hair.  

Summary

Propolis is a substance made by bees when they mix tree resins, sap, enzymes, and honey  Bees have many uses for propolis, including filling cracks in their hive.  The natural anti-inflammatory properties of propolis have been proven to help prevent hair loss and help to regrow hair faster.