Chamomile tea can be used as a scalp rinse or leave-in spray to support hair growth, thanks to a key compound called apigenin that activates growth-signaling pathways in hair follicles. While it won’t produce dramatic results on its own, regular topical use can improve scalp health, reduce inflammation, and create better conditions for hair to grow. Here’s how to prepare it, apply it, and what to realistically expect.
Why Chamomile May Help Hair Grow
The active ingredient doing the heavy lifting is apigenin, a plant compound concentrated in chamomile flowers. Research published in Food Science & Nutrition found that apigenin promotes hair growth by activating what’s known as the Wnt signaling pathway, one of the primary biological switches that tells hair follicles to enter their active growth phase. In animal studies, topical apigenin treatment increased blood levels of proteins that activate this pathway, including one that promotes blood vessel growth around follicles (VEGFA) and another that stimulates follicle cells directly (HGF). At the same time, proteins that suppress this growth signal were reduced.
Beyond stimulating follicles directly, chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties help maintain a healthy scalp environment. Chronic scalp inflammation, whether from dandruff, product buildup, or irritation, can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Chamomile provides a deep cleanse of the scalp, helps reduce dandruff, and calms itching. A clean, non-inflamed scalp gives follicles a better chance to function normally.
How to Make a Chamomile Hair Rinse
The simplest method is brewing a strong chamomile tea specifically for your hair. You’ll want a more concentrated brew than what you’d drink.
- Ingredients: 2 chamomile tea bags (or 2 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers) and 2 cups of water.
- Brewing: Bring the water to a boil, add the chamomile, then remove from heat. Let it steep for 20 to 30 minutes. This longer steeping time extracts significantly more apigenin than a standard 5-minute cup of tea.
- Cooling: Let the mixture cool to a comfortable lukewarm temperature before using it on your scalp. Strain out any loose flowers.
You can double the batch if you have thick or long hair. The tea keeps in the refrigerator for up to three days, so making a larger quantity saves time if you plan to use it multiple times per week.
Rinse vs. Spray: Two Application Methods
A post-shampoo rinse is the most common approach. After shampooing and rinsing your hair, slowly pour the cooled chamomile tea over your scalp and hair. Use a small bowl or squeeze bottle to direct the liquid onto your scalp rather than just your hair ends. Massage it into your scalp with your fingertips for one to two minutes, then let it sit for another three to five minutes before rinsing with cool water. The scalp massage itself is useful here, as it increases blood flow to follicles.
A leave-in spray offers a more convenient daily option. Pour the cooled tea into a spray bottle and mist it onto your scalp between washes. Part your hair in sections so the liquid reaches the scalp directly. This method gives the apigenin more contact time with your follicles since you’re not rinsing it off, though the concentration per application is lower than a full rinse. The spray works well on days when you don’t wash your hair but still want the scalp benefits.
How Often to Use It
Limit rinses to two or three times per week. Chamomile tea is gentle, but it is slightly more alkaline than hair’s natural pH. Used too frequently, it can open the hair cuticle and leave strands more prone to dryness and damage. If you notice your hair feeling dry or rough after several uses, scale back to once a week or follow the rinse with a conditioner to seal the cuticle back down.
For the spray method, daily use in small amounts is generally fine since you’re applying less liquid overall. Pay attention to how your hair responds over the first couple of weeks and adjust accordingly.
What Results to Expect
Be realistic about the timeline and magnitude of results. The animal research on apigenin is promising, but chamomile tea delivers a relatively low concentration of the compound compared to pharmaceutical formulations. You’re unlikely to see visible new growth within a few days. Most people who report benefits notice shinier, softer hair and a calmer scalp within the first two to three weeks, with any growth-related changes taking two to three months of consistent use to become apparent.
Chamomile also has a mild lightening effect on hair, particularly for lighter shades. If you have blonde or light brown hair, repeated use can bring out golden highlights over time. This is purely cosmetic and won’t affect growth, but it’s worth knowing if you color your hair or prefer your current shade.
Who Should Be Cautious
Chamomile belongs to the same plant family as ragweed, daisies, and chrysanthemums (the Asteraceae family). If you’re allergic to any of these plants, topical chamomile can trigger allergic contact dermatitis, causing redness, itching, or a rash on your scalp and anywhere the tea touches your skin. There are documented cases of allergic reactions from chamomile tea applied topically, so do a patch test first: apply a small amount of the cooled tea to the inside of your wrist, wait 24 hours, and check for any reaction before using it on your scalp.