5 Reasons We Love Burdock Root for Our Hair

Have you heard about burdock root? If you're like many of us, you might not be familiar with this beauty and wellness powerhouse plant! Eastern medicine practitioners have used burdock root for centuries to heal and prevent illness in the body. The extract from the burdock plant has also been widely touted for its restorative benefits in skincare and cosmetics. 

But what about burdock root's benefits for hair? Do its benefits end with skincare and medicine? 

Absolutely not! In fact, burdock extract is great for our hair and scalps because it's rich in amino acids, essential fatty acids and vitamins that support hair and skin health. Plus, it's a natural, plant-based option for those of us looking for hair and scalp support without harsh chemicals. 

Keep reading to learn more about how burdock root can benefit your hair, in addition to your scalp and skin!

What Is Burdock Root?

Burdock root comes from the burdock plant native to eastern Europe and northern Asia. Research shows that it can help fight various health issues like diabetes, inflammation and certain cancers. Burdock root can also be used in cooking or made into tea, and it's a popular ingredient in skincare and hair-care products for its antioxidant and hydrating properties. Fun fact: The man who invented Velcro modeled it after the interlocking mechanism he noticed on the flowers of the burdock plant!

Velcro aside, here are the 5 reasons why we adore burdock root for our hair and scalp.

1. It Boosts Collagen Synthesis

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, and as we age, our bodies produce less of it. In a 2008 study from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, researchers found that topically applied burdock root significantly stimulated collagen production. This is excellent news for our hair and scalps because collagen is a key component of keratin production. Having less collagen to work with can cause hair thinning and hair loss. Increased collagen production provides extra amino acids that support healthy hair growth.

Our Wake Up Call Volumizing Duo shampoo and conditioner are infused with vitamin A–rich, follicle-nourishing burdock root extract for hair and scalp support. Wake Up Call helps strengthen hair and prevent breakage while boosting volume and fullness to give you healthier-, thicker-looking locks!

2. It's a Natural Moisturizer

We know that our hair gets drier as we age, so adding hydration is one of our favorite benefits of burdock root oil for hair! It's loaded with amino acids that help seal moisture into the hair strands. We added burdock root extract to our Silver Lining Purple Brightening Shampoo for Grey & White Hair and Silver Lining Purple Butter Masque to gently cleanse and infuse silver tresses with ultra-moisturizing plant butters and oils. Our Silver Lining products also contain D&C Violet 2, an optical colorant that reduces brassiness and boosts the vibrancy of lighter hair!

3. It's an Effective Anti-Inflammatory

Burdock root oil also benefits the hair and scalp by fighting free radicals and helping prevent inflammatory skin issues on the scalp like folliculitis, which is a bacterial infection of the hair follicles that often causes itchiness and irritation. Folliculitis can also lead to decreased follicular activity and hair loss. 

The tannins, vitamins and amino acids in burdock root help soothe irritated, inflamed scalps to support healthy follicles and reduce hair fall. Rich in iron and potassium, burdock root also improves blood circulation, and greater blood flow to the scalp nourishes your hair follicles and aids healthy hair growth!

4. It Smooths Hair and Fights Frizz

Because a key burdock root hair benefit is hydration, it makes sense that burdock root oil helps smooth our hair and combat frizz. It does this by sealing the cuticles, which locks moisture into the hair strands. This helps prevent dry, lifted cuticles, which result in frizz and a rough feel to our hair. 

Dry, damaged hair and color-treated hair especially benefit from burdock root extract's moisturizing and smoothing properties. That's why we formulated our Second Chance Repairing Duo shampoo and conditioner with healthy plant extracts like birch, passion flower and burdock root. These extracts, along with argan oil and hydrating vitamin E, help our Second Chance repairing shampoo and conditioner support dry scalps and revive damaged, lackluster tresses.

5. It Helps Prevent Buildup on the Scalp

Another significant burdock root hair benefit is that it helps clear out dead skin cells, debris and product buildup on the scalp. Burdock root's antimicrobial properties also help fight the growth of yeast and bacteria on the scalp. Too much yeast and bacteria can lead to dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and itchiness, which indicate an irritated scalp. Burdock root benefits our hair by supporting healthy follicular activity and a clean scalp! 

Tell us: Have you tried adding burdock root extract hair products to your hair-care routine? Share in the comments below! 

Like what you read and want more hair-care content delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up to receive our weekly newsletters for the latest hair intel and exclusive promotions for your aging hair needs!