3 seeds that can boost hair growth almost instantly

When it comes to natural remedies for longer, thicker, and healthier hair, sometimes the smallest ingredients pack the biggest punch. Seeds - yes, those tiny kitchen staples are powerhouses of nutrients that can transform your hair from the inside out and the outside in. Packed with protein, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, certain seeds can speed up hair growth, reduce breakage, and restore shine. Whether you eat them or apply them topically, these three seeds deserve a place in your beauty routine.

by TOI Lifestyle Desk

Fenugreek seeds are a traditional Indian remedy that grandmothers have sworn by for centuries and for good reason. Rich in iron, protein, nicotinic acid, and lecithin, fenugreek helps strengthen hair follicles and promote new growth.

When soaked and ground into a paste, fenugreek can be applied directly to the scalp to reduce dandruff, soothe inflammation, and unclog blocked hair follicles. It also acts as a natural conditioner, leaving hair soft, bouncy, and manageable.

How to use: Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight. The next morning, blend them into a paste and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for 30–45 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Do this once a week for noticeable results.

Pro tip: Add a tablespoon of yoghurt to the paste for extra moisturising benefits.

Flaxseeds are not only a superfood for your body but also a secret weapon for your hair. High in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and lignans, flaxseeds improve scalp health, prevent dryness, and promote hair thickness and elasticity.

Omega-3 nourishes hair follicles, which results in stronger strands and less shedding. The vitamin E in flaxseeds also combats free radicals and oxidative stress, both of which are major contributors to hair thinning and premature greying.

How to use (internally): Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed into your smoothie, salad, or oatmeal daily.

How to use (externally): You can also boil flaxseeds in water to create a natural hair gel. Apply it to damp hair to define curls, tame frizz, and promote scalp health.

Pro tip: For best absorption, always use freshly ground flaxseeds instead of whole seeds.

Black sesame seeds are a revered ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine, often used to delay hair greying and thinning. These tiny seeds are packed with iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin B1, all essential for promoting melanin production and improving blood circulation to the scalp.

Regular consumption of black sesame seeds can nourish hair roots, darken greying hair, and stimulate fresh growth. They also help maintain scalp hydration and reduce flakiness.

How to use: Eat one teaspoon of roasted black sesame seeds with warm water or milk in the morning. You can also sprinkle them over stir-fry dishes, soups, or yoghurt. For a topical remedy, blend black sesame seed oil with coconut oil and massage it into your scalp once a week.

Pro tip: Don’t confuse white sesame seeds with black ones—black sesame seeds are more potent and nutrient-rich for hair benefits.

Unlike many synthetic hair products that offer surface-level results, seeds work from within and tackle the root cause of hair problems - nutritional deficiency. These seeds are loaded with:

Proteins: the building blocks of hair strands

Iron and Zinc: to support hair follicle growth

Vitamin E: to reduce oxidative stress

Omega-3 fatty acids: to nourish the scalp and fight dryness

Their nutrient-dense nature ensures quicker visible results, often in just 3 to 4 weeks, when paired with a consistent hair care routine and a balanced diet.

Bonus tip: Combining seed consumption with topical application creates a powerful 360° approach to hair care, giving you faster, more sustainable results.

Monday: Flaxseed smoothie in the morning + flaxseed gel for styling

Wednesday: Fenugreek paste scalp treatment

Friday: Black sesame oil massage

Daily: Add ground flax or sesame seeds to meals

Final thought: While they may be tiny, these three seeds are anything but insignificant. Treat them like your hair’s best friends, and you’ll soon be flaunting stronger, longer, and healthier locks.