What it is

Fenugreek seeds are a traditional ingredient in hair oils and masks, mostly in South Asia, and appear in some hair supplements.

How it works

A computer-docking study predicted that some plant compounds could bind 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme finasteride blocks. That is a prediction, not a result in hair. Hasannejad-Asl 2025

What the studies show

Our search found no human hair-growth trial of fenugreek.
A 2025 review of herbal remedies for hair loss says herbals show promise but the studies are small and short. Fenugreek is not in its abstract's list of herbs. Ahmed 2025

Side effects and safety

Seeds can cause stomach upset, can lower blood sugar and may trigger allergy, particularly in people allergic to legumes. Oral use in pregnancy is discouraged. Patch-test any topical product first.

Bottom line

Fine as a conditioning mask for many people, but there is no good reason to expect regrowth. Discuss with a doctor.

Studies 2

Hasannejad-Asl B et al. Computational drug discovery of potential 5α-reductase phytochemical inhibitors and hair growth promotion using in silico techniques. 2025

Design: other

Tested: in silico docking of plant compounds against 5-alpha-reductase

Result: Computer prediction only; no outcome data.

Read the study ↗

Ahmed A et al. Herbal remedies for hair loss: a review of efficacy and safety. Skin Appendage Disord. 2025

Design: review
Who: review of herbal remedies

Tested: herbal hair-loss remedies including amla and onion juice

Result: Names amla and onion juice among remedies backed by small, short studies.