Liquorice for Hair Fall — Does It Really Help? The Science-Backed Answer (2025)

Best for: General thinning, follicles in the telogen (resting) phase, slow hair growth

Dermal papilla (DP) cells are the master regulators of the hair follicle — they send the signals that determine whether a follicle enters the anagen (growth) phase, how long it stays there, and how thick the resulting hair fibre is. Outer root sheath (ORS) cells form the structural layer of the follicle and play a critical role in initiating new hair growth cycles.

The 2024 Hagiwara et al. study — conducted with human-isolated DP and ORS cells — found that 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) stimulated the proliferation of both dermal papilla cells and outer root sheath cells. This is the most direct in vitro confirmation that liquorice's primary active compound promotes the biological activity of both key cell types responsible for initiating and sustaining hair growth. The study explicitly concluded: "this compound promotes hair growth."

This DP cell proliferation mechanism is the same pathway targeted by Redensyl (via Wnt/β-catenin activation in dermal papilla cells) — confirming that liquorice addresses hair growth through a fundamentally sound biological route, not just peripheral scalp support.

Best for: Stress-related shedding, dandruff-driven fall, irritated or reactive scalp

Scalp inflammation — from dandruff, hard water pH disruption, pollution, or stress-induced cortisol — is one of the most underdiagnosed drivers of hair fall in India. When the scalp experiences chronic low-grade inflammation, follicles are pushed prematurely from the anagen (growth) phase into telogen (resting), resulting in widespread diffuse shedding.

Glycyrrhizin — the primary saponin in liquorice root — is one of the most potent natural anti-inflammatory compounds documented in dermatological research. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare officially acknowledges glycyrrhetinic acid's (GA's) anti-inflammatory effect on the skin (scalp) — a regulatory-level validation rarely granted to natural compounds. The 2024 Hagiwara et al. paper explicitly states: "When inflammation occurs on the scalp, it has been reported that the quality of hair produced from that area diminishes — therefore, calming scalp inflammation is crucial for growing healthy hair."

Glycyrrhizin inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and reduces prostaglandin synthesis — directly addressing the inflammatory cascade that suppresses follicle activity and drives premature telogen entry. A controlled RCT (ScienceDirect) found compound glycyrrhizin tablets significantly improved alopecia areata outcomes over a controlled period — demonstrating glycyrrhizin's clinical relevance beyond just topical scalp use.

Best for: Oily scalp, follicle clogging, dandruff from sebum imbalance

Excess sebum on the scalp creates an occlusive environment that blocks follicles, promotes Malassezia fungal overgrowth (the primary cause of dandruff), and creates the anaerobic conditions in which scalp bacteria thrive — all of which drive secondary hair fall. In India's hot, humid climate, this is a particularly common presentation.

Licochalcone A — a unique chalcone compound found specifically in Glycyrrhiza inflata root (a species related to G. glabra) — has been clinically shown to regulate sebum production and reduce oily scalp conditions. A clinical study found that Glycyrrhiza inflata root extract (containing licochalcone A) worked exceptionally well at easing symptoms of dry, itchy, and subclinically inflamed scalps. Multiple formulation studies have specifically noted liquorice extract's sebum-regulating and scalp-balancing properties as reasons for its inclusion in anti-dandruff shampoos.

A PMC formulation study (Formulation and Evaluation of Licorice Shampoo) confirmed that a Glycyrrhiza glabra shampoo demonstrated excellent physicochemical stability and comparable performance to commercial shampoos while delivering the herb's anti-sebum and anti-inflammatory properties — validating its practical use in hair wash formulations.

Best for: Premature greying, oxidative damage from pollution and UV, long-term follicle health

Hair follicle melanocytes — the cells that produce the pigment giving hair its colour — are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress from UV radiation, pollution, and cellular ageing. The progressive depletion and death of these melanocytes is the primary cause of grey hair. Premature greying occurs when this oxidative damage accumulates faster than normal — a particular concern in Indian urban environments with high UV indices and particulate pollution levels.

Glabridin — the isoflavonoid that also drives liquorice's skin brightening — is a potent reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. Its antioxidant activity at the follicle level protects melanocytes from oxidative damage, potentially slowing the greying process. This is the scientific basis for liquorice root's traditional Ayurvedic use for premature greying — referenced specifically in classical texts as Yashtimadhu for palitya (premature greying).

Additionally, glycyrrhizin's documented hepatoprotective properties support systemic detoxification — indirectly supporting hair health through the liver's role in hormone metabolism and nutritional absorption, both of which affect hair growth quality.