Nettle extract: a powerful ingredient for healthier hair

The cosmetic industry is increasingly focused on natural, clean-label, and sustainable ingredients. This trend is especially strong in hair care, where consumers want effective products that also align with ethical values.

What is nettle extract and how does it work? 

In this context, nettle is a botanical ingredient able to redefine hair care formulations. While “nettle extract” can refer to both Lamium album (White Nettle) and Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle), this article focuses on Lamium album, which lacks stinging hairs that can cause irritation, making it ideal for cosmetic use. In contrast, Urtica dioica contains stinging hairs, which makes it less suitable for direct topical application.

Lamium album belongs to the Lamiaceae family and grows to 30–50 cm in height. It has erect, quadrangular stems, petiolate leaves arranged in opposite pairs, and white bilabiate flowers. These flowers are mildly fragrant and sweet tasting. Extracts for cosmetic use are usually derived from leaves and flowers.  

The efficacy of these flower extracts lies in its rich phytochemical content. Lamium album contains mucilages (5–10%), catechic tannins, phenolic acids like rosmarinic and chlorogenic acid, and flavonoids such as kaempferol glycosides. It also has small amounts of essential oils, saponins, and iridoid monoterpenes like lamalbide.  

Nettle extract benefits for hair health 

Why nettle extract is becoming a key ingredient in hair care products 

One of the most prominent trends nowadays is the extension of skincare principles to hair care (“skinification”), and nettle extract, with its proven sebum-regulating, anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antimicrobial properties, is ideally positioned for this trend. Nettle extract supports hair and scalp health through multiple mechanisms: 

• Sebum regulation and astringent action:  Nettle tannins form a protective layer over the skin, helping to reduce fluid loss and acting as vasoconstrictors. This helps manage sebum production and is particularly effective for oily scalp conditions. 
   

• Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) regulation and scalp hydration: Mucilages present in nettle bind water form a protective film on the skin’s surface, offering deep hydration, emollient, and soothing benefits. This enhances scalp health and relieves irritation. 
   

• Antimicrobial and purifying activity: Even trace amounts of essential oils in nettle exhibit antimicrobial properties. Compounds like citral, eugenol, and menthol fight bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. Tannins help by neutralizing enzymes secreted by pathogens, maintaining a clean scalp environment. 
   

• Anti-inflammatory and soothing properties: Nettle extracts are proven to reduce inflammation and soothe the scalp thanks to polyphenols, iridoids, and phenolic compounds like verbascoside. It acts by downregulating the NF-κB pathway and reducing inflammatory cytokines such as IL-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α (Hayden et al., 2015). 
   

• Antioxidant defense: Nettle is naturally rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, and antioxidant vitamins. These compounds neutralize free radicals, chelate metals, and inhibit reactive oxygen species, protecting hair follicles at the cellular level. 
   

• Hair strengthening, texture improvement, and color preservation: Nettle’s silica and sulfur content supports keratin formation, reducing breakage and improving resilience. Silica also coats strands for smoother, shinier hair. 

How nettle extract promotes hair growth 

Nettle promotes hair growth by improving scalp circulation and nutrient delivery. Its high levels of vitamins and minerals enhance blood flow to the follicles, delivering oxygen and nourishment that promote growth and root strength.  

Preventing hair loss with nettle extract 

Nettle extract is also promising for preventing hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (AGA), which is linked to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is is converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5-α-reductase (5-AR). Recent computational studies identify molecules like chlorogenic acid, rutin, riboflavin, and ursolic acid as effective 5-AR inhibitors. In a six-month study using nettle shampoo and serum, hair loss decreased by 90% in the treatment group versus 40% in the placebo group, demonstrating the extract’s effectiveness (Hasannejad-Asl et al., 2025). 

Provital’s innovative approach to nettle extract in beauty formulations 

Provital’s commitment to using bioactive plant extracts for sustainable beauty solutions 

Provital is dedicated to offering scientifically validated plant-based ingredients that align with consumer expectations for natural, ethical, and sustainable beauty. Nettle extract, with its documented benefits and long-standing use, exemplifies this approach. It enables formulators to meet market demand for effective, plant-powered solutions that enhance both product performance and brand trust. 

White nettle extract by Provital: A non-stinging solution for hair health 

Provital provides a white nettle extract (INCI: Lamium Album Extract) derived from the leaves and flowers, which naturally lack the stinging hairs of Urtica dioica. This makes it safe and easy to incorporate into hair and skincare products without additional processing. 

This extract offers the advantages of sebum regulation, scalp hydration, and microbial balance without irritation risks. It creates a favorable scalp environment for healthy hair growth and is a powerful addition to advanced hair care formulations. 

Nutrient-rich properties of nettle root extract 

The Urtica dioica root also offers key nutrients. Rich in vitamins (A, C, K, B-complex, D, E) and minerals (iron, silica, magnesium, sulfur), the root supports comprehensive hair health. Silica and sulfur contribute to keratin formation, while iron supports oxygen delivery to follicles. Magnesium aids follicle function and reduces calcium buildup. These elements enhance the plant’s role in strengthening hair and improving growth. 

Nettle extract for skin health: additional benefits 

In addition to hair benefits, nettle extract improves skin health, making it a multifunctional ingredient: 

• Anti-inflammatory and soothing: Nettle soothes irritated skin by reducing cytokine production and inflammatory responses, alleviating discomfort from conditions like eczema or dermatitis. 
   

• Antioxidant protection: With high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, nettle protects skin cells from oxidative damage and promotes vitality. 
   

• Wound healing and epithelizing: Tannins support tissue regeneration and healing of superficial wounds and burns, encouraging healthy skin recovery. 
   

• Antimicrobial action: The essential oils and tannins in nettle help eliminate harmful microbes, purifying the skin and supporting a healthy microbiome. 
   

• Moisturizing and emollient effects: Mucilages regulate TEWL, improve hydration, and maintain skin barrier function. This makes nettle extract valuable in moisturizing and barrier-repair skincare. 

These extended benefits make nettle extract a versatile, science-backed choice for holistic beauty formulations that serve both hair and skin health needs.  

For further information or insights on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact our team of experts, who are available to provide guidance and support in selecting the most suitable solutions for your requirements.