Pomegranate Juice: What are its effects on hair and the scalp?

The name "Punica granatum" is used to refer to both the tree and the fruit of the pomegranate. This is a tree that grows between 2 to 5 meters high, belonging to the Punicaceae family. Originating from Central Asia, the cultivation of the pomegranate has spread to several countries such as Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and even America. As a mythical fruit, numerous benefits are attributed to the pomegranate. In Egyptian mythology, it is considered a symbol of fertility. Its use also extends to medicine, and recently, to skincare and haircare.

To reap all its benefits, the pomegranate is utilized in the form of anextract. This plant-based active ingredient is obtained following an alcoholic extraction and maceration of the fruits in water and glycerin. The pomegranate fruit extract is a slightly amber liquid with a characteristic odor, soluble in water or another hydrophilic medium. The recommended dosage of this ingredient in a skincare product ranges from 0.5% to 2%.

Therefore, pomegranate juice in cosmetics is actually an aqueous extract of pomegranates.

Pomegranate seeds contain benzoic acid which stimulates and improves blood circulation in the scalp. As the hair follicles are nourished and hydrated, the hair remains healthy and grows rapidly. Additionally, the punicic acid, found in pomegranate seeds, also helps to strengthen hair follicles and ensure good blood circulation in the scalp. This contributes to stimulating hair growth by bringing out the natural oils they contain and preventing hair from breaking. Furthermore, the high amounts of antioxidants also promote hair growth and help prevent hair loss.

Hair aging is characterized by the emergence of gray and white hairs, as well as the weakening of hair fibers, which promotes hair loss. While this is a natural phenomenon, it can be significantly accelerated by oxidation reactions due to pollution, exposure to UV rays, smoking, etc. Rich in vitamins E and C, as well as polyphenols (tannins) known for their antioxidant power,pomegranate juice protects the hair from free radicals and oxidative stress. Indeed, these compounds neutralize free radicals to prevent them from causing damage, thereby maintaining high-quality hair for as long as possible.

Thanks to tannins, pomegranate juice contributes to the fixation of color on the hair. Furthermore, it creates a balance between pigments and hair fibers. Additionally, pomegranate peel is rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols. These preserve the intensity and shine of colored hair in the case of repeated blow-drying.

A 2022 study showed that liposomes loaded with pomegranate bark extract helped protect hair color. This research demonstrated that the prepared formulations provide good color protection for hair fibers due to the antioxidant properties of the pomegranate bark extract and the film-forming effect of the liposomal formulations. According to the results, the prepared liposomal formulations can serve as a good alternative to reduce the frequency of dyeing and protect hair fibers.

• Sakine Tuncay Tanriverdi & al., Protection of hair color with pomegranate peel extract-loaded liposomal formulation: Preparation, characterization, and ex-vivo activity studies, (2022).