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In addition to its medical applications, honey has long been an ingredient in many hair and beauty products.

Is there evidence to support the use of honey in hair?

Honey for Hair

Liz DeSousa for Byrdie

We turned to the experts to find out.

Meet the Experts

Keep reading to find out about the benefits of honey for hair.

Honey for Hair

punch in of ingredient:Hydrator, strengthener, and antibacterial properties.

SheaMoisture Manuka Honey

Main benefits:Soothes the scalp, strengthens and hydrates hair, and boosts shine.

Who should use it:In general, it can be used by all hair types and textures.

Those with dry hair and curly hair may benefit from honey as it helps to boost moisture.

Garnier Whole Blends Repairing Shampoo

How often can you use it:It’s safe to use as a treatment once per week.

Dont use with:There are no known ingredients that negatively interfere with honey.

Overall, it provides a great deal of moisture to the hair and scalp.

Lanza Healing Conditioner

It works as an emollient and conditions the hair and scalp.

Those with dry hair may find honey more helpful, as it will improve shine and soften the hair.

Honey should be used weekly as a treatment to maximize its benefits.

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

Friese recommends L’anza’s nutrient-rich daily Healing Strength Manuka Honey Shampoo and Conditioner.

The conditioner also includes shine-boosting ingredients meadowfoam seed oil and keratin.

Free of parabens and phthalates, this hydrating balm is especially good forcurly 4c hair.

Qhemet Biologics Olive and Honey balm

People with allergies to bee pollen can be affected by products containing honey, according to Friese.

Molan P, Rhodes T.Honey: a biologic wound dressing.Wounds.

2015;27(6):141-151.

Minden-Birkenmaier BA, Bowlin GL.Honey-based templates in wound healing and tissue engineering.Bioengineering (Basel).

2018;5(2):46.

Helbling A, Peter C, Berchtold E, Bogdanov S, Muller U.

Allergy to honey: relation to pollen and honey bee allergy.

1992;47(1):41-49.

2013;8(3):100-104.

Burlando B, Cornara L.Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review.Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

2013;12(4):306-313.