Epsom Salt for Hair: What It Really Does (and What It Doesn't)
Epsom salt has a place in hair care, but not the one the hype suggests: it is a decent occasional clarifying scalp scrub and a texturising, volumising rinse for fine or oily hair, but there is no evidence it grows hair, and because it is drying, using it too often or too strong does more harm than good. Used sparingly and always followed with moisture, it is a nice extra. Here is the honest guide.
Key takeaways
- Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) exfoliates the scalp and adds volume/texture, real, if modest, benefits.
- It does not grow hair, magnesium is not absorbed through the scalp to "feed" follicles.
- It is drying, so use small amounts, occasionally, and always follow with conditioner or oil.
- Great for build-up and oily roots; not for already-dry, damaged or very curly hair.
- It can fade hair colour, use cautiously on dyed hair.
What Epsom salt genuinely does for hair
- Clarifies and exfoliates: the grains gently scrub away product build-up and flakes, giving a fresh, clean scalp.
- Adds volume and texture: salt roughens the cuticle slightly, so fine or limp hair looks fuller and beachier.
- Absorbs excess oil: useful for greasy roots between washes.
What it does not do is grow hair or reduce hair loss. The idea that scalp magnesium is absorbed to nourish follicles is not supported, and a drying salt is the opposite of what fragile, shedding hair needs. So enjoy it as a clarifying, volumising treat, not a growth remedy.
How to use Epsom salt (sparingly)
1. Clarifying scalp scrub
Mix a teaspoon or two of Epsom salt into a handful of your normal shampoo or conditioner, massage into the scalp for a minute, then rinse well. Once every week or two at most.
2. Volumising rinse
Dissolve a tablespoon in a cup of warm water, work through damp hair after shampooing, leave a couple of minutes, then rinse and condition. Adds texture and lift.
3. Salt-and-oil scalp scrub
Blend a little Epsom salt with a nourishing oil (olive, coconut) and a touch of honey, massage into the scalp, then shampoo out. The oil offsets the drying effect.
Note the small quantities, older recipes calling for a whole cup are far too much and will dry your hair out.
A gentle, sulphate-free everyday cleanser with biotin, argan oil and rosemary, kinder for regular use than a drying salt scrub, which is best kept occasional. A cosmetic support, not a medical treatment.
View Grow MeWatermans is a UK family business that has sold over 5 million bottles since 2012. The range is vegan and cruelty-free.
Frequently asked questions
Does Epsom salt actually grow hair?
No. It clarifies the scalp and adds volume, but there is no evidence it grows hair or reduces hair loss. Do not rely on it for thinning.
How often can I use it?
Sparingly, once every week or two at most, in small amounts, always followed by moisture. It is drying, so more is not better.
Can I use it on coloured hair?
Cautiously. Salt can speed up colour fading, so use it less often and always condition afterwards.
Is it safe for dry or curly hair?
Not really, dry, damaged and curly/coily hair needs moisture, and salt works against that. Those hair types are better skipping it.
Will it help oily hair?
Yes, as an occasional clarifier it lifts excess oil and build-up well, just re-moisturise the lengths afterwards.
Epsom salt is a handy occasional clarifier and volumiser for fine or oily hair, nothing more, nothing magical. Keep it small, keep it rare, always follow with moisture, and skip it if your hair is dry or curly. For genuinely fuller-looking hair, see our guide to making hair look thicker.
