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Pearl powder contains the following:

Amino acids. These building blocks of protein are essential for our bodies to function properly. They stimulate hair follicles to produce keratin, promote cellular repair and hydration, and protect hair from pollution and outside elements.

Trace minerals. Pearl powder contains over 30 trace minerals, including magnesium and potassium, which help maintain hair and scalp health.

High levels of calcium. Calcium promotes hair follicle regeneration and strength. It also helps to regulate scalp oil production and cell turnover. Taken orally, calcium also helps with bone strength and may fight against osteoporosis.

Antioxidant boosters. Pearl powder is said to boost two of the body's most abundant antioxidants: superoxide dismutase (SOD) & glutathione. These antioxidants can help fight against hair follicle damage and may even extend hair growth cycles.

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Is pearl powder vegan?

Pearl powder isn't technically vegan since pearls grow in oysters. However, many vegans believe it's acceptable to use pearl powder in their hair care routine.

Benefits of pearl powder

Pearl powder has both internal and external benefits for the hair and scalp. It's said to reduce inflammation that can cause hair loss and thinning. Without this inflammation, hair appears more lustrous — much like the sheen of a pearl.

Nacre, an ingredient in pearl powder, can also stimulate fibroblasts in the scalp, which accelerates follicle healing. This can also help keratin regenerate itself, which may make hair appear stronger and thicker.

Pearl powder was used as an anti-inflammatory, detoxifying agent, and relaxant in Chinese medicine. This could be in part because of the magnesium it contains.

Magnesium has an ability to elevate gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, which can help alleviate stress-related hair loss and certain scalp conditions.

How pearl powder is used

Pearl powder comes in many forms and can be used topically or orally. Forms of pearl powder include:

• hair treatments
• scalp masks
• hair serums
• oral supplements
• shampoos

Hair treatments
Pearl powder can be used as a strengthening hair treatment. Many people like the enhanced shine that's achieved by using pearl powder in hair care products. It also helps hair maintain moisture and strength.

You can find pearl powder hair products at most beauty stores or online.

Scalp masks
You can buy capsules of pearl powder online and in certain beauty stores. Just be sure that the packaging specifically says 100 percent pearl powder.

To make a scalp mask, open a capsule and mix with a few drops of water (or aloe vera gel if you prefer). Stir until a thick paste forms, apply to your scalp and leave on for 15 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and follow with conditioner.

You can also find ready-made pearl powder scalp masks online.

Hair serums
Hair serum made with pearl powder is said to stimulate keratin production and protect against free radicals that make hair weak and brittle. You can find pearl powder serums at most beauty stores or online.

Oral supplements
Pearl powder may promote relaxation and hair health when taken orally. You can take pearl capsules or find pure pearl powder online and mix it into drinks such as smoothies, water, coffee, or tea.

Pearl powder is said to contain eight of the essential amino acids you must get through your diet (meaning your body doesn't make them on its own).

Pearl powder is edible and can be mixed in drinks, including smoothies, water, coffee, or tea

Hair care

There's growing research on how effective pearl powder is for hair growth and strength. The calcium content of pearl powder strengthens hair follicles and promotes healthy growth, while the abundant minerals support scalp health and enhance natural hair shine and thickness.

Does it work?

Research has shown promising benefits of pearl powder for hair health, though as with other supplements, the powder isn't tested by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specific hair claims.

New research has shown that when taken orally, pearl powder can help the body create antioxidants and fend off free radicals that damage hair follicles and cause premature hair loss.

Pearl powder can also help cells turnover and wounds heal more quickly, according to a 2010 study. Research also shows that when used topically, pearl powder can strengthen hair strands, reduce breakage, improve hair texture, and promote thicker, healthier hair growth.

Precautions

Pearl powder is generally considered safe for hair care use, but some people do experience allergic reactions to calcium, which is found in pearls.

It's a good idea to patch test the powder before ingesting it or using it on your scalp. You can do this by putting a small amount on your forearm, and waiting for signs of a reaction, which can include redness, itching, or swelling.

The takeaway

Pearl powder has been used since 320 A.D. for beauty and health benefits. Research and anecdotal evidence claims it can help with everything from bone health and wound healing to hair growth and strength.

As with most supplements, pearl powder isn't FDA-tested for hair claims, but preliminary research points to its benefits both internally and for hair health.

You can take it orally in either capsules or powder form. Follow the manufacturer's directions, as concentrations may vary. Or if you prefer, you can make a scalp treatment from the powder or buy a hair serum that contains pearl powder.

Pearl powder is generally considered safe for hair care, though it's high in calcium, which some people are allergic to. Be sure to test it first on a small area of your skin, before ingesting it or using it on your scalp.

Last medically reviewed on September 10, 2019