Which Part of the Egg Is Best for Hair Growth?

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs a day, making hair growth a common concern. This has led many to explore natural remedies, with eggs being a popular and accessible option for promoting stronger, healthier hair.

Quick Summary

The egg yolk is better for hair growth due to its concentrated vitamins and fats, which nourish dry and damaged hair, while the egg white is effective for strengthening and clarifying oily scalps.

Key Points

Egg Yolk for Moisture: The yolk is rich in fats, biotin, and vitamins A, D, and E, making it ideal for deeply moisturizing dry, damaged, or thinning hair.
Egg White for Strength: Egg whites are packed with protein (albumin) and enzymes, perfect for strengthening hair strands and clarifying oily scalps by controlling excess sebum.
Choose Based on Hair Type: If you have dry hair, use an egg yolk mask; if you have oily hair, opt for a mask with only egg whites.
DIY Hair Masks: Egg masks can be combined with other ingredients like olive oil for moisture or lemon juice for extra cleansing, depending on your hair's needs.
Avoid Hot Water: Always rinse egg masks with cool or lukewarm water to prevent the egg from cooking in your hair, which can leave an unpleasant residue and odor.
Holistic Approach: Combining regular egg hair masks with a healthy diet rich in protein and nutrients is the most effective way to promote long-term hair health.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of the Egg

An egg is a powerhouse of nutrition, and each of its components plays a different role in promoting overall health, including that of your hair. To determine what part of the egg is best for hair growth, it's essential to break down the unique benefits of the yolk and the white.

The Mighty Egg Yolk

For those seeking intense nourishment and moisture, the egg yolk is the undisputed champion. This golden orb is a concentrated source of essential vitamins and fats that are crucial for healthy hair follicles and strand strength. The fatty acids act as a deep conditioning agent, replenishing moisture and combating dryness and frizz. This deep hydration is particularly beneficial for those with dry, brittle, or damaged hair, as it restores the hair's natural luster and elasticity. A 2018 study even suggested that peptides in egg yolk might stimulate hair follicle cells and accelerate hair growth.

Nutrients in Egg Yolk:

Biotin (Vitamin B7): Critical for the production of keratin, the protein that makes up your hair.
Vitamins A and D: Promote sebum production to keep the scalp moisturized and support the hair growth cycle.
Healthy Fats and Lecithin: Provide intense moisturization and help repair damaged hair.
Iron: Helps red blood cells deliver oxygen to hair follicles, which is essential for growth.

The Powerful Egg White

While the yolk focuses on deep conditioning, the egg white provides a high-protein boost that is ideal for different hair concerns. Composed mainly of protein, the white helps to strengthen the hair shaft and reduce breakage. Its astringent properties also make it an excellent natural cleanser for the scalp, helping to remove excess oil and debris that can clog follicles and hinder growth. This is especially useful for individuals with oily hair who want the benefits of protein without the extra weight of the yolk's fats.

Nutrients in Egg White:

Protein (Albumin): Repairs weak and damaged hair strands, strengthening them from the root.
Enzymes: Help to cleanse the scalp by removing dirt and excess sebum.
Niacin (Vitamin B3) and Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Contribute to overall hair health and renewal.

How to Create an Egg-Based Hair Mask

For a customized hair treatment, you can create a DIY mask at home. For dry hair, focus on the yolk. For oily hair, the white is the better choice. For a balanced treatment, use the whole egg.

For Dry, Damaged Hair (Yolk Mask):

Mix 2 egg yolks with 2 tablespoons of olive or coconut oil.
Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, focusing on the ends.
Leave on for 20–30 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

For Oily Hair (White Mask):

Whisk 1–2 egg whites until slightly frothy.
Apply to your scalp and hair.
Leave on for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

For Balanced/Normal Hair (Whole Egg Mask):

Whisk a whole egg with a tablespoon of honey or aloe vera gel.
Apply from roots to tips.
Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Yolk vs. White: Which Is Right for You?


Feature	Egg Yolk	Egg White
Best For	Dry, damaged, thinning hair, or those needing deep moisture	Oily scalp, fine hair, or those needing strength without added weight
Primary Function	Intense nourishment, deep conditioning, and promoting growth	Strengthening, scalp cleansing, and controlling oil
Key Nutrients	Biotin, Vitamins A/D/E, Healthy Fats	Protein (Albumin), Enzymes, Riboflavin, Niacin
Hair Benefits	Boosts shine, improves elasticity, reduces frizz, repairs damage	Strengthens strands, controls oil, adds shine, promotes texture
Application Tip	Can be heavy; rinse thoroughly with cool water	Lighter consistency; excellent for scalp application to remove build-up

The Power of a Balanced Approach

Ultimately, the best approach for long-term hair health is a balanced one that includes both topical applications and dietary intake. While external treatments like egg masks can provide temporary benefits, the most significant improvements come from nourishing your body from the inside out. Ensuring your diet contains enough protein and other egg-derived nutrients like biotin is essential. Combining an occasional egg mask with a healthy, protein-rich diet can lead to stronger, more resilient hair over time.

Conclusion

To determine what part of the egg is best for hair growth, the answer depends on your specific hair needs. For individuals with dry or damaged hair, the nutrient-rich yolk offers deep conditioning and moisturizing properties. For those with an oily scalp, the protein-packed egg white is ideal for strengthening and cleansing. For overall maintenance, a mask made with the whole egg can provide balanced benefits. Remember to rinse your hair with cool water after any egg treatment to avoid the egg 'cooking' and leaving residue. For more in-depth information on the benefits of eggs for hair health, you can consult authoritative sources like Medical News Today.

Frequently Asked Questions

While eggs contain nutrients beneficial for hair, such as protein and biotin, direct topical application lacks extensive scientific research proving its effectiveness for hair growth. However, many anecdotal accounts support its use for improving hair health and strength.

Using an egg hair mask once a week is generally sufficient for most people. Over-application can potentially cause protein overload, making hair stiff and brittle.

Yes, using the whole egg is suitable for normal or combination hair types as it provides a balanced mix of moisturizing fats from the yolk and strengthening proteins from the white.

To combat the odor, add a few drops of lemon juice or an essential oil like lavender to your mask. A final rinse with a diluted apple cider vinegar solution can also help neutralize the smell.

The main risks include allergic reactions, hair becoming greasy or stiff from residue, and the possibility of salmonella if raw eggs are mishandled. Always rinse with cool water to prevent the egg from cooking.

Yes, consuming eggs as part of a balanced diet provides the body with high-quality protein, biotin, and essential vitamins that are vital for building and maintaining healthy hair tissue.

For dry hair, mix with moisturizing ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, or honey. For oily hair, mix with yogurt or lemon juice to help cleanse and control sebum.