5 milk products that are best for hair growth

Strong, shiny, and voluminous hair doesn’t just depend on external care, what you feed your body and your scalp plays a massive role in how your hair grows. Among nature’s most nourishing ingredients, milk and milk-derived products are a treasure trove of nutrients that promote hair strength, thickness, and overall health. Packed with proteins, vitamins, biotin, calcium, and good fats, milk-based foods and topicals can breathe life into dry, thinning hair.

Let’s dive into 5 milk products that are excellent for hair growth and explore how you can use them both in your diet and hair care routine.

by TOI Lifestyle Desk

Yoghurt is a staple in Indian and global diets—and for good reason. It’s rich in protein, which helps repair damaged hair strands, and probiotics, which can improve your gut health—an underrated but essential factor in hair regrowth. On the scalp, yoghurt acts as a soothing agent, reduces dandruff, and provides deep hydration to dry, irritated skin.

Hair benefits:

Strengthens the hair shaft

Reduces hair fall

Balances scalp pH

Fights dandruff and itchiness

How to use:

Mix 2 tablespoons of yoghurt with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Apply as a hair mask from roots to tips and leave it on for 30–40 minutes.

Rinse off with a gentle shampoo once or twice a week.

Eat it too: Add plain yoghurt to your breakfast or smoothies to increase your protein and biotin intake.

Used in Ayurvedic traditions for centuries, ghee is a powerhouse of healthy fats, antioxidants, and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E. When applied to the scalp, it penetrates deep to nourish the roots and promote strong, thick growth. When eaten, ghee boosts your body’s ability to absorb nutrients essential for hair health.

Hair benefits:

Deep conditions the scalp

Reduces dryness and frizz

Encourages stronger hair follicles

Improves scalp circulation

How to use:

Warm a tablespoon of ghee and massage it into your scalp.

Leave it on for 1–2 hours or overnight.

Wash it off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.

Eat it too: Add a spoonful of ghee to warm rice or lentils for a nutrient boost that reflects in your hair and skin.

Paneer is one of the richest vegetarian sources of protein and an excellent source of calcium and B-complex vitamins. These nutrients are crucial for keratin production, the protein that makes up your hair. Including paneer in your diet can help prevent hair thinning and stimulate healthy growth.

Hair benefits:

Supports keratin production

Prevents breakage

Enhances hair density

Improves overall hair texture

How to use:

While paneer isn’t typically used topically, a hair mask made with paneer paste and aloe vera gel can soften and hydrate dry strands.

Eat it for best results: Have grilled paneer cubes in salads, wraps, or as a side with meals at least 3–4 times a week.

Malai is the thick cream that forms on top of boiled milk. It’s rich in fats, lactic acid, and vitamins, making it an ideal conditioning agent for dull, damaged, or frizzy hair. Applying malai directly to your scalp and strands provides deep hydration, softens texture, and helps smooth out split ends.

Hair benefits:

Deeply moisturises the hair

Softens rough ends

Controls frizz

Improves shine and manageability

How to use:

Take 2 tablespoons of fresh malai and mix with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or honey.

Apply to the hair (not the scalp) and leave for 20–30 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and shampoo.

Note: Avoid applying to the scalp if you have an oily scalp or dandruff, as malai is quite heavy.

Whey is the liquid left behind when milk curdles to make cheese or paneer. It contains proteins, amino acids, and minerals that can fortify hair roots. Many don’t realise that whey water can be used as a hair rinse or added to smoothies for a nutritional kick.

Hair benefits:

Encourages follicle strength

Reduces breakage

Adds natural volume

Detoxifies scalp build-up

How to use:

Collect whey water from paneer-making or use unsweetened chaas.

After shampooing, use it as a final rinse on your scalp and hair.

Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with plain water.

Drink it too: A glass of buttermilk (chaas) post-lunch aids digestion and supports nutrient absorption for better hair health.

Milk-based products aren’t just food for your body, they’re nourishment for your scalp and hair too. Whether you’re applying yoghurt as a mask, eating paneer for protein, or massaging ghee into your roots, these time-tested ingredients are safe, effective, and affordable.

For best results, pair these remedies with a balanced diet, gentle hair care routine, and lifestyle changes like adequate sleep, hydration, and stress management. Healthy hair begins from within but it also loves a little TLC from the outside.