Walnut Bark/Husk

Walnut bark, often referred to as walnut husk, is the protective layer surrounding the walnut. As it ripens, this layer darkens and eventually separates from the walnut.

Walnut husk is primarily used as a natural dye. It is employed for staining wood and silk, creating brown ink, or achieving warmer shades than bistre. Additionally, it is used as a hair dye.

When harvested before the fruit matures, walnut husk possesses astringent, vermifuge, antiseptic, and antifungal properties. Moreover, it contains active components such as tannins, flavonols, and juglone, which are responsible for its coloring characteristics.

Is it effective against hair loss?

To begin, it’s important to note that walnut husk is not a commonly used treatment for hair loss. Consequently, it can be challenging to find high-quality information regarding its effectiveness, as most research tends to focus on the walnut itself.

When we examine the composition of walnut husk, we find components primarily known for their coloring properties. For instance, tannins, flavonols, and juglone all possess these characteristics. When applied to the skin, these components have a tanning effect on the outer layer, known as the epidermis.

Juglone also functions as an insecticide and antiseptic, targeting microorganisms and parasites. This suggests a potential for treating conditions such as eczema, acne, and dandruff.

Dandruff is caused by fungi that thrive on the scalp due to external pollution or imbalances in sebum production. Some ingredients, like acetic acid, specific components of tea tree oil, or ketoconazole, are known to be effective against these organisms. In this context, juglone could also potentially combat fungal growth. According to a study, it has shown toxicity against various fungi.

Walnut Husk as a Hair Dye

One area where walnut husk is widely used is for coloring hair. It can be combined with other natural dyes such as katam and henna. The final color outcome will depend on your hair’s original color.

I won’t go into more detail on this topic here since it’s not the main focus of this article. If you seek additional information regarding its coloring properties, a quick internet search will provide you with the answers you need. Simply type “walnut husk hair coloring” into Google to find more details.

Closing thoughts and verdict

Walnut Husk/Bark doesn’t have proven effects against hair loss; its primary use is for cosmetic purposes, specifically hair coloring.

Nevertheless, it could be considered as an alternative to some antifungal treatments in addressing issues like dandruff, eczema, and acne. If you’re dealing with any of these conditions, regular use might not only help alleviate the problem but also prevent potential hair loss associated with these conditions.

Precautions & side effects

There is insufficient information regarding adverse effects specifically related to walnut husk/bark. However, the following points are known regarding walnuts in general:

• Possibility of allergic reactions in some individuals.
• Walnuts are rich in oxalates and should be limited in the diet of individuals prone to urinary stones.
• The fruits, leaves, and roots of the black walnut tree contain juglone, which, when ingested, can act as a poison.
• Do not consume walnut shells orally, as they can be highly toxic.