Hair problems? Trust us, you aren’t alone. In fact, about 35 million men and 21 million women suffer from hair loss. Relying on cosmetics for hair therapy isn’t a great idea. Instead, switch to the healing powers of natural ingredients, like our ancestors practiced. Here are a few recipes you should try to ensure your long locks are protected and don’t lose their luster.
1. Curry Leaves And Coconut Hair Oil
Due to its chemical properties, coconut oil easily penetrates into the hair shaft and prevents damage.1 Combined with the nourishing properties of curry leaves, it strengthens hair roots, prevents hair fall and accelerates hair growth.2
Ingredients
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 1/2 a cup of coconut oil
Directions
- Heat coconut oil in a pan
- Add curry leaves to the pan and boil the mixture until a black residue forms
- The resultant needs to be strained and cooled
- Massage it over the scalp
- Let it rest for an hour and rinse with shampoo
2. Basil And Fenugreek Hair Oil
The medicinal properties of basil, also popularly known as tulsi, makes it a great herbal stress buster. Basil oil is quite useful in strengthening hair as well as prevention of thinning and graying. In addition, it increases blood circulation around the scalp and imparts luster to dry hair.3 It can be prepared at home in a few minutes with this simple recipe.
Ingredients
- 1-2 bunches of basil leaves (sufficient enough to make 10 tablespoons of paste)
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 2-3 fenugreek seeds (even corn kennels can be used)
Directions
- Ground the basil leaves into a fine paste and set aside
- Coconut oil needs to be heated in a pan over a medium flame
- Mix the basil paste with the warm coconut oil
- Add fenugreek grains to the mixture and continue heating till they pop
- Strain the mixture for use
3. Mustard Oil
Mustard flavored oil nourishes the hair and is more therapeutic than a dozen cosmetic products in the nearest store. Mustard oil is highly beneficial for dry hair. Its thick composition makes the roots strong and prevents hair fall.4 For best results, applying the oil overnight and washing off early morning is recommended.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of mustard seeds
- 1 cup of carrier oil (almond, coconut, and olive oil are good options)
- 5-10 drops of essential oil like ylang-ylang
Directions
- Grind mustard seeds
- Heat carrier oil (preferably a highly nutritious one) in a pan
- Add the powdered mustard seeds to the pan
- Continue heating till the oil boils and a brown mixture is produced
- Filter the resultant to use and store
4. Amla And Coconut Hair Oil
Amla, or the Indian gooseberry, is rich in vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. These nutrients nourish the hair and facilitate hair darkening.5 Combine it with coconut oil for that extra push of nourishment.
Ingredients
- 1-2 gooseberries (amla)
- A few tablespoons of coconut oil
Directions
- Grate amla
- Extract amla juice from the grated pulp using a blender
- Mix the juice with coconut oil
- Stir the mixture with a spatula
- For best results, warm the mixture slightly before applying on the scalp
5. Bhringraj And Amla Hair Oil
Touted as the “king of herbs,” Eclipta Alba, commonly known as bhringraj is highly recommended by dermatologists due to its ability to rejuvenate hair. The herb is instrumental in preventing graying and balding.
Ingredients
- 5 gooseberriess (amla)
- 1/2 cup of bhringraj leaves
- 1 cup of coconut oil
Directions
- Rinse the leaves to get rid of pollutants of any sort
- Remove the seeds of the gooseberries
- Grind gooseberries and bhringraj leaves to form a fine paste
- Heat coconut oil in a vessel
- Add the gooseberry-bhringraj paste to the warm oil
- Boil the mixture until a sizzling sound is heard
- Strain out the liquid to store and use
6. Hibiscus And Tulsi Hair Oil
Although hibiscus tea has gained popularity world over, little is known about its oil’s hair benefits. Its abundant in calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C. This combination of nutrients accelerates hair growth and curbs hair graying.6
Ingredients
- 5 hibiscus flowers
- Coconut oil
- Tulsi leaves
Directions
- Crush hibiscus petals in a mixer
- Heat the crushed petals in a pan
- Add coconut oil and stir the mixture
- You may add a few basil leaves to the resultant
- Strain and store the liquid for use
References
