If you’re an Indian, you’re quite likely to have fond memories of your mother oiling your hair when you were a child. Those were special bonding moments, when you shared the secrets of your heart, while your hair and scalp got nourished at the same time!
While our grandmothers and mothers were quite aware of the benefits of oiling the hair, the modern world is just waking up to them! Ayurveda recommends Murdha Taila or Murdhni Taila – Sanskrit words for oiling the hair and scalp. Here are just a few of the benefits of doing so:
- Moisturizes the scalp
- Hydrates hair strands
- Prevents dandruff, lice and scalp infections
- Promotes hair growth
- Strengthens hair
- Improves quality and texture of hair
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is probably the most popular hair oil used across the world, and not just for hair! Thanks to its fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, coconut oil moisturizes hair, nourishes the scalp and makes hair shiny. That’s not all, it also promotes hair growth and strengthens the hair strands.
Olive Oil
Olive oil isn’t just great in your food – it’s excellent for your hair! Olive oil is packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals that cause premature greying, among other things. Olive oil also possesses antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which come in handy to fight dandruff and other scalp infections.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is rich in healthy fatty acids like palmitic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid and stearic acid that are very good for hair health in general. It is also an emollient, which means it helps to moisturize hair while locking the moisture in. But the biggest benefit of sesame oil is probably in darkening hair, and preventing premature greying. Sesame oil is also known to protect hair from sun damage.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek, also known as methi seeds are chock full of important hair-friendly nutrients like iron, potassium, Vitamins B3 and C. This means that fenugreek improves blood circulation to the scalp, stimulating the follicles and increasing hair growth. It is also an important ingredient in preventing and treating scalp infections like dandruff.
Ginger
Ginger may sound like an unlikely hair oil ingredient, but the truth is that it is excellent for making hair strong, shiny and healthy! It strengthens hair from inside out, from the root to tip, reducing breakage. It also boosts hair growth and reduces hair fall.
Curry Leaves
Curry leaves have been used in making homemade hair oils since time immemorial, thanks to its numerous hair benefits. Curry leaves have iron, phosphorous and Vitamins A, B, C and E. Curry leaves prevent premature greying, strengthen hair and also possess properties to fight scalp infections and strengthen hair roots.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers and leaves are both beneficial for hair. They look pretty and make your hair shiny, strong and frizz-free too! Hibiscus flowers are well known for strengthening hair and boosting hair growth.
Here are 5 homemade hair oils to nourish your hair, made with these amazing hair-friendly ingredients!
5 Homemade Hair Oils to Nourish your Hair
While you can use any single oil to oil your hair, it helps to add some more healthy ingredients for added benefits. Here’s a look at some common ingredients added during the preparation of traditional homemade hair oils.
1. Essential Oil Mix for Dry and Itchy Scalp
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 7 drops eucalyptus oil
- 7 drops tea tree oil
- 7 drops lavender oil
- 4 drops thyme oil
Combine these ingredients in a bottle and shake to combine. Apply a small amount all over the scalp, massaging in circular motions. Leave for 30 minutes and wash off.
2. Ginger Hair Oil for Hair Growth
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of ginger juice (extracted from grated ginger)
Mix the ingredients till combined. Apply all over the scalp and hair, massaging for a few minutes. Leave for a couple of hours and wash off with shampoo and conditioner.
3. Hibiscus Oil for Hair Volume
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 6-7 dried or fresh hibiscus flowers
- 5-6 dried or fresh hibiscus leaves
Heat coconut oil on a low flame. Toss in the flowers and leaves and simmer for 15 minutes. Let the mixture cool and store in a glass bottle, along with the leaves and flowers. Use the oil while still warm and massage all over the scalp and hair. Leave on for half an hour and wash off with shampoo.
4. Fenugreek and Curry Leaves Oil for Dandruff
- Organic Coconut Oil
- 10 Curry leaves
- 1 tablespoon Fenugreek seeds
- 2 drops Tea Tree Oil
Wash and dry the curry leaves. Heat the coconut oil on a low flame. Toss in the fenugreek seeds and fry till they turn golden brown. Add the curry leaves and heat for another 5 minutes – make sure the oil does not smoke. Let the oil rest undisturbed for 3-4 hours and filter to a clean and dry glass bottle. Massage a small amount into the scalp. Wait for 10-15 minutes and wash off with a mild shampoo.
5. Carrot Sesame Oil for Premature Greying
- ½ cup Sesame Oil
- ½ cup Carrot Juice
- ¼ cup powdered fenugreek seeds
Mix all the ingredients in a glass bottle. Shake to combine and leave the bottle in the sun for 21 days. Shake the bottle before use. Apply the oil all over the scalp and hair and massage for 10-15 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual.
Tips for using Homemade Hair Oils:
- Consider the time required to prepare each type of hair oil, so you can plan in advance
- Use clean, transparent glass bottles and store the oils in a cool, dry place
- When oiling, be sure to massage the oil well into the scalp
- Let the oil rest for at least 30 minutes before washing off
- Use chemical-free shampoos and conditioners so you don’t undo the benefits of the hair oil
- Use lukewarm water to wash hair
- If you need to use different hair oils, distribute their use across the week
- If your hair is oily, oil it less, and if it’s curly or frizzy, you can oil it more
