In today’s world, maintaining healthy hair is becoming increasingly challenging. Hair loss and breakage is everyone’s nightmare.. Pollution, rising beauty standards, lack of sleep, stress and fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions and genetics are just some of the factors that lead to extensive damage. Leaving little hope for your poor hair to refurbish itself.
So why look for solutions at salons and treat your delicate locks with chemicals when the remedies to these problems are sitting right in your kitchen? That occasional hair spa might do you good, but eventually, natural is the way to go. Nothing beats the wholesome goodness of organic ingredients!
Here’s a list of 15 of these ingredients that will give life to your hair, making it strong, healthy and shiny.
1. Castor Oil
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid and omega- 6 essential fatty acids that replenish the scalp’s natural oils and make hair longer, thicker and shinier. Massage it for up to 10 minutes lightly with your fingernails and wash it off in the morning with reetha (soap nuts).
2. Onion Juice
Take the juice of a medium-sized onion and apply it directly to the balding area. Onion juice has high sulphur content that improves blood circulation. It also helps in killing germs and parasites. Make sure you rub it on well. Wash it off after a few hours.
3. Coconut Milk
Grind fresh coconut in a blender to create a paste. Squeeze this paste to extract milk and add half a squeeze of lemon and 4 drops of essential lavender oil to it. Apply it generously on your scalp andd leave it for 4-5 hours. Coconut milk is rich in iron, potassium and essential fats, and controls hair fall.
4. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera gel boosts growth and is one of the most effective hair fall remedies. It fights dandruff too. Massage it well in your hair and leave it for a few hours. Rinse later with lukewarm water.
5. Indian Gooseberry/Amla
Hair loss usually occurs due to lack of Vitamin C and Amla is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C. Which is why it is great for hair growth. Remove the seeds and make a fresh pulp. Add lemon juice and massage your scalp with the mixture. Let it stay for an hour. Wash it off with normal water.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix 75 ml apple cider vinegar with a litre of filtered water to create the perfect solution for hair growth. It also makes the hair shine. Use this mix to rinse your hair after washing it.
7. Fenugreek
This herb is a famous solution for stumped hair growth. It is high on proteins and nicotinic acid and fosters hair growth and rejuvenation. Add a tablespoon to water and grind it to form a smooth paste. Add coconut and apply on your scalp for half an hour.
8. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants which encourage hair growth and prevent hair loss. Apply used tea bags to your scalp and wash off with normal-temperature water after an hour or so.
9. Licorice Roots
Licorice soothes the scalps and removes irritation. It reduces dandruff too. Add some ground licorice to a cup of milk and apply the paste on your balding patch. Leave it overnight and wash it off with mild shampoo in the morning.
10. Indian Lilac or Neem
Neem simulates blood flow and nourishes hair roots. It eliminates dandruff and lice. Boil 10-12 neem leaves in water. Wait for the water to reduce to half the quantity. Once the mixture has cooled down, rinse your hair with it.
11. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a great natural conditioner. It is rich in vitamin B5 and proteins. Add honey and lemon juice to two tablespoons of Greek yogurt. Make a paste and apply it with a dry brush on your roots. Leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash it off with cold water.
12. Beetroot
Beetroot contains potassium, protein, and vitamins B and C, all great for hair. Boil some beetroot leaves. Let the water simmer down to half the quantity. Grind the leaves and add henna. Apply it directly to the scalp. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
13. Egg White Mask
Eggs contain protein and vitamins, essential nutrients for good hair. Take two eggs, remove the yolk and beat the white till its it thick and even in consistency. Apply it to your scalp and hair. Wash it off after 20 minutes.
14. Lemon Juice
This remedy is great for oily hair. Lemons are marvellous astringents that tighten pores. Take the juice of 2-3 lemons and strain it. Mix it with warm water and pour it evenly over your scalp right after shampooing your hair. Leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse.
15. Garlic
Garlic is known to accelerate hair growth and control hair loss. Boil 7 to 8 cloves of crushed garlic with olive oil and apply it to hair roots. Or extract garlic juice and mix it with an equal amount of honey or coconut oil. Repeat this twice or thrice a week.
These formulas have been tried and tested. Just raid your kitchen shelves and get to work! Also, take care of the basics. Avoid using hair driers, curling or flat irons as excessive heat ruins hair. Get on a healthy diet. Use mild shampoos and conditioners. Try bidding goodbye to chemicals such as hair sprays and serums all together. Chop off those split ends as soon as they appear.