5 traditional Indian hair oils for hair growth

Long, lustrous hair has always been a symbol of beauty across cultures, with oiling playing a crucial role in many hair care routines. In India, traditional hair oils have been used for centuries to promote hair growth and enhance hair quality. These natural oils, derived from sources such as nuts, fruits, and plants, have been passed down through generations. Their continued use is a testament to their effectiveness in improving hair health. Let’s take a look at five traditional Indian hair oils known for their power to enhance the overall quality of hair.

Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants. Amla oil, derived from the amla fruit, is highly beneficial for promoting longer, stronger hair. It strengthens hair follicles, prevents greying, and reduces hair thinning. Additionally, amla oil imparts a natural shine, conditions the hair, reduces frizz, and improves overall hair texture.

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Bhringraj oil is made from the leaves of the Bhringraj plant and is renowned for its rejuvenating properties. It strengthens hair roots, promotes hair growth, and helps prevent hair fall. Bhringraj oil has been used in India for ages to prevent premature greying, maintain natural hair colour, and improve hair texture. Regular application on the scalp can lead to thicker, healthier, and more lustrous hair.

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Hibiscus oil is extracted from the petals of the hibiscus flower, widely used in Indian hair care remedies. Rich in nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, hibiscus oil strengthens hair, prevents split ends, and improves hair texture. It also maintains a natural shine and luster by penetrating deep into the scalp.

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Coconut oil is a staple in Indian households and is one of the most commonly used hair oils in Indian hair care routines. Extracted from mature coconuts, it is rich in fatty acids and other vital nutrients that provide deep nourishment to the scalp and hair follicles. Coconut oil strengthens the hair shaft, promotes hair growth, and reduces protein loss. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help prevent dandruff.

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Almond oil, derived from almond kernels, is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. It promotes hair growth by improving hair length and preventing hair loss. Almond oil nourishes hair follicles, adds shine, reduces scalp inflammation, and softens hair ends. Packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, it penetrates deep into the hair, improving blood circulation and overall hair health.

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Let us know which oil do you prefer to naturally grow hair and stay away from hair growth medication.

The frequency of oiling differs for each one depending on their hair type and requirements, yet in general, oiling once every week is the most frequent practice, and oiling every 7-10 days will be appropriate. When the hair is dry or damaged, oiling at short intervals, like twice a week, will increase moisture and health of the hair. Conversely, if you have an oily scalp or hair that tends to collect buildup easily then reducing the frequency to every two weeks might be better. Whatever, get the feel for your hair and adjust: oiling should not cause buildup or bring too much discomfort to the scalp; it is balancing oiling with proper washing and conditioning that keeps healthy and vibrant hair.

Hair oil will not always come out well to everyone. It must be taken extra care of; those who have oily and acne-prone skin are prone to scalp acne since it aggravates the condition. Even those who are hypersensitive or have allergic reactions, and their disease conditions can be activated by the ingredients contained in hair oil cannot use hair oil. Anyone who recently underwent a scalp treatment or has open wounds on the scalp must avoid the use of hair oil until their scalp is entirely healed in order not to irritate or cause infection.

The shampoo thereafter is another important choice while oiling your hair as it also removes the residue while protecting the hair's health. Another option could be a mild, sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses the hair gently without stripping its natural oils. Formulas that are rich in nourishing ingredients and are saturated with coconut oil, argan oil, or aloe vera keep the moisture levels balanced and strengthen hair. A clarifying shampoo is helpful in complete cleaning if you do possess hair that is rather oily, but don't use this so often in succession because it dries out the hair. When using this shampoo, massage it in your scalp, and rinse your hair with enough force to remove all oil residue for your hair to be refreshed and clean.

Shampooing frequency largely depends on your hair type, scalp conditions, and your lifestyle. Altogether, persons with oily hair require a daily or every alternate day shampooing to remove excess oils, whereas persons who have dry or curly hair can have shampooing just once or twice a week to maintain moisture. Run or do other activities that cause sweating, and you may have to wash it more frequently. However, listen to your hair and scalp; if it feels greasy or dirty then this is when you should wash it; otherwise, if it feels dry or brittle, then reduce shampooing.

Healthy, vibrant hair is maintained through post shampooing care. After rinsing out the shampoo, you should use a conditioner which matches your hair in order to restore moisture and make it manageable. For a few minutes, let that conditioner in to deeply penetrate the hair and nourish it. Then use a towel to gently dry the hair by patting it downwards avoiding vigorous rubbings which may result into breakage. To provide support with additional protection and also smoothness, you can put some leave-in conditioner or light weight oil on your tresses. Finally, try to minimize heat styling as well as detangling wet strands with the help of an extra wide tooth comb so that this will help avoid damage and spilt ends.

To dry your hair well, start by patting it with a towel to soak up extra water—don't rub, or you'll end up with frizz and broken strands. Then, put on some heat protection if you're going to blow-dry, and brush out any knots. To speed things up, split your hair into sections and use the dryer on medium heat, holding it about six inches from your head. Begin with the roots then move down to the ends. If you'd rather go natural, you can let your hair dry on its own by tying it or leaving it down, and stay inside if it's cold or windy outside to avoid damage. To add some oomph, turn your head upside down while drying or use a diffuser if you have curls or waves.

If you'd rather go natural, you can let your hair dry on its own by tying it or leaving it down, and stay inside if it's cold or windy outside to avoid damage. To add some oomph, turn your head upside down while drying or use a diffuser if you have curls or waves.

Natural oils keep moisture alive and without them, your hair can lose shine and softness. In addition, the lack of oil causes itchiness in the scalp, and frizz increases that can contribute to hair getting unmanageable. Oil usage on hair quite frequently can make it look healthy, nourished, and environmentally damage-free so overall shiny.

Leaving oil in your hair overnight can be safe and beneficial, as it allows the oil to deeply nourish and moisturize your hair and scalp. However, it's essential to choose the right type of oil for your hair type and ensure it doesn’t cause buildup or irritation. If you have fine or oily hair, you might want to use a lighter oil and wash it out in the morning. For thicker, drier hair, heavier oils can provide added hydration. Just make sure to protect your pillowcase with a towel or a old shirt to avoid stains.

The "2-hour before shampoo oil rule" suggests that applying oil to your hair at least two hours prior to washing it can enhance the benefits of the oil treatment. This practice allows the oil to penetrate the hair shaft and nourish the scalp, promoting moisture retention and reducing dryness. By giving the oil sufficient time to work its magic, you can achieve healthier, shinier hair while also protecting it from the drying effects of shampoo. Additionally, this method can help minimize frizz and improve manageability, making your hair easier to style after washing.

Towel-dry your hair first. Remove most of the water without rubbing your hair against the towel strongly enough to cause frizz. Once you have towel-dried, spray some heat protectant spray that can shield your strands from damage. If you're using a blow dryer, hold it six inches away and use medium heat; also, blow it down your hair shafts to reduce friction. Towel-dry the head and then use a round brush to add volume and smoothness to each section as you dry it. Finish off with a cool air blast to seal the cuticles and add shine. For a more natural look, half of it may be air-dried before finishing it with a blow dryer.