Soft and shiny hair with a healthy feel and bounce is something every person desires. Unfortunately, given our present stressful lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits, for most of us, this remains an unfulfilled dream. How well your hair grows depends on two important factors – providing sufficient nutrition and avoiding damaging conditions. Here are some of the most effective hair growth remedies that can help you can achieve these two objectives to ensure your hair grows well and stays healthy:
Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a cleansing agent with a very mild action; it also helps to maintain the pH balance in hair and this promotes hair growth. Most hair care products are alkaline in nature and this can have a damaging effect, making hair brittle and dry. Vinegar helps to keep the pH of hair in the acidic range and this ensures hair stays healthy. The best way to benefit from this action of
vinegar is to use it as a final rinse after washing your hair. Make sure you use apple cider vinegar that has been sufficiently diluted (add 75 ml vinegar into 1 litre water) for best results.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek or methi contains several important ingredients; of these, the nicotinic acid helps to stimulate hair growth. Other phytoconstituents called steroidal saponins, vitamins and minerals play an important role in keeping hair hydrated, preventing dandruff and keeping scalp problems at bay. Besides, fenugreek also acts as a conditioner and this helps hair stay soft and manageable. Grind a few seeds of methi with a little water to make a paste; apply this paste directly to the scalp and hair or mix it with 2 teaspoons of milk extracted from grated coconut and after half an hour, wash with a mild shampoo.
Henna
Although it is most used for coloring hair, henna also has hair conditioning and hair growth promoting properties. Mix in a little curd with henna powder to make a smooth paste and apply this onto the hair. After the pack dries completely, wash it off with a mild shampoo. If your hair is especially oily, mix in henna with a little egg, olive oil and honey to form a paste; apply this to your hair and wash after 2 hours.
Hibiscus
The flowers of the hibiscus tree have the ability to promote hair growth and also prevent it from greying or falling. A paste of hibiscus flowers also has an astringent action and this helps to tighten the pores on the scalp through which hair emerges; as a result, problems with an oily scalp can also be avoided by the regular use of hibiscus. Soak a few flowers of hibiscus overnight, squeeze and extract the juice the next morning. Apply this onto the scalp as well as the hair, leave on for a few hours and then rinse out with warm water.
Soapnut
Soapnuts have been used by people since ancient times for their soap-like action. They contain saponins that have a gentle cleansing action on hair and scalp unlike the harsh effect of modern chemical-based shampoos. When used in combination with shikakai, soapnuts give a good cleansing action, remove infections of the scalp and also helps promote hair growth. Soapnuts can be soaked in water and shaken and the soapy liquid can be used to wash your hair; alternatively, you can buy soapnut powder and mix it with shikakai powder (both powders are commercially available) and make a paste with warm water to use instead of a chemical-based shampoo.
Bhringaraj
Most herbal oils that are commercially promoted as hair growth promoters contain an important herb called Bhringaraj. According to Ayurveda, excess of the Pitta dosha causes hair problems and since Bhringaraj can correct Pitta imbalance, it plays a vital role in preventing hair loss and making hair thick and shiny. If you can get the leaves of this plant, grind them and extract a juice; mix this with a little coconut oil, boil for a few minutes and cool till it is warm enough to be comfortable. Then apply to the scalp, massage and leave it on for a few hours. Wash with a mild shampoo. If the leaves are not available, you can use Bhringaraj powder that is commercially available in stores selling herbal products.
Onion and Garlic
Both onion and garlic are rich in sulphur – an element that increases the synthesis of collagen in the body. Since collagen is important for hair growth, these vegetables are traditionally recommended for people facing hair loss problems. You can increase your consumption of onion and garlic in your diet to obtain their hair growth-promoting benefits. For local action, squeeze or crush the juice from an onion or garlic clove; apply this to the scalp and wash with a mild shampoo after about 30 minutes. Garlic juice can also be used in combination with a little warm coconut oil.
Honey
For people who have an infection in the hair root that is causing severe hair loss, honey is recommended for its antibacterial and antioxidant action. Mix in a teaspoon of honey with an equal quantity of lemon juice or 2 drops of an essential oil such as lavender or rosemary oil and massage this onto your scalp. Wash with a mild shampoo after 30 minutes.
Hot oil massage
Some oils – coconut, castor and jojoba – have a significant action on keeping the scalp healthy, repairing hair damage, keeping hair moisturised and promoting the growth of hair. The best way to benefit from their effect is to warm the oil slightly and massage it onto the scalp as well as your hair strands. Leave the oil on for at least 2 to 3 hours and then wash your hair with warm water and the shikakai-soapnut powder combination mentioned earlier. This ensures the removal of excessive grease from your hair and scalp without negating the moisturising effect of the oils on your hair.
There are plenty of other remedies, besides the ones mentioned here such as – amla, egg, lemon and essential oils. However, it is important that you find the remedy that works best for you, depending on your hair texture as well as the nature of the hair problem you face. Along with these remedies, it is also important to remember to avoid conditions that cause hair loss such as the use of tight hairstyles, forceful combing and the use of harsh chemical agents on the hair.
Photo source: Getty images
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