We all wish for the perfect head of thick, healthy and glossy hair. However, simply washing and conditioning your hair isn’t enough, and caring for your hair ain’t an easy job. We have hair issues – such as brittle hair, dry hair and even hair fall due to multiple factors. But hang in there – one solution has been used for generations and has shown to nourish and thicken hair in the long run.
Hair care is important for maintaining healthy, textured hair. One easy way to achieve great hair is by giving it a DIY oil treatment using simple items you can find in your home. Here’s a list of secret (well, not so secret now!) hair oil concoctions you can make yourself!
1. Coconut Oil and Curry leaves
Coconut oil is pretty much the go-to hair oil – and nearly suitable for all hair types. Coconut oil is packed with so much goodness that it helps treat dry and damaged hair. Curry leaves on the other hand, help with hair growth and prevent hair fall – and according to Indian tradition, you can eat curry leaves for even better effect.
For this concoction, simply heat up a good amount of coconut oil, depending on the length of your hair. Next, add in the curry leaves. You don’t have to boil the oil. Just heat it until the curry leaves fade a little. Then let your oil cool off and store it in a container.
2. Coconut Oil and Hibiscus
The hibiscus, our national flower, is not just used as decoration, but is also utilised as a remedy for problem hair. According to Kama Ayuveda, natural amino acids known as keratin, found in hibiscus, are the building blocks of hair and also supply nutrients that aid in hair growth. And with coconut oil, things get even better.
You need about 8 hibiscus flowers and 8 hibiscus leaves. Grind them into a thick paste. Next, heat up your coconut oil and add in the paste. Once slightly warm, let it cool and your hibiscus oil is ready to use.
3. Coconut Oil and Amla
Amla, better known as Indian Gooseberries, is a famous ingredient in many hair remedies. There are two ways you can use amla – either by consuming it or applying it externally. Amla’s phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals aid and improve scalp circulation and promote healthy development. And not just that – if you have dandruff issues, adding amla to your hair care routine will definitely help a lot.
Amla can be found in our country. They look tiny and taste super sour. For this concoction, grab some amla and grind them into juice form, or you can just pound them. Heat your coconut oil and pour in your amla juice. Once done, let it cool off and store it in a container. If you can’t find the amla fruit, you can head to any Indian convenience store and look for ready-made amla powder sold in packets.
4. Coconut Oil and Onion
As much as onions make your cry, they definitely help rejuvenate your hair. It might stink a little, as onions have a strong, pungent smell – but after a good hair wash, the smell will eventually fade away. The best time to apply this oil is when you have no plans on going out. Onions contain sulfur which promotes stronger and thicker hair.
For this, it is best to use small red onions. Chop your onion finely, or you can blend them into a paste. Heat up your coconut oil and add your onion paste in. Let the mixture cool and pour it into a container. Another way to use the onions is by simply cutting them into halves, dipping them into coconut oil and gently rubbing them directly onto your scalp.
5. Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera
For a very long time, aloe vera has been used as a key ingredient in hair remedies. Aloe vera doesn’t just soothe the scalp, but it helps reduce dandruff and removes blockage from hair follicles.
For this concoction, you can choose to use the aloe vera plant or store-bought aloe vera gel – but just make sure it is natural. Take a good piece of aloe vera leaf and slice it in half. Scoop out all that gooey goodness and add them into the coconut oil. Heat it up for a few minutes and let it cool. Allow your oil to settle for a bit before you use it.
And there you have it, 5 easy-peasy lemon squeezy hair oils you can make in your own kitchen. By the way, here are some handy tips:
- Never apply hot oil on your hair. It’ll only lead to more damage.
- Oil your hair at least 2 times per week and not more. Too much oil on your scalp may lead to hair fall.
- Only leave the oil to soak on your hair for 30 minutes to an hour, not more!
- You can substitute coconut oil with other oils like almond, castor and olive oil.
More on DIY remedies? Read this:
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