“IF YOUR HAIR IS DONE PROPERLY AND YOU HAVE ON GOOD SHOES, YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING.”
– Iris Apfel
Every woman reading this will agree how important it is to have a good hair day!! We women, strive so hard to find that one perfect shampoo, that one perfect home remedy which would suit our hair type and give us our shiny Rapunzel terraces we hoped for. For many years researchers and scientists all over the world have been working hard to make us believe their product is the best for our hair. But what is really going to work for you?
I too, have gone through my good and bad hair days, met up and discussed hair issues with my colleague doctors and hair experts and finally after trying to put my entire kitchen stock in my hair (eggs and honey and yogurt and bananas and fenugreek seeds and what not) I have come to realize what actually works and what doesn’t. Of course it is important to mention here how something that worked for me would have a different result on you but from my (extensive) reading over this subject and experimentation I would strongly recommend trying these products for your hair.
1) Curry leaves
Take some curry leaves and make a paste of them. Now mix this curry leaves’ paste with yoghurt and massage it on your hair. Keep this mixture on your scalp for 20-25 minutes and then wash off with a mild shampoo. Apply this mask every week religiously to see instant results in terms of hair growth. Besides increasing hair growth, this hair mask will also make your hair shiny, smooth and bouncy.
You could also chew on 2-4 curry leaves daily to see quicker results.
2) Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds or methi contain proteins and nicotinic acid which are a great source for hair growth. It contains large amounts of lecithin which makes our hair healthy and strong, and hydrates the hair. It helps to reduce the dryness of the hair, cures dandruff, conditions the hair, keeps the scalp cool and treats a variety of scalp issues. It is highly effective against hair fall and provides strength from the roots.
Here is how to use fenugreek seeds for hair growth. There are different ways of application:
Soak methi in water for some time and make a paste. Apply coconut oil to the hair first, and then apply the paste on your scalp. For best results, allow the hair to absorb the mask for at least an hour before washing it.
3) Indian Gooseberry
The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and exfoliating properties present in Indian gooseberry can help a lot in maintaining a healthy scalp and better hair growth rate.
- Mix one tablespoon of Indian gooseberry or amla powder in two tablespoons of coconut oil and heat until boiling. Strain the oil and massage it onto your scalp before going to bed. The next morning, shampoo your hair as usual. Do this on a weekly basis.
- You can also take the Indian gooseberry fruit and its extract as a dietary supplement for healthy hair.
4) Flaxseed
Being rich in omega 3 fatty acids and protein, flaxseed can also help in promoting thicker naturally.
Eating freshly ground flaxseeds can help promote shiny and thicker hair. You can also take flaxseed oil.
5) Bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium that strengthens hair, minimizes breakage by restoring your hair’s natural elasticity, and facilitates repair of damaged hair. Bananas also moisturize your hair as they contain natural oils and about 75% water.
Strong, moisturized hair also is less prone to frizzing and tangling. In addition, the fruit is packed with vitamin A, B6, C and E, as well as zinc and iron.
Take 3 ripe bananas (over ripe is best), 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons yogurt. You could adjust the proportions based on your hair length.
Blend these ingredients thoroughly in a food processor or blender. If you need to add liquid, add a tablespoon of milk. Rinse hair with warm water before you apply the mixture and lightly pat it to remove excess water.
Add the mixture to the hair massaging the mixture into your scalp as you add, and leave on for 20 – 30 minutes under a plastic cap, and then a towel for added heat. Rinse out and shampoo and condition as you wish.
SOME MORE TIPS
- Buy a shampoo that has more natural ingredients and less chemicals. Over a period of time these chemicals will eventually damage your hair and cause hair fall. Shampoo your hair not more than once or twice a week.
- Do not panic when your hair falls. It is a completely normal process for your hair to undergo falling as a part of its cycle. The unhealthy and weak hair, have to fall for new hair to grow. Your first reaction to hair fall should be eating healthier. Try including more greens and nuts in your diet. Your second reaction should be to find out what’s causing it to fall. If it’s a deficiency, correct the deficiency, if it’s related to stress, for God’s sake take a vacation rather than spending all that money over a Trichologist. Start using the remedies I’ve mentioned above. Only persistent hair fall in large quantities (related to some pathology) should receive drastic treatments.
As someone once said “Life’s too short to have a bad Hair day!!”
About the Author: Dr. Rukshin Master has been a practicing homoeopath since 2010. She is currently a panel doctor at the Homeopathic Health Center. She is also consulting at Bai Jerbai Wadia Children’s Hospital, Satya Sai Charitable Trust, Bombay Hospital and Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune. Currently pursuing a degree in M.D. Pediatrics at the University of Agra, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (B.H.M.S.) from C.M.P. Homoeopathic Medical College, Mumbai. For any queries kindly consult her on rukshinmaster@gmail.com