Homemade herbal oil for healthy hair

Everyone of us has a story to tell when it comes to hair problems. With the desire to have healthy and lustrous hair we have tried our hands on a plethora of shampoos, conditioners, and serum. However, most of the products available in the market are nothing but potions of mineral oil and chemicals. Thus, their regular usage does more harm than good.

So, what option do we have? 

Let’s go back to our roots, and reminisce about what our dadi and nani told us- to oil (champi) hair regularly.

So, here I am with a homemade herbal oil recipe that my friend Anamika Sindhu shared with me. This oil is truly wonderful and will leave you with soft and silky tresses.

Before moving ahead, I must inform you that there is no rigid rule that you need to follow. One can customize the hair oil as per the requirement and availability of ingredients. There is no set quantity of ingredients to be used, just take according to the amount of base oil. Although you must never forget that good things take time and you must have patience.

Ingredients and their benefits

1. Base Oil

The base oil is a major ingredient, you can either use coconut, sesame, or olive oil, just make sure it’s organic and cold-pressed. You can take a combination of coconut and sesame oil in equal ration with a few drops of tea tree oil, almond oil, etc. Herein, I have taken 500 mL of base oil and all other ingredients are according to the volume of oil.

2. Curry Leaves

Curry leaves are a rich source of antioxidants, proteins, and beta-carotene. It helps in treating hair fall and premature greying. Take a handful of leaves, wash them, and let them dry under the sun for 1 or 2 days before use.

3. Fenugreek seeds (methi dana)

Fenugreek seeds (methi dana) promote a healthy scalp and strong roots. They contain folic acid, vitamin A, K, and C along with various minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron. Take two tablespoons full of fenugreek seeds and crush them coarsely in a grinder before use.

4. Nigella seeds (kalonji)

Nigella seeds (kalonji) contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and nutrients. It assists hair growth and treats split ends. Roughly crush the two tablespoon kalonji before use.

5. Hibiscus flower

Hibiscus flower is known to strengthen roots to give voluminous, smooth, and shiny hair. Its high vitamin and mineral content also helps in treating dry and damaged hair. Take 4-5 flowers for 500 mL of base oil.

6. Amla (Indian gooseberry) powder

Amla (Indian gooseberry) powder is highly efficient for solving a multitude of hair problems such as hair loss, greying, etc. It possesses various essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. To prepare amla powder, cut the 4-5 amla into pieces and dry it under the sun for a day or two. Grind the dried amla in the mixer and the powder is ready to use.

Preparation of hair oil

Take base oil (500 mL) and all the ingredients in a heavy bottom vessel (preferably iron) and heat it over the low flame for 15 min. Do not overheat, put it off the flame before oil starts to smoke. 

Set it aside and let it cool. Filter the homemade hair oil using a clean and dry cotton cloth or a fine strainer. 

Tips to follow

• The oil splatters while heating, therefore stand at a safe distance.
• Heating the oil above 350 degrees will destroy its nutritional value, avoid overheating.

Voila! The miraculous homemade hair oil is ready.