Herbs are a great way to boost hair growth, restore moisture and enhance its texture and shine.
Unlike synthetic chemicals, that may cause more harm than good, herbs contain plant nutrients which are both gentle and nourishing for the hair.
For thousands of year, people from all regions have been using herbs to grow strong and healthy hair.
And they are equally important even today.
You often hear so and so hair product is enriched with aloe vera, nettle or rosemary. Herbs are very much in and will always be due to their fabulous effects on hair.
You can use them in various ways: to moisturise and condition hair, restore luster and bounce, soothe scalp irritation, relieve dandruff, lighten or darken your hair color, provide deep cleansing, or stimulate the scalp to boost hair growth.
In this article, I list the most beneficial herbs for hair from around the world and how to use themโฆ.
Rosemary is one of the top herbs for hair growth. If you want to keep your hair healthy and vibrant forever, make it a part of your hair care routine. This aromatic plant is packed with tons of antioxidants which help fight against free radicals โ that are responsible for greying as well as thinning of hair.
The revitalising properties of rosemary add shine and increase bounciness and silkiness of the hair. Rosemary is also a good natural remedy for treating dandruff, itchiness, and scalp irritation.
Besides, this ancient herb is said to boost memory and lift your mood.
How to use:
There are so many ways you can use rosemary:
Nettle, also called as stinging nettles or bicchu buti in India, is actually a weed that grows freely in Europe and northern Asia. This herb is rich in vitamins A, C, K, pantothenic acid, iron, silica, and omega-3 fatty acids โ all amazing stuff for your hair.
Nettle is a traditional remedy for hair loss, including male and female pattern baldness and alopecia areata. It encourages hair growth by stimulating the scalp and improving circulation.
Being an astringent, nettle reduces over oily scalp and hair. It also works great as a volumising treatment for hair and will add strength, lustre and incredible fullness to your hair.
How to use:
If you have been reading this blog for some time, you know that amla will be next. It is my favourite herb for hair.
Amlaย has played a key role in the long, thick, and beautiful hair of India women. This Indian berry is a rich source of vitamin C and contains an array of other powerful antioxidants that help to rejuvenate your hair and promote stronger and healthier growth. Amla also helps to pacify pitta dosha (or excess body heat), which can cause hair loss and early greying.
With excellent conditioning properties, amla nourishes and moisturises hair, and adds amazing shine and texture to it.
How to use:
Fenugreek is not just an aromatic spice, but has amazing medicinal and beauty benefits.
Fenugreek works for all hair types. It provides natural proteins, vitamin C and other nutrients for the nourishment and growth of hair. This herb is also a great alternative to store bought conditioner, thanks to its high mucilage content โ which provides slip like conditioner and makes detangling very easy. Regular use of fenugreek in a hair rinse or deep conditioner mask will soften your hair, increase manageability, and restore lustre and bounce.
Plus, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help with dandruff, scalp irritation, eczema and acne.
How to use:
In ayurveda, aloe vera is said to be an important remedy for hair fall, dandruff, scalp irritation, and eczema. Besides, many cultures around the world use aloe vera to keep their hair healthy and beautiful.
With tons of vitamins and antioxidants, aloe vera nourishes the hair follicles and stimulates hair growth. Aloe also coats the hair strand and adds volume and texture, and makes hair feel thicker.
This succulent plant is renowned for its soothing and cooling properties that relieve redness and irritation. Besides, aloe vera is a powerful health tonic, it helps with cell rejuvenation and keeps you looking and feeling young.
How to use:
Lime is famous for Vitamin C, but itโs also good for hair. The ancient Egyptians used lemon as a shampoo to remove dirt and grease from the hair.
The astringent and clarifying effects of lime make it ideal for people with oily hair. It wonโt clean like a shampoo, maybe the Egyptians mixed it with clay or something to use as a shampoo.
Lime also has anti-fungal and antiseptic properties which help with dandruff, scalp acne and other scalp problems. Along with antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids, lime also contains folate and pantothenic acid โ the stuff you hear in hair growth products. It strengthens the hair follicles and makes hair long and strong.
How to use:
Famed for its high silica content, horsetail strengthens the hair shaft and keeps hair shiny and healthy. I love using this herb in my DIY hair rinses.
Rinsing your hair with horsetail tea may help with thinning hair, prevent split ends and encourage faster hair growth.
How to use:
Bhringraj orย Eclipta Albaย is another fantastic ayurvedic herb for hair loss and premature greying of hair. It is considered as the โking of herbsโ for hair growth because of its ability to rejuvenate and nourish hair. A regular use of Bhringraj can make hair grow darker and thicker, and also addย shine and softness to it.
I have seen it myself, one of my relatives used bhringraj powder mixed with coconut oil, brahmi and amla his grey hair reduced remarkably in one yearsโ time.
How to use:
Native to Europe, Western Asia and North Africa, marshmallow has a wide variety of healing and beauty benefits. It is particularly beneficial for those with dry, coarse, curly hair, and also if you have a sensitive scalp.
The entire plant, particularly the root is rich in mucilage (slippery substance) which helps to soften the hair naturally while providing easy slip when combing. With regular use, you will notice that your hair is more flexible and less prone to frizz and flyaways.
Due to its soothing and cooling properties, marshmallow is extremely effective to combat itchy, irritated scalp conditions. Marshmallow also provides natural proteins for the nourishment and health of hair and makes hair grow faster, thicker and shinier.
How to use:
Shikakai literally means โfruit for the hair.โ It has been used in India for centuries as a cleansing and conditioning agent โ itโs natureโs own 2 in 1 shampoo plus conditioner. Shikakai gently cleans hair and increases bounciness and silkiness of hair. What I also like about shikakai is that it is naturally pH balancing and helps to keep the scalp healthy and dandruff free.
How to use:
Brahmi is an excellent hair growth promoter. Itโs regenerative properties help repair hair follicles as well as strengthen the scalp tissue to encourage healthy hair growth. Brahmi also supports scalp circulation which in turn nourishes hair follicles and reduces hair loss.
Plus, the calming effects of brahmi can reduce tension and calm the mind, thus improving the quality of sleep at night.
How to use:
Have you tried any of these herbs? How do they work on your hair?
Next week, we will see herbs for Blonde Hair