Oil massage was seen as important to the body, hair care, and general wellbeing. Massage is believed to have an uplifting effect on the mind. This, in turn, benefits the body by causing metabolic and chemical changes and promoting both healing and general wellbeing.
“Trying different shampoos, conditioners, and serums doesn’t seem to work and can actually do more harm than good. We recommend using all natural hair oils that you can make at home for healthier and shiny hair. In Ayurveda, sesame oil (bis) oil is popular for massages. However, the Ayurvedic system also advocates choosing the oil based on the season. Olive, coconut, and sunflower oils are said to be good in summer, while almond and mustard oils are good for winter. Sesame oil is supposed to be good all year round, ”Shahnaz Husain told indianexpress.com
Below she shares five homemade hair oils that are “completely vegetable yet extremely powerful”:
1. Curry leaves and coconut hair oil: This magic oil strengthens your hair, gives it elasticity and restores the melanin content in your follicles. The vitamin B content improves the health and shine of your hair and gives it a nice fragrance.
Recipe:
– Take 3 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil and put a handful of curry leaves in a pan.
– Heat the mixture until a black residue forms and allow to cool.
– Pour this oil into a dark bottle and store in a cool place. Heat it up a little every time you want to use it.
2. Amla (gooseberry) hair oil: This homemade hair oil can be used by both men and women suffering from damaged hair, early graying and hair loss. It stimulates hair growth, cools the scalp, and makes your hair both shinier and darker.
Recipe:
– Cut 2 amla fruits into 4 slices each and place in the shade to dry. Leave to dry for at least 1 hour.
– Add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and 4 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil to the dried pieces of amla.
– Heat the mixture over low heat until it starts bubbly. Let it cool in the pan by itself.
– Pour this mixture into a dark bottle and store in a cool place for 1 week before using.
3. Hibiscus hair oil: Hibiscus is loaded with vitamins A, C, and other nitrifying minerals that promote hair growth, improve volume, and make your hair silky and shiny.
Recipe:
– Take half a cup of hibiscus leaves and 2 hibiscus flowers. Wash them with cold water and either dry them in the sun or in the oven.
– In a pan, add ¼ cup of organic coconut oil and ¼ cup of almond oil. Start heating the mixture as you add the dried hibiscus flowers and leaves.
– Heat for 5 minutes on a low flame and let the mixture cool down.
– Strain the cooled oil and pour it into a dark bottle to store in a cool place for 1 week. Warm the oil a little every time you use it.
4th Onion hair oil: The high sulfur content in onions helps treat a variety of hair problems, including baldness. It’s also a powerful antibacterial agent and helps fight scalp infections. The vitamin and mineral content strengthens the hair roots and gives you thicker and stronger hair.
Recipe:
– Finely chop a small onion and put 6 tablespoons of coconut oil and 2 cloves of garlic in a pan.
– Heat the mixture until it starts bubbling, then let it cool.
– Add 3-4 drops of lavender / rosemary essential oil and refrigerate the mixture for 10 days before using.
5. Aloe Vera hair oil: Aloe vera has a variety of benefits, including treating hair loss, dandruff, and dry scalp. It gives strength and nourishment to your hair and restores the pH balance of your scalp and hair.
Recipe:
– Take a whole aloe vera leaf and cut it in half. Scoop out all of the gel from these leaves.
– Take half a cup of this gel and mix it with half a cup of coconut oil (the mixture must be 50-50).
– Heat the mixture over a low flame for about 5-7 minutes and let it cool down completely.
– To this cooled mixture, add five drops of rosemary essential oil
– Store this oil in a cool place and in a dark bottle for 2 weeks before using.
“The key to achieving the results you want is to consistently use such natural oils that will benefit you over the long term,” said Shahnaz Husain.
“Warm the oil before a massage, especially in winter. During the massage, certain parts of the body can be given due consideration according to certain problems. For example, if you have tension in the neck, use gentle strokes from the back of the head to the nape of the neck and on to the top of the spine to relieve the tension, ”she suggested.
