Mustard oil, a kitchen staple, offers surprising hair benefits. Used in Ayurveda, it’s believed to stimulate hair growth and fight dryness. Rich in fatty acids, it may improve scalp circulation and nourish hair follicles. While scientific evidence is lacking, mustard oil can be a natural addition to your hair care routine for potentially healthier hair. Even star hairstylist Javed Habib writes: Use mustard oil for your hair
Here are five ways you can harness the power of mustard oil for hair growth:
1 Scalp Stimulating Massage
A simple yet effective way to utilise mustard oil is through a scalp massage. Here’s how:
- Warm it Up: Gently heat a tablespoon of mustard oil in a microwave for a few seconds, until lukewarm. Be cautious not to overheat it, as it can irritate the scalp.
- Fingertip Application: Apply the warm oil to your fingertips.
- Massage Magic: Begin massaging your scalp with gentle circular motions, ensuring you cover the entire area. Apply light pressure to stimulate blood flow without causing discomfort.
- Time for Treatment: Leave the oil on your scalp for 30 minutes to an hour. You can wrap your hair in a warm towel for deeper penetration.
- Wash and Condition: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
2 Nourishing Hair Mask
Mustard oil can be a powerful base for a DIY hair mask, promoting growth and adding shine. Here’s a recipe to try:
- Oil Blend: In a bowl, combine one tablespoon of mustard oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil like almond oil, pure olive oil, or coconut oil. Carrier oils dilute the mustard oil’s potency and add additional nourishing properties.
- Boost with Yogurt: Add a tablespoon of plain yoghurt to the oil mixture. Yoghurt provides a cooling effect and adds protein, which strengthens hair.
- Honey Power: For extra conditioning, consider adding a teaspoon of honey. Honey is a natural humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the hair.
- Mix it Up: Whisk all the ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth paste.
- Apply Generously: Apply the mask liberally to your scalp and hair, ensuring it reaches the ends.
- Treatment Time: Leave the mask on for 30 minutes to an hour. Cover your hair with a shower cap for a more intensive treatment.
- Gentle Removal: Rinse the mask thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
3 Pre-Shampoo Treatment:
You can use mustard oil on its own for a quick and stimulating pre-shampoo treatment. Here’s how:
- Warm Up the Oil: Gently heat a tablespoon of mustard oil for a few seconds in the microwave until lukewarm.
- Scalp Focus: Apply the warm oil directly to your scalp, focusing on areas prone to dryness or hair loss.
- Length Love: You can also apply a small amount of oil to the lengths of your hair for added conditioning.
- Treatment Time: Leave the oil on for 15-20 minutes.
- Shampoo and Condition: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
4 Mustard Oil and Lemon Power:
Lemon juice is a natural astringent that can help combat oily scalps. Combining it with mustard oil creates a balanced treatment for hair growth. Here’s the recipe:
- Oil and Juice: Mix one tablespoon of mustard oil with one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Scalp Focus: Apply the mixture directly to your scalp, focusing on areas prone to oiliness.
- Shorter Treatment: Due to the lemon juice, leave this mixture on for a shorter duration, around 10-15 minutes. Avoid leaving it on for longer periods to prevent scalp irritation.
- Rinse and Condition: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
5 Overnight Conditioning Treatment
For a deep conditioning treatment, you can leave mustard oil on your hair overnight. Here’s what to do:
- Warm Up the Oil: Gently heat a tablespoon or two of mustard oil for a few seconds until lukewarm.
- Scalp and Hair: Apply the warm oil to your scalp and hair, ensuring it reaches the ends. You can use a comb to distribute the oil evenly.
- Nightcap Magic: Cover your hair with a shower cap or wrap it in a soft cloth to prevent staining your pillowcase.
- Morning Wash: In the morning, shampoo your hair thoroughly with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
Important Considerations:
- Patch Test: Before applying any mustard oil treatment to your entire scalp, conduct a patch test on a small area of your inner arm. Wait 24 hours to check for any allergic reactions.
- Scalp Sensitivity: Mustard oil can be stimulating and may cause a tingling sensation on the scalp. This is usually harmless. However, if you experience burning or severe irritation, discontinue use immediately and rinse your scalp thoroughly with water.
- Strong Scent: Mustard oil has a pungent odour. Add a few drops of your favorite oil like Wood pressed coconut oil to the mixture to mask the smell.
- Regularity is Key: For optimal results, use mustard oil treatments 1-2 times a week for several weeks. Consistency is crucial to see any noticeable improvement in hair growth.
Mustard oil is a natural ingredient, but it’s not a miracle cure for hair growth. It works best with a healthy diet, stress management, and a proper hair care routine that addresses your specific hair type and needs. Look for cold-pressed mustard oil, or unrefined mustard oil for the best benefits.
By incorporating these tips and methods, you can explore the potential of mustard oil to promote healthy hair growth and achieve your desired hair goals.
