Herbal infusions good for Hair

In this post, I have already listed various herbs good for your hair. But, I have not stated why. So, I'll address that aspect in today's post and would list down some other herbs too which are good for hair. I have categorized the herbs on basis of their usage. So, check for your immediate requirements and start from there. Many of the herbs share different categories so you can start choosing from them.

Hair Shine and Conditioning

Flowers: Rose, Marigold, Chamomile, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Lavender, Rosemary

Herbs: Basil leaves, Brahmi leaves, Bhringraj leaves, Henna leaves

Kitchen Ingredients: Curry Leaves, Indian Gooseberry (amla), Fenugreek Seeds and Leaves (methi), Lemon peels, Mint leaves

Hair Loss and Hair Growth

Flowers: Lavender, Rosemary, Hibiscus, Chamomile

Herbs: Brahmi leaves, Bhringraj leaves

Kitchen Ingredients: Curry Leaves, Indian Gooseberry (amla), Ginger cloves, Garlic cloves, Sesame Seeds, Cumin Seeds, Black Pepper, Mustard Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds and Leaves (methi)

Hair Coloring

Flowers: Hibiscus, Chamomile

Herbs: Basil leaves, Henna leaves

Kitchen Ingredients: Indian Gooseberry (amla)

Scalp Care (including Dandruff)

Flowers: Lavender

Herbs: Neem leaves

Kitchen Ingredients: Lemon peels

Tip: Every time you infuse your hair oil, use a different oil and a different herb. Otherwise, it would be like using a product which used to be good for your hair but is no longer great. Always make small batches. Read this for instructions on how to infuse herbs in the oil. 

I shall keep on adding to this list as I use various other things. In the mean time, you can also suggest some herbs which you feel would be worthwhile.

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Test for Damaged Hair

A very simple trick can tell you whether your hair is damaged or not. Many of you might already be aware of this. But, for those who are not, you can take a test.

Comb your hair and pick one strand of your hair from the comb. Drop it in a glass full of water. If the hair sinks, your hair is damaged. And, if it stays afloat, your hair is healthy. Caution: Do not pluck hair from their roots just to do this experiment. Plucking the hair damages its follicle and can impede future hair growth.

So, if your hair is damaged, start taking care of it from today. Egg Hair Mask or Egg Shampoo is the first step to beautiful hair.

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How to do Hot Oil Treatment for faster hair growth? {Hair Care}

Today, I would be talking about how to do Hot Oil Treatment. You can also read the hair oil recipe for growing hair faster.

Do not heat the oil. Instead take a steam after oiling your hair. Partition your hair into various sections. Pour some oil into your hand and apply it on the scalp first. Cover the entire scalp. Massage oil well into the scalp for 5 minutes at each part. Then, start applying oil to the body of your hair and concentrate on the ends. Be generous with the amount of oil on your head. Do not worry about greasing your hair. Do it at evening time when you do not have any appointments and it would be great if you have a friend who can give you a nice head massage.

After applying the oil to your hair completely, massage your scalp for 15-30 minutes. You would feel the heat generating. Immediately, either steam your hair by placing your head about 1 feet over the steam machine or cover your head with a shower cap and place a very hot towel on your head. Heat opens the pores and allows the oil to get absorbed more and quick. When the towel gets cold, replace it with other hot towel and alternate this routine for 1 hour. You can continue with the shower cap routine even after taking steam. Then, tie a scarf tightly over the shower cap and go to sleep. Leave the oil overnight to work better. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo in the morning. Apply conditioner only to the ends. You will have very soft and shiny hair. And, a weekly hot oil treatment with any oil would stimulate more hair growth.

Update: Hot Oil Treatment gives best results if done one night before washing your hair. But, applying oil immediately and going to bed will not help anything except spoiling your bed linens. So, apply oil two hours before going to bed. That gives oil enough time to get soaked into your hair.
One more important thing to remember is that do not over apply your hair oil. Take little by little and apply on your hair. Stop when all your scalp and hair length is covered. Do not keep on splurging the oil like some product. That will finish your shampoo quickly, dry your hair and might even cause hair loss. So, apply only to coat your hair. Be a little generous with the ends. Extra layers of coating will not ensure your hair turns healthy sooner or any kind of such belief.

READ MORE - How to do Hot Oil Treatment for faster hair growth? {Hair Care}