Hair care: Get shiny and healthy mane the natural way

Mother Nature has always been the best way to give your locks a side-effect-free and effective treatment. With the focus on eco-friendly and sustainability, the immense benefits of natural remedies have been at the forefront. Add to that the Covid-19 pandemic that has further enhanced the focus on plant-based ingredients for smooth, thick, shiny, and healthy hair. Sanchit Thukral, Founder of Indalo, shares insights about some natural ingredients that will work wonders for your tresses.

For cleansing

While there are numerous ingredients that act as a natural cleanser for hair, we pick three here that does wonders for your mane. Neem, long known as a reliever for dry skin is great for hair too as its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties are a natural scalp reliever. It works as moisturiser for your hair and keeps your scalp healthy, promoting hair growth as well.

Next is tea tree oil that acts as a powerful solvent for dirt and another oily build-up on the hair and scalp. It cleanses the surface that helps absorb moisture as well. However, do keep in mind to dissolve and dilute it with a carrier oil as it is quite strong.

Coconut water is a ‘go-to’ ingredient for hair. Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties are well-known and these treat an itchy scalp, dandruff and other infections as well. Thus, it prevents hair fall and any infection that hampers hair growth.

For conditioning

The coffee powder works as an excellent exfoliator for hair, which makes it a great conditioner. A coffee mask is perfect for oily or greasy hair as it exfoliates the scalp and removes dead cells thus giving your scalp the perfect oil balance it needs. As coffee is acidic in nature it aids in rebalancing the pH levels of your scalp and hair.

Apple cider vinegar is another natural ingredient that is a lovely hair conditioner. Its naturally high acetic acid property as well as its pH level that almost matches human hair has the power to bring your hair and scalp to its perfect acidity level. Besides, it adds a natural shine to your mane while detangling it and keeping the frizz away.

Using rice protein is another easy and natural way to condition your hair. Rice protein contains keratin, which is mainly what our hair strands are made up of keeping our hair healthy and maintaining its elasticity. Rice protein improves the elasticity and strength of your hair while keeping it shiny, smooth and well-moisturised.

As hair serum

Cow ghee or desi ghee acts as powerful hair serum as it contains loads of vitamin E, which is an active ingredient in several anti-ageing hair and skincare products. Ghee’s oil-like consistency helps seal moisture in your scalp and makes it less irritated, which results in fewer flakes.

Almond oil repairs and strengthens hair and almonds’ lubricating properties reduce friction while styling hair. It increases blood flow to your scalp when rubbed directly on it along with its powerful antioxidants working magic on your scalp as well. It also moisturises dry hair, improves scalp health and prevents hair breakage.

The good old amla or Indian gooseberry is known to prevent hair loss and early greying of hair. Packed with vitamin C, it strengthens and conditions the roots and strands while promoting hair growth. Besides, moisturising, promotes hair growth and reduces dandruff as well.