Dr Sujal Patil
Experience of 14 years in clinical and research field of Ayurveda.
I am a Science based evidence based Ayurveda practitioner and incorporate accurate diet regimen and minimal medication in my practice with faster results sans no side effects.
When dealing with hair fall, choosing the right oil can make a significant difference in promoting regrowth and improving overall hair health. Below are the details about different oils, their effectiveness, and how to use them to tackle hair fall and stimulate hair growth:
1. Coconut Oil
Effectiveness: Coconut oil is known for its deep nourishing properties. It penetrates the hair shaft to strengthen hair follicles, reduce breakage, and prevent hair damage. It contains lauric acid, which helps in preventing protein loss from hair and improving its strength.
How to Use:
Warm the coconut oil slightly (not too hot) to improve absorption.
Gently massage the oil into your scalp using your fingertips, focusing on areas where hair fall is more prominent.
Leave it on for 1-2 hours or overnight if possible.
Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
Frequency: 2-3 times a week for best results.
Additional Benefits: Coconut oil helps maintain a healthy scalp, moisturizes hair, and reduces dandruff. Regular use can prevent further hair damage.
2. Castor Oil
Effectiveness: Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which improves blood circulation to the scalp, promoting hair regrowth and strengthening hair follicles. It is believed to help stimulate hair growth by increasing the production of keratin in the hair.
How to Use:
Castor oil is quite thick, so mix it with a lighter oil like almond or jojoba oil to make it easier to apply.
Massage the mixture into the scalp, focusing on areas with thinning hair.
Leave the oil on for 1-2 hours or overnight.
Wash off with a mild shampoo.
Frequency: 1-2 times a week.
Additional Benefits: Castor oil also helps reduce dandruff, moisturize the scalp, and enhance hair thickness.
3. Mustard Oil
Effectiveness: Mustard oil is known for its ability to improve blood circulation to the scalp, which helps in stimulating hair growth and preventing hair fall. It is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins A, D, and E, which can nourish hair follicles.
How to Use:
Slightly warm the mustard oil before massaging it into the scalp.
Massage in circular motions for a few minutes to improve circulation.
Leave it on for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, then wash off with a mild shampoo.
Frequency: 1-2 times a week.
Risks: Some individuals may experience irritation or scalp sensitivity with mustard oil, so perform a patch test before full application. Avoid using it if you have sensitive skin.
4. Herbal Oils (Bhringraj, Amla, Neem)
Effectiveness: Ayurvedic oils infused with herbs like bhringraj, amla, and neem have been used for centuries to promote hair health.
Bhringraj is known for its ability to improve scalp circulation, reduce dandruff, and encourage hair regrowth.
Amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which strengthen hair, promote healthy scalp and reduce premature graying.
Neem has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated scalp skin and combat dandruff.
How to Use:
These oils can be massaged directly into the scalp, or you can mix them with a carrier oil like coconut or sesame oil.
Massage gently, focusing on the scalp.
Leave it on for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, then rinse off.
Frequency: 2-3 times a week.
Additional Benefits: These herbal oils nourish the scalp, improve hair texture, and reduce hair fall due to poor scalp health. They also help balance the scalp's pH level and provide nutrients to hair follicles.
5. Ayurvedic Oil Blends
Many Ayurvedic oils are blends of different herbs and oils that focus on reducing stress, balancing doshas, and improving overall hair health. Some popular Ayurvedic oils for hair fall include Patanjali Bhringraj Hair Oil, Kesh King Oil, and Khadi Amla Oil. These oils combine ingredients known to stimulate hair follicles and reduce hair thinning.
How to Use:
Apply the oil directly to the scalp and hair.
Gently massage for 5-10 minutes to improve blood flow.
Leave it on for 1-2 hours or overnight.
Frequency: 2-3 times a week.
6. Best Oil for Hair Fall Based on Common Causes
Stress-Related Hair Fall: Oils that improve blood circulation and reduce stress, like bhringraj or ashwagandha, are ideal. These oils promote hair regrowth and prevent further thinning.
Nutritional Deficiencies: For hair loss due to poor nutrition, oils rich in vitamins and minerals, like amla and coconut oil, are beneficial. These oils provide essential nutrients to the hair follicles and strengthen the hair from the roots.
Scalp Health: If scalp conditions (like dandruff or dryness) are contributing to hair loss, neem or mustard oil can help reduce irritation and restore scalp health.
Conclusion
The best oil for hair fall and growth depends on the specific cause of hair loss. Coconut oil and castor oil are great all-around oils for nourishment and hair growth, while mustard oil and herbal oils like bhringraj and amla are more effective for stimulating blood circulation and improving scalp health. Regular use of these oils, combined with a balanced diet and proper hair care routine, can significantly improve hair thickness and reduce hair fall. Always consider performing a patch test for any new oil to check for sensitivities or allergies.