In ancient times, it was hard to find a house without a neem tree in the compound! The reason? Our ancestors knew the incredible power of this tree and even regarded it as a “SarvaRogaNivarini”.A fascinating byproduct of the Neem is the neem essential oil which is used as a remedy for many ailments. The benefits of Neem oil for hair, in particular, makes it a popular ingredient in natural hair care products.
From fighting fungal infections to treating an itchy scalp and even killing head lice, Neem oil does plenty of good to your hair. In this article, we shall look into each of neem essential oil benefits for hair and scalp!
What is Neem Oil?
Neem oil is an oily liquid extracted by drying out the neem seeds and fruits and cold-pressing the kernels. The potency and concentration of this oil depend on the quality of kernels used. Lighter and low pungent oil indicates usage of fresh seeds and a thicker, stronger aroma indicates older, dried out kernels.
Key Compounds Present In Neem Oil:
Neem oil contains the following nutrients and chemical compounds which can do wonders for your hair:
- Fatty Acids like Palmitic, Oleic, Linoleic acids
- Limonoids, which are a type phytochemicals
- Triglycerides, which are lipid compounds
- Vitamin E
- Antioxidants
- Calcium
Benefits Of Neem Oil For Hair
So, how does Neem Oil support healthy hair growth? Read along to know it all:
1. Treats Dandruff:
Neem oil is a powerful anti-fungal agent which can effectively fight dandruff-causing fungus, like Candida and Malassezia. The oil can inhibit the growth of the fungal spores and reduce the severity of the flakiness and itching sensation on the scalp.
2. Reduce Scalp Inflammation:
Neem Oil has an anti-inflammatory compound called Nimbidin, which can reduce scalp inflammation and redness caused by diseases like dandruff and dermatitis (1).
3. Conditions and Repairs Hair:
Neem oil is a good source of essential fatty acids like stearic, linoleic etc. which offer nourishment to dry hair. The lipid compounds present in this oil act like moisturizers to repair frizzy and damaged strands.
4. Promotes Hair Growth:
Vitamin E present in Neem Oil reduces the risk of hair loss due to oxidative damage and encourages regrowth. This nutrient also adds a natural shine to your hair and make it look healthy and glossy.
5. Prevents Premature Greying:
Neem oil is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants which can delay and reduce the chance of premature hair greying. However, it does not help in reversing already existing grey hair.
6. Kills Head Lice:
Research shows that a 10-minute coverage of Neem oil on lice-infested hair can suffocate and kill the bugs successfully (2). The higher amounts of Azadirachtin makes it difficult for the lice to reproduce and survive.
[ Read More: Neem Powder Benefits for SKIN, HAIR & HEALTH ]
How To Use Neem Oil For Hair?
If you have never used neem oil on your hair and wondering how to do it, here are two easy methods to try:
1. Neem Oil With Carrier Oil:
Neem oil is a potent ingredient which is not recommended for direct topical application. This is why you must dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil. Doing this can double up the benefits of this treatment.
Ingredients:
- Neem Oil – 2 tbsp
- Carrier Oil – 2 tbsp
How to Prepare and Use?
- Dilute Neem Oil in carrier oil (1:1 ratio)
- Mix well with a spoon
- Now apply this mixture on your hair and scalp
- Massage for a couple of minutes
- Leave it on for an additional 20-30 minutes
- Wash off with a shampoo and rinse thoroughly with water
NOTE: This treatment works well for killing head lice, repairing dry and frizzy hair, treating dandruff and itchy scalp and also for overall hair growth.
2. Neem Oil With Shampoo:
If you want a no-mess, no-fuss way to use neem oil for hair, just mix it with a shampoo. This is a best way to convert an ordinary shampoo into a medicated on with the power of neem oil. You can try this for a deep cleanup of scalp, dandruff control and other scalp problems.
Ingredients:
- Neem Oil – Few Drops
- Shampoo – ¼ Cup
How to Prepare and Use?
- Add a few drops of neem oil to the shampoo
- Wet hair with water
- Make a lather with shampoo
- Massage well with fingers for deep cleaning
- Leave it on for 2-3 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with water
- Repeat if necessary.
How To Buy Good Quality Neem Oil?
Not every neem oil you get in the market is pure! Be sure to buy it from a trusted brand which sells organic, high-quality essential oils. Also, give preference to cold-pressed oils which have a higher concentration of nutrients. Some of the best-selling neem oil brands in India are:
- Aroma Treasures Pure Essential Neem Oil
- Kama Ayurveda Organic Neem Oil
- Juicy Chemistry Cold Pressed Neem Oil (Diluted With Carrier Oil)
- B-Urban 100% Pure Neem Oil
NOTE: All these oils are available in physical and online stores like Amazon.
What Are The Side Effects Of Neem Oil For Hair?
Neem oil is largely safe from side effects. However, if you have a sensitive scalp or used an undiluted or expired product, you are likely to experience the following symptoms:
- Redness
- Burning Sensation
- Hives
- Itching
Also, the pungent odour from this oil can give you other symptoms like nausea, headache and giddiness.
Now you know why Neem oil is found in most of your hair care products! It is a simple, one-stop solution for all your scalp and hair problems and is quite inexpensive too. Adding this wonderful ingredient to your beauty regime is the best gift you can ever give to yourself! Do let us know your experiences with Neem oil (if you have any)!
