Hair is the most beautiful form of self-expression. Are you struggling with greying and thinning of hair in your 20s? Ever wondered how our grandmothers had such thick long braids even in their 50s? The secret to such an envious mane lies right in our kitchens and backyards – The Humble KadiPatta! Using Curry Leaves for hair growth offers numerous benefits that are too good to believe.
Curry leaves also called “Karivepaku” in Telugu and “Kariveppilai” in Tamil are a common sight in many Indian households. Along with enhancing the flavor of your food, these aromatic leaves are packed with nutrients that boost hair growth, prevent premature greying of hair and also treat scalp infections and hair loss. Surprised?
Read along to know more about the uses of Curry leaves for hair growth, along with different ways to use it at home.
| Benefits of Curry Leaves for Hair | How to Use Curry Leaves for Hair Growth |
Benefits of Curry Leaves for Hair:
Rightly called the “ Vitamins Powerhouse” and “ Cure leaf”, these little leaves can do wonders to your hair. Curry leaves are rich in many vitamins like A, B, E, C and minerals like iron, magnesium, copper and calcium, which strengthen and nourish your follicles from the roots.
According to a study, curry leaf is a potent medicinal herb, which can give all-round protection to your hair and scalp with its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties (1).
Let us look into each of these remedies in detail:
1. Anti-Dandruff:
Curry leaves when used regularly remove dead hair follicles, which is one of the reasons behind dandruff. Dandruff is often caused by a fungus called Malassezia which feeds on excess oil on our scalps. A hair mask of Curry leaves with yoghurt and fenugreek seeds acts like a magic wand for dandruff removal because it removes excess oil, hydrates the hair roots and has potent antifungal properties.
2. Antibacterial:
Curry leaf extracts have been proven to be very effective against tested bacterial strains, It fights minor scalp infections well due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Curry leaves are suitable for people suffering from scalp sensitivity too, as it is quite mild. (2)(3)
3. Prevent Premature Greying:
While greying is mostly genetic, the environment and chemical treatments have a toll on your hair. Curry leaves prevent premature greying of hair by restoring the pigment melanin which is essential for the black colour of hair. It also acts as a protective agent against oxidative stress by free radicals which damage the scalp and hair.
4. Stimulates Hair Growth:
It helps cleanse artificial product buildup, which is one of the main reasons for dull and damaged hair and leaves your scalp healthy. It is loaded with antioxidants, proteins and amino acids which nourish the hair follicles. A clean scalp and healthy hair follicles are essential for hair growth. Water the root, and the plant grows taller !!
5. Rejuvenation of Hair Follicles:
Replacement of dead hair follicles is accelerated by the antioxidant property of Curry leaves. It induces the growth of new hair follicles as it assists in the scalp restoration process, helping the hair follicles breathe. It also provides a balanced environment of pH and moisture on the scalp and thus aids in hair growth.
6. Strengthening of Hair Shafts:
It nourishes the hair roots with amino acids, vitamins and minerals, resulting in shiny and lustrous hair. It also increases blood circulation to the hair follicles, improving the nutrition of the hair shafts, thereby strengthening hair and preventing hair fall.
7. Prevents Hair Thinning:
This may be due to genetics, stress, alcohol or smoking and pollutants. Kari-Patta help prevents thinning of hair due to these reasons as they are rich in beta-carotene and protein, which is the essential component of hair. It helps in balancing sebum production and relieves scalp itchiness. It helps negate the effects of external factors on hair growth and restore and maintain the natural tone of the hair. (4)
How to Use Curry Leaves for Hair Growth?
Curry leaves can be used in various ways to aid the process of hair repair, as a hair rinse, hair mask, hair oil as well as in your diet.
– Hair Oil – Hair Mask – Water Hair Rinse – Include In Your Diet –
1. Curry Leaf Hair Oil:
Curry leaf infused coconut oil reduces dry hair problems and controls frizz by locking in moisture and nutrients in the hair roots. The vitamin B6 in curry leaves along with the moisturising properties of oil strengthens the hair roots and curb hair loss.
Ingredients:
- 30-40 Curry leaves.
- 50 ml coconut/olive oil.
Preparation Time:30 minutes.
Directions:
- Boil the leaves and oil in a bowl, until you see a black residue forming, which is approximately for 30 mins.
- Cool it and massage it onto your scalp directly.
- Leave it on preferably for an hour and wash with a mild herbal shampoo.
How Often Should I Apply ?:
- Apply it 2-3 times a week and preferably leave on overnight.
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2. Curry Leaf Hair Mask for Hair Growth:
Ingredients:
- 20-30 Curry leaves.
- 2 teaspoons fenugreek seeds.
- 1 tablespoon yoghurt.
Preparation Time: 30 mins.
Directions:
- Soak fenugreek seeds for 10-15 mins.
- Combine curry leaves and the soaked fenugreek seeds and make a paste.
- Add yoghurt and make a thick paste.
- Apply and leave on for about 30 mins and wash with a mild shampoo.
- Curry leaves help to detoxify the scalp and get rid of product buildup while yoghurt hydrates it and improves follicle health.
How Often Should I Apply ?:
- Apply once a week and see wonderful results in a month.
Caution: A hair mask of curry leaves, neem leaves and yoghurt also reduces dandruff and restores shine. However, do a patch test before as allergies to neem leaves have been known to occur.
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3. Curry leaf Water Hair Rinse:
Ingredients:
- 10-20 curry leaves.
- 100 ml of water.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
Directions:
- Simply boil a few curry leaves in water for about 10 minutes.
- After washing your hair with a mild shampoo, use the lukewarm water as a hair rinse to effectively cleanse your scalp and leave your hair all bouncy and shiny. Curry leaves help fight the negative effects of pollution, product buildup and free radicals.
How Often Can I Use?:
- This hair rinse can be used every time you shampoo, 2-3 times a week.
Caution:
- Try to use a mild herbal shampoo while using Curry leaves for hair, as harsh chemicals would negate any beneficial effects.
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4. Include In Your Diet:
a. Curry leaf Tea:
Ingredients:
- 5-10 fresh tender Curry leaves.
- 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- A wedge of lime.
Directions:
Boil curry leaves in water for around 10 mins, add a dash of lime with sugar and drink it every day for a week and notice changes in the volume and shine of your hair.
b) Curry Leaf in Buttermilk:
Curry leaves along with mint and lime in buttermilk help regulate metabolism and boosts follicle health.
Ingredients:
- 5-10 fresh tender Curry leaves.
- 1 sprig of mint.
- 100 ml buttermilk.
- A wedge of lime.
Directions:
- Take a glass of buttermilk and add fresh curry leaves along with a dash of lime and mint, blend it in a mixer and enjoy.
c) Curry Leaf Powder:
- Dry Curry leaves can be used in powdered form in many ways as flavouring agents in curries or consumed as it is with rice.
- Incorporating “kadipatta” in your daily diet goes a long way in dealing with hair fall and improves overall texture, length and strength of hair.
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A healthy shiny mane is every woman’s dream. However, battling hair fall problems can be quite an uphill task. Do not fear, because curry leaves are an effective and economical solution for all your hair problems !! A hair care routine incorporating Curry leaves both topically and in your diet can restore your hair to its full glory in no time !! After all, our skin and hair reflect what we eat, so think twice before you pick out these little leaves from your plate !!