Long, healthy, glossy hair is the Holy Grail to most of us.
(We blame the Kardashians a little for this one, like we also blame them for people thinking it’s acceptable to hold you phone up to your face and have it on loudspeaker when you talk to someone. It’s not, by the way.)
But anyway, back to hair. Hands in the air who have spend a disgraceful amount of money on serums and deep-conditioners and heat protector sprays over the years, but are still not a step closer to having Hollywood hair? Yeah, us too.
Which is why we are so going to try this genius Ayurvedic tip, promising to leave you with hair so soft and healthy you won’t be able to stop touching it.
In India, women have used oil to keep their hair strong and shiny for thousands of years. In fact, in good Ayurvedic tradition, oil should be massaged into your hair and scalp once a week, and recipes for hair oil was typically shared from generation to generation.
Many recipes include hibiscus, amla, bhringaraj, fenugreek, aloe leaves, and brahmi, all of which are known to have amazing properties for the growth and conditioning of hair (and can be found in many specialist food shops or Asian supermarkets). Traditionally in Ayurveda, sesame seed and coconut oils are used as the base of the hair oils.
The world at large seem to have copped on to the amazing benefits of using oils on your skin and hair the last few years, but the trick with this tradition is apparently the combination of the oil and the massage, which is thought to also be able to help with headaches and migraines, as well as improving sleep, and aiding in relaxation.
This is how you do it:
Hair oil should be warmed slightly before you start, and should always be applied before washing, as dry hair allows the oil to penetrate deeper. When you hair is wet, the shaft swells and makes it harder for the oil to be fully absorbed.
Then, you massage it into the scalp to stimulate hair growth and allow the nutrients to reach the roots. According to Ayurvedic teachings, a healthy scalp is the secret to improving the quality of your hair.
Then, after massaging the scalp, the oil should be applied all the way to the ends of the strands.
Leave the oil on your hair for at least 30 to 60 minutes, then wash out.
Would YOU try this DIY method for strong, healthy hair, ladies? Or have you any other tips for achieving shiny, gorgeous locks? Let us know on Twitter at @Herfamilydotie