Thinning hair and fallout may be a natural experience that comes with age but that doesn’t mean you have to sit idly by and watch as your strands slowly depart from your scalp. While there are some well-known treatments for hair loss like minoxidil, you may be intrigued by more natural solutions that can help to gently promote new hair growth from home without the use of chemicals.
We spoke with Kerry Yates, hair expert, Trichologist and CEO of Colour Collective for her professional advice on exploring natural hair loss remedies, and which one is the best for seeing safe and significant results.
Bhringraj Oil
Bhringraj oil is a naturopathic solution to hair loss that is said to promote growth while also improving the strength of your actual follicles. According to Yates, this oil can be found in many natural hair growth products now, even working to stop fallout before it strikes. “The oil originates from the Bhringraj plant which actually mimics the look of a sunflower or common daisy,” she says. “I liken it to an ancient Indian ingredient due to its use in ayurvedic remedies but actually the plant is commonly found in humid climates.”
This oil functions by providing anti-inflammatory benefits, soothing the scalp and allowing for a healthier environment for strands to grow. Applied directly to the scalp to promote growth from the root, Yates explains that this oil has lasting beneficial effects that can allow for healthier and stronger hair when used regularly. “I prefer for Bhringraj to be used in an oil format to help both with the scalp but also to help improve the condition of the hair from the mid-lengths to the ends,” she explains. Some positive side effects of using bhringraj oil that you can expect are a decrease in itchiness and dandruff, smoother and shinier strands, and less tightness and discomfort on the scalp.
One factor to keep in mind when integrating any new products into your beauty routine is the side effects that they may bring about. Fortunately, Yates notes that this particular oil offers very minimal risk. “As with anything new or anything natural there can be an allergic reaction. If you experience any irritation or itchiness then please rinse with soap and water immediately,” she suggests. “If the irritation persists, then visit your doctor.” One easy way to ensure you’re not slathering your scalp with a product that will only worsen the condition of your hair is by doing a patch test on your arm to see if the skin reacts negatively. After 24 hours if there are no adverse effects, you’re free to go ahead and apply the oil to your hair.
As for how often you should be using bhringraj oil and exactly the best method of application, Yates breaks it down quite simply. “If using it as an oil I suggest heating it up, creating a hot oil treatment to be massaged into the scalp for a minimum of 30 mins,” she says. “The best way to massage the scalp without causing tangles would be as follows: Start along the hairline massaging back. Be sure to focus on the crown area since it is one of the first areas to show hair growth challenges.”
Treating your hair growth routine like a spa treatment will not only feel luxurious, but will offer a great scalp massage that can help to promote growth of healthy follicles as well. One thing to note, however, is if you’re purchasing products that include bhringraj oil as an ingredient, make sure the product also contains eclipta prostrata extract on the label for the best results from your hair tonic. While you can’t expect to see changes in your hair strength and density overnight, three months of regular usage of this oil will produce significant results, building stronger and visibly healthier strands.
