Coconut Oil for Hair

What is Coconut Oil?

• It’s nothing but the oil derived by pressing the coconut meat or copra.

How is it useful for hair?

• Coconut Oil works as a wonderful conditioner for hair. It makes the hair soft and conditions the scalp. It’s even useful in getting rid of dandruff better than a medicated shampoo, when used as a pre-wash conditioner.
• Coconut oil makes the hair shiny and helps in the healthy growth of hair. This gives the best natural nutrition for hair. Regular massage of the scalp with coconut oil helps in getting rid of dandruff, lice, dryness etc.
• Apply coconut oil to your scalp to get protection from the harmful and drying effects of the ultra violet rays, when going out in the hot sun.
• Coconut oil, for its benefits to the hair, has been used for thousands of years by the people around the world. Hair remains soft and shiny if a small amount of coconut oil is applied on a regular basis.
• Coconut oil quickly gets absorbed into the hair shaft to replace the missing natural oils.
  

How to apply Coconut Oil for Hair?

• I read a lot about applying coconut oil to wet hair, where it works the best. It was suggested to apply the oil right after getting out of the shower and when the hair is not that dripping, just damp.
• But the method that works for me the best, is applying warm coconut oil an hour before taking a shower and washing it off with a good shampoo. My hair becomes so shiny after that. You can try whatever method suits you.
• And I apply oil once in three days to keep it soft and shiny. With that my hair falling has also reduced to a considerable extent.
• Run your fingers through the hair evenly and rub coconut oil into the hair. You may want to use a comb to distribute the oil thorough the hair, which is also fine.

What are the other uses of Coconut Oil?

• Mix coconut oil and lemon juice in 2:1 ratio and massage into the roots of the hair to get rid of dandruff.
• When freshly grated coconut meal is applied to hair and washed after some time, it works as a conditioner for the hair.
• When a mixture of coconut oil and almond oil (a little bit) is applied to the hair and massaged into the scalp gently for at least 10 to 15 minutes every day, it cools down the scalp and gives shininess to the hair.

Indian Gooseberry Powder (Amla) for Hair

We all know that gooseberry is an edible fruit that can be eaten just like that or in a cooked form or even as a pickle. But the amazing fact is that it is very good for hair too! For hair, gooseberry is used mostly in powder form which is available in ethnic stores. The main advantages of applying gooseberry powder to hair are, preventing graying of hair and causing a cooling effect for hair. The gooseberries are like a tonic for hair that enriches hair growth and pigmentation.

I have collected a lot of information from the World Wide Web regarding the uses and usage of Indian Gooseberry Powder for the well being of hair. Hope this will be useful to many (including me)!

The Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica, syn. Emblica officinalis) is a deciduous tree of the Euphorbiaceae family. It is known for its edible fruit of the same name. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_gooseberry

Indian gooseberry is an accepted hair tonic in traditional recipes for enriching hair growth and pigmentation. The fruit, cut into pieces is dried preferably in the shade. These pieces are boiled in coconut oil till the solid matter becomes charres. This darkish oil is excellent in preventing graying .The water is which dried Amla pieces are soaked overnight is also nourishing to hair and can be used for the last rinse while washing the hair. Indian gooseberry is used in various ways. The best way to take it with the least loss vitamin C, is to eat it raw with a little salt. It is often used in the form of pickles and it is dried and powdered. The berry may also be used as a vegetable. It is boiled in a small amount of water till soft and taken with a little salt. Source: http://www.allayurveda.com/herb_month_march2007.htm

The use of Indian gooseberry is the foremost among the home remedies found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of premature greying of hair. This is a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth and hair pigmentation. Massaging the scalp every night with a teaspoonful of amla juice, mixed with a teaspoon of almond oil and a few drops of lime juice, also proves beneficial in the prevention and treatment of premature greying of hair. Source: http://www.shvoong.com/medicine-and-health/1728735-premature-graying-hair-treatment-using/

A most celebrated hair conditioner, a quarter kilo of amla fruits are boiled in a kilo of coconut oil and stored to make an effective preventive for balding and greying of hair. Source:http://www.home-remedies.info/herbal-medicines/gooseberry.htm

Gooseberries are one of the most favored fruits for hair maintenance in the East, especially Indian homes. Its extract is great for cleansing and condition hair while roasted; it has the capacity to darken hair. Try mixing ground, dried gooseberries with lemon juice and applying on graying hair. Gradually, graying will stop and the hair will be much healthier than before. Source: http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/11-3-2004-61148.asp

Hope this information about gooseberries and their importance for hair's good health is helpful. Catch you in next post with another topic related to hair. Have a good day!