The dream is to have luxurious Rapunzel-like hair, but that’s no easy feat. A lot of us struggle with lifeless strands and are constantly scouting for hair products to help hair grow faster, stronger, and healthier. There are many ingredients vetted by hair care experts known to do wonders to your tresses. Bhringraj is one such time-tested natural ingredient that holds a place of reverence in Ayurveda. Dubbed as Kesharaj, the king of herbs!
According to a 2021 study on research gate, Bhringraj exhibits therapeutic and medical properties, promoting overall hair and scalp health. It might possibly be that miracle ingredient your hair needs, especially if you are dealing with premature graying, hair fall, thinning of hair, and dandruff.
Bhringraj for stronger and healthier hair
Commonly known as false daisy, Bhringraj is a herb extracted from Eclipta alba Hassk (Asteraceae). Bhringraj oil is produced by heating E. alba leaves with mild oils like coconut, amla, and olive. And, has been used to treat alopecia and hair loss for several centuries now.
In Ayurvedic practices, Bhringraj is considered to solve Pitta dosha commonly referred to as metabolic imbalance. This is usually the root cause of several hair fall issues like alopecia, dermatitis, and dandruff. And, of course, Bhringraj works to cure just that!
Using Bhringraj for hair care
Bhringraj is a very popular ingredient in hair oils, but not everyone has time for regular oil massages. Fortunately, incorporating Bhringraj for hair care has become relatively easy through well-rounded products by renowned Indian manufacturers.
Brands like Mamaearth, Khadi Naturals & Forest Essentials need special mention here, offering a variety of hair care products to choose from with natural ingredients. For instance, Mamaearth offers Bhringraj Amla shampoo conditioner combo to help you maximize the benefits of this hero ingredient as a part of your hair care routine.
Benefits of Bhringraj for hair – How does it work?
Overall, Bhringraj is a magic potion to multiple hair problems, and this statement is well-proven by ancient and modern studies. But, how does it work?
1. Curbs premature graying
Problem: With the ever-increasing pollution levels, work-life stress, and poor lifestyle choice, premature hair graying has become fairly common. Hair color and chemical dyes are seen as a quick fix, but unfortunately, they only worsen the problem.
Solution: Hair follicles tend to turn gray due to a lack of pigment in the hair – melanin. Bhringraj effectively helps protect the hair pigment, delaying the aging process. Dubbed as Rasayana according to Ayurveda, it is believed to reverse aging. Research backs this stance suggesting that Bhringraj, when used with other ingredients like Amla, can help reverse the effects of premature graying, darkening the hair with regular use.
2. Reduces hair fall
Problem: Stress and lack of proper nutrition are some of the biggest reasons behind hair fall. With time, the hair follicles lose their strength, weakening the roots, leading to hair thinning and baldness.
Solution: Bhringraj oil is rich in nutrients, vitamins E and D, and minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium, providing the hair and the scalp with the necessary nourishment, preventing hair fall. Additionally, massaging your scalp with Bhringraj oil relaxes the mind and prevents stress-induced hair fall.
3. Treats dandruff and scalp infections
Problem: Common causes for dandruff include, dehydrated scalp, bad lifestyle choices, and humidity leading to itchiness and scalp irritation. Without proper care, the scalp might become a magnet for bacterial and fungal infections.
Solution: Bhringraj oil is synonymous with a magical remedy for dandruff. It penetrates deep into the scalp as it’s denser than other oils. This makes it ideal to treat scalp dryness and dandruff. Due to its antibacterial properties, it also provides relief from itchiness, combats infections, hair inflammation, and reduces dandruff.
4. Promotes hair growth
Problem: Factors like age, genetics, stress, illness, and disproportionate use of styling products significantly hampers hair growth. It can also be a major reason behind thinning and baldness.
Solution: Regular massage with Bhringraj oil causes vasodilation, a process through which the blood vessels widen, resulting in improved blood flow to the hair roots. This not only helps reduce stress as it soothes the mind but also promotes hair growth. Besides therapeutic effects, the oil works by enriching the hair with essential nutrients like vitamin E that foster hair growth. Research shows that regular use of Bhringraj oil increases the number of follicles.
Expert Tip: Remember, the products you choose should be specific to your hair type. If you have dry or frizzy hair, you cannot do without a conditioner. Irrespective of the product that you choose, make sure to use it for a minimum of 4-6 weeks for best results.