MANY people crave having shiny long locks, but you may think it is hard to achieve without forking out for pricey salon treatments.
However, there could be a purse-friendly solution, which costs £4.55 and will last you for months.
If you want long glossy locks, you may wish to a DIY oil made from coconut oil and curry leaves[/caption]
Curry leaves adds a special flavour to every dish – but they also have numerous properties which can benefit your hair[/caption]
Over the years, many Indian women swear by using a combination of curry leaves and coconut oil to boost hair health.
Not only does it work as an incredible flavour boost in dals and curries, but the humble curry leaf, known as kadi patta in India, is said to be a potent elixir for hair growth – particularly when used with the oil.
This is down to the two ingredients being rich in nutrients and antioxidants.
According to Times of India, the curry leaf is jam-packed with vitamins that help to “nourish follicles, strengthening roots to combat hair fall.”
These include Vitamin B to support keratin production, iron and calcium for scalp health, and beta-carotene, which prevents thinning.
Meanwhile, coconut oil moisturises the scalp and also leaves the hair shaft “soft and silky” thanks to the fatty acids.
Coconut oil also contains antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help to “protect the scalp from infections and promote a healthy environment for hair growth.”
The generations-old remedy also helps to boost “hair growth, fights dandruff, delays greying, and adds shine, resulting in healthier, thicker, and stronger hair.”
Thankfully, the two items won’t break the bank, with the coconut oil being £3.35 and curry leaves being £1.20 at Sainsbury’s.
The trick is to first warm the curry leaves thoroughly and then pat them dry.
Next, heat the coconut oil in a pan on a low temperature, and add the curry leaves when warm.
They should then sizzle and turn slightly crispy and dark green.
You can then turn off the heat and allow the oil to cool, before storing in a glass bottle.
Coconut oil moisturises the scalp and also leaves the hair shaft ‘soft and silky’[/caption]
How to use your curry leaf and coconut oil
HERE’S how to use your DIY hair oil to the greatest effect..
- Gently warm the oil until it’s slightly heated.
- Apply to your scalp and massage in slow, circular motions to boost blood flow and absorption.
- Let the oil sit for 30 to 45 minutes, or leave it overnight for intense nourishment.
- Rinse thoroughly with a mild, sulphate-free shampoo for soft, healthy hair.
This comes as the average cost of a haircut for women in the UK has boomed by more than 30 per cent since 2020.
This has resulted in many people adapting their styles, and opting for longer-lasting styles, according to the Guardian.
Richard Scorer, the creative director of the women’s salon chain Haringtons, said people were “having higher-value services left less often”.
He shared: “Time is a big issue for people. People used to come in every week and have a blow dry.
“Now, they’re coming in less regularly, so they want services that last.”
Benefits of curry leaves for your hair
CURRY leaves are a well-loved natural remedy in many cultures, especially in Indian hair care traditions.
- Curry leaves are rich in beta-carotene and proteins, which help reduce hair fall and stimulate growth by strengthening hair follicles.
- The amino acids and antioxidants in curry leaves help improve the overall structure of your hair, making it stronger and less prone to breakage or split ends.
- Curry leaves contain nutrients like iron, calcium, and phosphorus that nourish the scalp and reduce hair fall caused by nutrient deficiencies.
- They are high in vitamin B which supports the production of melanin—the pigment responsible for hair colour—helping to slow down premature graying.
- Their antifungal and antibacterial properties can help fight dandruff, itchiness, and minor scalp infections, promoting a clean and healthy scalp.
