Coconut oil is renowned for its hair-protecting, shine, and growth properties. But combining it with amla or gooseberry powder for a nourishing massage can help double one’s hair growthaccording to nutritionist Rashmi Mishra. Taking to her Instagram Indin_veg_diet, Mishra said, “To increase the length of your hair, mixing amla powder in coconut oil and massaging it in the hair and hair roots increases the length of the hair twice as fast,” said Mishra.
Shivani Bajwa, a functional medicine and health expert explained that Amla is packed with vitamins. “They supplement the lack of necessary vitamins in the body, indirectly benefiting the hair. Minerals like calcium, present in amla, protect the hair from sun and heat damage, and tannin, a biomolecule, binds with keratin in the hair, making breakage difficult. The high levels of vitamin C present in the fruit aids in the production of collagen which has many functions apart from boosting hair health,” said Bajwa.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fatty acid that is rapidly metabolised in our bodies. Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist, and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics said coconut oil has a moisturising effect on the hair and scalp, helping to prevent dryness and frizz. “This can indirectly promote hair growth by keeping the hair shaft healthy and reducing breakage. Moreover, coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe an irritated scalp,” said Dr Kapoor.
Bajwa elucidated that it strengthens hair follicles and cleans the scalp, removing any dirt from external pollution or hair products. “This cleansing property ensures minimal acne breakouts. While it cannot eradicate lice eggs, coconut oil is effective for killing fully grown lice in hair,” said Bajwa.
How to apply it?
*Always warm it up a little before applying and rinse it off with a gentle shampoo after 1 hour, shared Bajwa.
So, is the combination is potent?
This combination is believed to provide a synergistic effect, with the amla powder stimulating hair growth and the coconut oil nourishing and protecting the hair. “Applying this mixture increases blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating hair growth. Its individual benefits coalesce into a healthy elixir that works wonders for the hair,” said Bajwa.
However, applying it indiscriminately can backfire, said Bajwa because too much oil can make the scalp greasy, especially if one has an oily scalp. It traps moisture and dirt, causing diseases, said Bajwa.
Experts also stress that it’s important to note that these ingredients are not guaranteed to increase hair growth on their own. “Factors such as genetics, diet, stress levels, and overall hair care routine also play a significant role in determining the health and growth of your hair,” said Dr Kapoor.
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First uploaded on: 30-03-2024 at 11:33 IST
