What are essential oils?
Essential oils have been used for wellness since ancient times. They are concentrated compounds extracted from plants and derive their essence, scent, and flavour from them. These oils have therapeutic properties that make them ideal for boosting skin and hair health. These are obtained by mechanical methods like cold pressing or distillation (steam, water). Many of you must have heard of the popular essential oils like lavender, sandalwood, chamomile, or tea tree and their usage in day-to-day life.
Did you know?
There are over 90 commonly used essential oils. Each has health benefits associated with it.
Why do we need to take extra care of our hair in winters?
The cold winds wreak havoc on skin health and cause damage to the hair. During winter, we tend to lose the natural moisture of the skin. The loss of natural moisture impacts the scalp making it flaky. Many people find that their dandruff worsens during the winter months.
Where do essential oils come in the picture for good hair care?
Essential oils are not only a popular medium to carry out therapy but also do wonders for the hair and scalp.
Benefits of using essential oils for hair care:
• Cleanse the scalp
• Strengthen hair
• Control dandruff
• Relieve irritation
• Improve circulation
• Promote hair growth
Let’s check some beneficial essential oils to use during winter:
Almond Oil
Almond oil is a good way to counter hair fall and breakage. The oil has healthy nutrients vital for hair like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and magnesium. It is the best oil that adds silkiness, shine to the hair and even nourishes the scalp. It is high in moisture, making it the best for winter hair care.
Lavender Oil
Its popularity as an antidepressant is widely known. Lavender oil is the perfect answer to dry and flaky scalp issues. The oil fulfils the moisturising effect to maintain hydration, soothes the scalp, and promotes hair growth.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil has abundant nutrients. It has the goodness of Vitamin E, B, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and protein. Along with this, it’s rich in acids like omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9. These nutrients help to stimulate hair growth, nourish the hair, and are a suitable solution to premature greying. Using this oil will help improve the colour of your hair and aid in strengthening the hair roots. Added advantage-it keeps the fungal and bacterial infections at bay due to its antibacterial properties.
Chamomile Oil
The use of chamomile oil will add shine and softness to the hair. It will soothe the inflamed scalp. Not only does it condition the hair, but it also adds a golden highlight, reduces dandruff, eases itching and irritation.
Tip: If you are applying henna, make sure to add a few drops of chamomile oil to the solution. As a serum, you can use it right after washing the hair.
How about some winter hair care tips?
Here are a few ways to take care of hair in winter:
• Use hair oil for moisturising your hair
• Limit your hair wash
• Always use a conditioner after washing your hair
• Limit styling tools
• Skip stepping out in wet hair
• Always cover your hair, either with a hat or a silk scarf
• Avoid using hot water for bath or washing hair
