Ayurvedic Homemade Hair Oil Recipe: For Hair Loss and Dandruff

Ever since I was a child, the gentle aroma of Ayurvedic hair oil filling our home has been a symbol of love and care. My mother would spend her weekends preparing a special blend—mixing coconut and castor oils with a handful of time-honored herbs—to massage into our hair, promising not just shine and strength, but a little piece of our family’s legacy. Now, I’m excited to share this treasured recipe with you, hoping it brings the same warmth and tradition to your routine as it did to mine.

Ingredients

For the Oil Base (Total 200 ml):

• Coconut Oil: 150 ml
  Deeply moisturizing and penetrates the hair shaft for nourishment.
• Castor Oil: 50 ml
  Promotes hair growth and strengthens hair follicles.

Herbal & Botanical Additions:
(These ingredients are used for infusion and will be strained out after heating.)

• Dried Hibiscus Petals: 10 grams
  Supports hair growth and helps prevent premature graying.
• Dried Amla Powder (Indian Gooseberry): 20 grams
  Rich in vitamin C, it strengthens hair roots and combats hair fall.
  (Use dried pieces or powder.)
• Dried Bhringraj: 10 grams
  Renowned for rejuvenating the scalp and reducing hair loss.
  (Can be in the form of leaves or powder.)
• Aloe Vera (fresh or powder): 1 entire stick
  Soothes the scalp and helps control dandruff.
  
• Flax Seeds: 20 grams
  Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, they support overall scalp health.
• Shikakai Powder: 5 grams
  A natural cleanser that removes dirt and excess oil without stripping moisture.
• Dried Curry Leaves: 1 tablespoon (≈5 grams)
  Strengthen hair follicles and help in preventing premature graying.
• Whole Cloves: 10 pieces
  Stimulate scalp circulation, aiding in hair growth.
• Fenugreek Seeds: 2 teaspoon (≈4 grams)
  Rich in proteins and nicotinic acid, they condition and add thickness to hair.

Additional:

• Vitamin E Oil: 5 ml/2 capsules (about 100 IU)
  Acts as an antioxidant to prolong the oil’s shelf life and protect scalp cells.
  (Add this after the infusion process to avoid degradation from heat.)

Method / Preparation Steps

1. Prepare Your Herbs:
   – Ensure all your dried herbs and powders are clean and free of moisture.
   – Tip: You can also place the herbal powders (amla, bhringraj, and shikakai) in a clean muslin cloth or tea infuser. This makes it easier to strain them out later.
   – Add the whole ingredients (hibiscus, flax seeds, curry leaves, aloe vera, cloves, and fenugreek seeds) directly to the oil.

2. Combine the Oil Base & Herbs:
   – In a heavy-bottomed pan, pour in the coconut oil and castor oil.
   – Add all the herbal ingredients (both loose and in the muslin bag) to the oil.

3. Infuse the Oil:
   – Heat the mixture over low heat. It’s important that the oil warms gently—do not let it smoke or boil.
   – Allow the herbs to infuse in the oil for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow heating helps extract the beneficial properties of the herbs into the oil.

4. Cool & Strain:
   – Once the infusion is complete, remove the pan from heat and let the oil cool down to room temperature.
   – Strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth into a clean, dry container to remove all herbal residues. I used a masher to further press out the oil. You should end up with approximately 200 ml of infused oil.

5. Add Vitamin E Oil:
   – After the oil has cooled completely, stir in the vitamin E oil. This not only adds antioxidant benefits but also helps to extend the shelf life of your hair oil.

6. Store Your Hair Oil:
   – Transfer the final oil into a sterilized, preferably amber-colored glass or plastic  bottle.
   – Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. I like to store mine in the fridge. 

How to Use

• Application:
  Massage a small amount of the oil into your scalp and hair, focusing on the roots and tips.
• Leave-In:
  For best results, leave the oil on for at least 1–2 hours or overnight before washing it out with a gentle shampoo.
• Frequency:
  Use 1–2 times a week to see improvements in hair strength, shine, and overall scalp health.

Benefits of This Ayurvedic Hair Oil

• Nourishment & Moisture:
  Coconut and castor oils deeply moisturize, while the herbal infusion provides vitamins and antioxidants to strengthen hair from within.
• Enhanced Hair Growth:
  Ingredients like hibiscus, amla, bhringraj, and fenugreek have been traditionally used to stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss.
• Scalp Health:
  Aloe vera, shikakai, and curry leaves help maintain a balanced scalp environment, reducing issues like dandruff and scalp inflammation.
• Antioxidant Protection:
  Vitamin E and the natural compounds found in the herbs protect the hair and scalp from free radicals and environmental stressors.

Final Thoughts

This Ayurvedic herbal hair oil is a beautiful blend of nature’s finest ingredients, designed to promote healthy, lustrous hair while soothing and strengthening the scalp. By making your own hair oil at home, you’re not only embracing traditional Ayurvedic practices but also ensuring that every ingredient is pure and chemical-free. Enjoy this nurturing ritual, and share your experience—your hair will thank you!

Note: Always perform a patch test before using any new product on your scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin or any known allergies. If in doubt, consult with a healthcare or Ayurvedic professional.

Happy oiling and here’s to healthier hair!