Garlic, known for its strong aroma and numerous health benefits, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments. One of its lesser-known uses is in promoting hair growth. Garlic oil, rich in sulfur, selenium, vitamins, and minerals, can help nourish the scalp and strengthen hair follicles, leading to healthier, faster-growing hair. Here’s how you can make garlic oil at home and use it to boost your hair growth.
Benefits of Garlic Oil for Hair Growth
- Stimulates Hair Follicles: Garlic oil improves blood circulation to the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and encouraging growth.
- Strengthens Hair Roots: The high sulfur content helps strengthen hair roots, reducing hair fall and breakage.
- Fights Dandruff: Garlic oil has antifungal properties that help combat dandruff and keep the scalp clean.
- Prevents Hair Thinning: Regular use of garlic oil can help prevent hair thinning and improve overall hair texture.
- Adds Shine: Garlic oil can add a natural shine to your hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant.
Ingredients
To make garlic oil at home, you will need:
- 10-12 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup of carrier oil (such as olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil)
- A clean, dry jar with a lid
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic
- Peel the Garlic: Peel 10-12 garlic cloves and crush them slightly using the back of a knife or a garlic press. Crushing the garlic helps release its beneficial compounds.
- Chop the Garlic: Finely chop the crushed garlic to increase the surface area and ensure maximum infusion into the oil.
Step 2: Infuse the Oil
- Heat the Oil: Pour 1/2 cup of your chosen carrier oil into a small saucepan. Heat the oil over low heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Heating the oil helps to release the garlic’s beneficial properties.
- Add Garlic to Oil: Add the chopped garlic to the warm oil. Stir the mixture gently to ensure the garlic is well-coated with oil.
- Simmer the Mixture: Let the garlic and oil mixture simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to let the oil get too hot, as this can destroy the beneficial compounds in the garlic.
- Cool and Strain: After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool completely. Once cooled, strain the oil into a clean, dry jar, discarding the garlic pieces.
Step 3: Store the Garlic Oil
- Store the garlic oil in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator. It should keep for up to two weeks. Always check the oil for any signs of spoilage before use.
How to Use Garlic Oil for Hair Growth
- Apply to Scalp: Part your hair into sections and apply the garlic oil directly to your scalp using your fingertips or a cotton ball. Massage the oil into your scalp gently for 5-10 minutes to stimulate blood circulation and ensure even distribution.
- Cover and Leave: After massaging, cover your hair with a shower cap or a warm towel to enhance absorption. Leave the oil on your scalp for at least 30 minutes. For better results, you can leave it on overnight.
- Rinse and Shampoo: Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water and shampoo to remove the oil. You may need to shampoo twice to get rid of the garlic smell completely.
- Repeat Regularly: For best results, use garlic oil 2-3 times a week. Consistent use will help you notice significant improvements in hair growth and overall hair health.
Tips for Using Garlic Oil
- Patch Test: Before using garlic oil on your scalp, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
- Dilute if Necessary: If the garlic smell is too strong or if you experience any irritation, you can dilute the garlic oil with additional carrier oil before use.
- Combine with Other Oils: For enhanced benefits, you can mix garlic oil with other beneficial oils like rosemary oil, castor oil, or almond oil.
Garlic oil is a potent natural remedy for promoting hair growth and improving scalp health. By making it at home, you can ensure that you’re using a pure and effective product without any harmful additives. With regular use, garlic oil can help you achieve stronger, healthier, and faster-growing hair.
Image credits: Image by jcomp on Freepik
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