SHAHNAZ HUSAIN
The Ayurvedic system advocates the selection of oil according to the season. According to Ayurveda, mustard oil and almond oil are said to be good for winter. Sesame seed (Til) oil is said to be good for all seasons, while coconut oil, olive oil and sunflower oil is said to be good for summer. However, coconut oil is also applied on the hair in all seasons.
We can make hair oil at home with a base oil and nat- ural ingredients. To make amla hair oil, take a handful of dry amla. Grind coarsely and add it to 100 ml pure coconut oil. Keep it in an airtight glass bottle and keep the bottle in the sun daily for about 15 days. Then strain the oil and store. The oil can be used to apply on the
hair.
Brahmi leaves can also be used. Take dry or fresh Brahmi leaves and simmer in 500 ml water on a low fire, till only 125 ml of the water remains. Add 300 ml coconut oil and simmer on low fire, till only oil is left.
In cases of excessively dry and brittle hair, mix one part of castor oil with two parts coconut oil. Heat and apply.
If the hair is dry and during the dry season, like win- ter, oil may be applied twice a week. For oily hair, apply once a week. For excessively oily hair, avoid oil appli- cations. If there is sticky dandruff, apply oil twice a week. If there is hair loss, the hair or scalp should not be rubbed vigorously with oil. When roots are weak, vigor- ous massage will cause more hair to fall our. After applying the oil, use the finger tips to actually move the scalp in small circular movements.
Coconut oil is probably the most popular oil for the hair in India. It is said to strengthen the hair and make it thick and shiny. The application of coconut oil with a light massage helps to stimulate blood circulation to the hair follicles and also softens hair texture. Coconut oil may also be used with curry leaves to restore health to the hair. Add coconut oil to the fresh curry leaves and boil them. This should be boiled till a black residue is formed. Cool the mixture and then add the black residue on the scalp. Keep it on for an hour and then wash the hair. This may be done 2 or 3 times a week. Curry leaves are said to contain nutritive elements, including antiox- idants, which bring back health to the roots and promote hair growth. Curry leaves also contain minerals like cal- cium, phosphorous, iron and folic acid and also Vitamins C, B, A, E., imparting health and vitality to the hair and body. Make a paste of curry leaves and apply on the hair. Wash off after half an hour.
Almond oil may be applied for dry and damaged hair, while olive oil is better for dandruff-prone hair, as it restores the normal acid-alkaline balance of the scalp.
Warm oil works better on the scalp and skin of the body, as it helps better absorption.
