hair growth

The Oil Cocktail {DIY}

Swathy · March 6, 2014 · 3 Comments

It has been so long since I have done any DIY!! Anyways, I mentioned in my hair diary that I have been using an hair oil cocktail. So, let me share the recipe with you. Now, it does have some not very easily available things. In fact, I have them on hand right now but even I have no idea how to procure them once they run out.

Ingredients

Mustard oil
Camphor oil
Clove oil
Oil of Wintergreen

Method

You simply mix all of them, right? Ok, so, let me explain all of them.

Mustard oil is the base oil in which all of these other oils go.
Now, all these oils are basically pretty strong oil so they should not be used in heavy quantities. They should be diluted with the carrier oil or the base oil just like the essential oils.
Put 20 tablespoons (20 ml) each of camphor and clove oils in mustard oil (100 ml).
Put only 5 tablespoons (5 ml) of wintergreen oil for 100ml.

And, the oil is done!!

Why?

Now, I have already talked about mustard, clove and camphor oils.

Oil of Wintergreen is basically a naturally occurring salicylic acid methyl ester from the family of aspirin. It is actually a medicinal herb which is widely used to relieve muscle joints and heal the skin diseases. And, it is highly toxic if used in high quantities!!

For our purposes which is how it is beneficial for hair and scalp, it acts like an astringent and helps contracting the hair follicles, there by, strengthening them. Also, since it belongs to the family of salicylic acid, it acts as mild exfoliant and keeps the infections at bay which is why it is used in cosmetics.

The oil stimulates blood circulation and is easily absorbed. It has a warming effect on the area where it is applied which is why it helps with pains. But, the oil should never be taken internally or used in huge amounts on skin or hair or anywhere else!! I think oil of wintergreen (which is also called gaultheria oil) might be available in ayurvedic stores. Will confirm and get back on that.

Btw, I do have EO’s as well in my recipe but it just struck me now that I have no idea how wintergreen blends with other EO’s so it is always best to use it in seclusion instead of blending with oils. Yes, clove, camphor and wintergreen can blend together coz all of them are stimulants and relieve pain.

So, what do you think of this DIY? Does it sound interesting for you to try out?

My Hair Diary – February 2014

Swathy · March 3, 2014 · 9 Comments

Finally, I have started taking back my life in control!! This month has been really good on my hair and the hair growth regime is back with a bang 😀 So, check out what happened.

The good news first.

– One, I got a haircut so most splits gone 🙂

– Second, I have been pretty regular at oiling so my hair is back to its old silky self

– Third, less hair fall

– Fourth, dandruff and lice gone 🙂

– Fifth, tried a new cocktail of oil!! Oh yes, I have new oils to talk about.

– Sixth, I got the wooden comb finally! Oh, I forgot to tell you all that my TBS comb broke sometime back in December or January and I was not able to find it for one month in any of the outlets. Finally, got it in Del. And, my hair is happy again 🙂

Now, coming to the bad part! My scalp still itches and hair fall is not entirely gone. Mum said that hair itches even during hair fall so I am guessing that might be it. And, I did not really get any time for hair spa which I had determined to get at least once in three weeks.

Anyways, I have to mention a few points this time.

– Wooden comb is really better than plastic when it comes to frizzy hair! I do not know if it is more efficient in distributing the oils, though.

– My hair gets itchy on the second day of the wash so it can also be due to any sweat or dirt which gets accumulated on the scalp and hair fall is a direct result of it.

– My MIL also loved the Kamini shampoo! I got 3 bottles for her this time. I mean the shampoo is really awesome even though I do not know the ingredient list.

– The Love Long Hair Range is performing well on my hair and I am guessing if it is Pantene only. My dad also suspected the same!

– Since I got finished with the grapeseed oil, I got rosehip this time to use as a leave-in though I have not yet started trying it!

Products Used

Shampoo – Madara Shampoo + Love Long Hair Range

Conditioner – Love Long Hair Range

Hair Oil – Cocktail (which I will talk about soon)

So, how was the month for your hair? Is it over the winter blues?

Related Posts:

My Hair Diary – January 2014

My Hair Diary – September 2013
My Hair Diary – August 2013

How to Apply Onion Juice for Hair Growth – Part I

Swathy · February 24, 2014 · 39 Comments

Since I have mentioned about using onion juice for hair, I have received an onslaught of questions from various readers and they all ask me the same kind of questions. So, I thought I would create a small FAQ sort of post which will be helpful for one and all.

How does Onion help with hair growth?

Well, onion has sulphur which is an essential nutrient for hair growth. So, regular application of onion juice on the scalp enables the scalp to absorb the nutrient and nourish the follicles.

Big onions or small, red onions or white?

Big or small does not really matter but big makes the job easy! For one application of onion on my scalp and hair length which is medium, I prefer half an onion of medium size. And, red onions have more sulphur content than white ones so prefer them.

How to apply onion juice?

Grate the onion – squeeze the pulp and extract the juice in a bowl – take a cotton ball – dip in the juice – apply on scalp – cover the entire scalp and hair length – let it dry for an hour – wash off.

Onion juice becomes powdery when it dries off so be careful and do not comb your hair after applying the juice!

How many times should the onion juice be used on the scalp?

It is completely safe so it can applied as many times as you want. But, if you want my advise, apply it every time before you shampoo depending on the condition of your hair.