Mustard oil also known as ‘sarson ka tel’ is a common ingredient available in almost every Indian kitchen. However, with advent of other oils in the market labelled as ‘healthy’ or ‘heart-friendly,’ mustard oil has lost its previous importance. But the oil has a lot to offer when it comes to haircare. Here are the top benefits and ways of using mustard oil for hair:
BENEFITS
- It helps to reduce the stress & tensions and helps in restful sleep.
- Moisturizes dry hair
- It helps to reduce extra Kapha (Water), Dosha (Humour) in body.
- Treats scalp sunburn
- Prevents premature greying
- Is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
RELAXING HEAD MASSAGE
Mustard oil has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties it is often recommended as a hair massage oil. It cleans your scalp and keeps it free of infections as well as dandruff, nourishing your hair from the root to tip and makes it stronger and shinier.
How to use: A common way to use this oil is to mix it with equal parts almond and olive oil, massage it into your hair and tie a warm towel around it for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
HAIR GROWTH
Mustard seed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids that help your hair grow faster and more healthy by nourishing your hair from the inside, encouraging your hair to grow thicker, stronger and shinier.
How to use: Massage mustard seed oil into your scalp and cover with a warm towel to help the oil penetrate into your skin and hair follicle. The oil and the massage will stimulate blood flow to the scalp which may accelerate hair growth.
HOT OIL TREATMENT
Mustard oil has a variety of anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It helps to combat fungal infections in the scalp when used regularly. It keeps the scalp clean and wards of dandruff, the most common of all hair problems.
How to use: Mix equal quantities of mustard oil with olive and coconut oil, warm it and massage your hair from root to tip. Cover your hair with a warm towel for 10 minutes after the massage. Wash off your hair with water and a mild shampoo after two hours.
OVERNIGHT TREATMENT
If you have a tendency to catch a cold from overnight oiling, then mustard oil is a safe choice for you as it generates heat. You could heat a bit of the oil and massage it well into your hair. Cover with a shower cap or put a towel on your pillow to prevent staining from the oil. Leave it overnight and shampoo it the following morning. Your hair will become strong and shiny with repeated use.
HAIR MASK
You need 1 tablespoon plain yoghurt, 1 teaspoon raw honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon mustard powder and 1/2 cup mustard oil.
How to use: Mix 1 table spoon of mustard powder with a little bit of lukewarm water to obtain the paste, then, add all other ingredients. Part your hair and massage the mask into the roots of your hair, put on a shower cup and then, cover your head with a towel; leave the mask on your head for about 20-30 minutes, then, shampoo and condition, as usual.