Garlic is an essential ingredient in most households. Its distinct taste adds flavour to any dish. It is also widely utilised as a home remedy due to its essential nutrients and therapeutic abilities. One of the lesser-known benefits of garlic is that it can control hair loss and promote hair growth. People are aware that onions aid in hair loss control, but garlic is also an excellent ingredient for strong and shiny hair. No wonder why garlic oil, which is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, has gained popularity in the beauty world. Include garlic oil in your hair care routine to promote hair growth and prevent dandruff.

What is garlic oil?

Garlic oil is usually extracted from the process of steam distillation or by way of infusion of garlic in a carrier oil. "It is rich in various vitamins and minerals and also contains powerful components such as allicin, and sulphur that offer many benefits to the hair,” says hair and skin expert Dr Blossom Kochhar. Its multifarious properties make it ideal for use in hair treatments and hair growth. Adding garlic oil to your hair care routine can prove to be a great choice that can help you achieve healthy beautiful hair.

Use garlic oil for healthy hair. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Garlic oil is surely a hair growth remedy that anyone can include in their hair care routine. It is a powerhouse of nutrients that promote hair growth and overall scalp health. “The sulphur and selenium in garlic help fortify the hair shaft, thereby reducing hair loss. Allicin, a key compound in garlic improves blood circulation to the scalp and ensures that hair follicles receive essential nutrients. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of garlic oil keep the scalp free from infections, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth,” explains the expert. According to a study published in the Nutrients journal, garlic can protect keratinocytes from ultraviolet (UV) damage and shows promise as a substance for reducing the appearance of ageing. Keratinocytes are the skin cells that create keratin. These cells are found on the skin's outer layer, including the scalp, as well as in your hair follicles.

Benefits of garlic oil for hair

Garlic oil, often overlooked as a culinary ingredient, offers a surprising range of benefits for your hair. Here’s how.

1. Promotes hair growth

Garlic oil contains sulphur, as per a study published in the Food Science and Nutrition journal, which is necessary for the production of keratin, the protein that makes up hair. It promotes healthy hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the scalp and nourishing hair follicles.

2. Combats hair loss

Experiencing hair loss and met no success after trying oils and hair masks? Then use garlic oil. The nutrients in garlic oil can strengthen hair roots, reduce breakage and shedding. It also helps balance hormones, which can contribute to hair loss. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that regular usage of garlic oil on hair helps to treat alopecia areata. It is an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss anywhere on your body, although it most usually affects the hair on your scalp.

3. Fights scalp infections

“Garlic oil's potent antibacterial and antifungal abilities efficiently treat dandruff, itching, and other scalp irritations, promoting healthy hair development,” says the expert. So, if you are suffering from any of these scalp infections and looking for easy home remedies to get rid of them, incorporating garlic oil into your hair care regimen can help.

4. Adds shine and reduces frizz

Garlic oil contains vitamins and minerals can nourish the hair shaft. This can leave your tresses shinier, stronger, and more resilient. Garlic oil has natural moisturising characteristics that can assist in controlling frizz, leaving your hair smooth and manageable.

How to use garlic oil for hair?

Here are some easy and effective ways to use garlic oil to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss.

1. Garlic oil massage

• Take some garlic oil and warm it slightly.
• Massage it all over the scalp gently and leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Rinse off with mild shampoo.

2. Garlic oil and honey mask

• Take some garlic oil in a bowl and add one tablespoon of honey to it.
• Mix well and apply it all over the hair.
• Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse off with all-natural shampoo and regular water.

Garlic oil can help to reduce frizz. Image courtesy: Freepik

3. Garlic oil and rosemary essential oil

• Take the required quantity of garlic oil and add 2 to 3 drops of rosemary essential oil to it.
• Mix well and apply it all over the scalp and hair.
• Leave it for 30 minutes before rinsing with shampoo.
• Rinse off and let your hair dry naturally.

4. Garlic oil and aloe vera gel

• Take a cup of aloe vera gel and add a tablespoon of garlic oil to it.
• Mix well and apply all over the scalp and hair.
• Leave it for an hour and rinse off with regular water and mild shampoo to remove oiliness from hair and scalp.

5. Garlic oil and egg

• Take 2 eggs and beat them properly.
• Add a tablespoon of garlic oil to it and mix well.
• Apply the mixture to the hair and scalp and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Rinse off with regular water and shampoo follow up with a mild conditioner.

6. Garlic oil and tea tree essential oil

• Take the required quantity of garlic oil and add 3 to 4 drops of tea tree essential oil to it.
• Apply it all over the scalp and give a gentle massage for 5 to 10 minutes on the scalp.
• Rinse off after 30 minutes or an hour with regular water.

How to make garlic oil at home?

You can make garlic oil at home, by following these basic steps, as suggested by the expert:

• Crush or finely chop 8 to 10 garlic cloves.
• Take carrier oil of your choice such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, castor oil, Jojoba oil, etc.
• Add the chopped garlic to carrier oil and heat it for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Ensure that garlic does not burn.
• Remove it from the burner and let it cool down completely.
• Strain the oil in a glass jar and remove the garlic pieces.
• Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature.

Side effects of garlic oil

While garlic oil offers many benefits to hair, it can also have some side effects, especially to those who have sensitive scalp and are allergic to it. Potential side effects of garlic oil may include:

• Skin irritation, allergic reaction, redness, itching, or swelling.
• Odour irritation, some people are allergic to the smell of garlic as they find it unpleasant, which can make them feel nauseous.

It is always advisable to do a patch test before final application be it on the scalp, hair, or skin, Also, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals with medical conditions should avoid using it or consult a healthcare professional.

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