The rainy season brings with it humid climes and dampness, which turn curly hair into a frizzy mess, even as all types of hair have to contend with dullness, hair fall, and sweaty scalps that can attract bacteria or dandruff. During rainy months, hair care routines are all the more important, and a holistic approach includes eating right but also applying some simple, essentially natural products that will strengthen them and improve growth. In fact, there are several spices readily available in every Indian kitchen that will do just the trick to boost hair growth.
Spices have several important roles to play and are an important part of Indian cuisine. Their intense flavours not only elevate the aroma and taste of every dish, but each spice has distinct nutritional properties that enhance immunity, cure stomach infections, and even boost hair health. Along with having so many healing and nourishing properties, spices are also very easy to handle, so handy masks, oils, and conditioners can be made out of them for all hair care needs. Read on below for some ways in which kitchen spices can be used to treat the frizz and dampness of monsoon hair:
Add Fenugreek Seeds To Coconut Oil
Nutritionists and health experts have long advocated consuming fenugreek seeds because they are rich sources of vitamins A and C and contain a good amount of folic acid that boosts hair health. Adding fenugreek seeds to the tadka while making subzi or khichdi is a good way to introduce it into the daily diet. Fenugreek seeds can also be added to some warm coconut oil to be used for a good scalp massage to boost hair growth.
Black Pepper Detox Drink
Black pepper is a great seasoning for several dishes, but it is also rich in vitamin A and carotenoids, nutrients that help fight inflammation in the cells. Kali mirch, or black pepper pods, are also useful in straightening the roots of the hair and promoting healthy hair growth. Incorporating black pepper into meals is rather easy, but another way to enjoy this spice is to soak some peppercorns in a glass of water and sip on this detox drink.
Cinnamon Water
Cinnamon is another spice packed with antioxidants and tonnes of healing properties that strengthen hair follicles and enhance growth. Cinnamon and honey masks are great for treating skin acne too. Infused in warm water with some syrupy honey, such a concoction of herbal tea is the best way to get this spice working on hair care.
Nutmeg And Milk
Rich in vitamin B6, nutmeg also contains generous amounts of acid and magnesium, which help reduce hair loss. Sprinkling a bit of nutmeg powder into warm milk and having this soothing beverage before bedtime not only ensures a sound sleep but also prevents stress. A lot of times, if hair fall is induced by high levels of stress, nutmeg powder and milk can be extremely beneficial for both, reducing stress and preventing hair loss.
Aliv (Halim) Seed Ladoos
Aliv laddoos made from these reddish-brown halim seeds and dried coconut and jaggery are a great source of iron that boosts healthy hair. Aliv can also be had by soaking it in milk overnight, but the laddoos with ghee and coconut are easy to make and can be devoured just as easily. Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar has also advocated aliv for chemo patients suffering from hair loss.