6 Benefits Of Curry Leaves For Hair

When it comes to wonderfully flavorful medicinal plants, few can compete with the aromatic curry leaves. Native to India and Sri Lanka, curry leaves or Murraya koenigii are frequently used as a seasoning in several Indian dishes and are indispensable in South Indian cuisines. It is a highly revered medicinal plant and is prescribed by several Ayurveda practitioners for a variety of ailments and sundry health benefits. Known as “kadi patta” or “meetha neem” in India, curry leaves are said to have antidiarrheal, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, and antifungal activity. They are also considered good for the kidneys, liver, bones, skin, digestive health, and more.¹

But that’s not all. They are also excellent for your tresses. Curry leaves can be used for their many benefits for hair – orally as well as topically. They are rich in vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and nicotinic acid and serve as good nutritional supplements.²

Most of these nutrients help us get a good head of hair. Let’s find out how to best tap this ingredient for an enviable mane.

1.Speeds Up Hair Growth

A research by Indian scientists concluded that a blend of curry leaves, gooseberries or amla, brahmi, and fenugreek oils worked faster than the industry favorite hair regrowth formulation, minoxidil. Minoxidil started showing results in 19 days while the oil blend worked in 18 days. The experiment was conducted on rats and different oil blends were used on four groups of rats. It was found that in particular, the oil with seven to eight percent concentration of curry leaves was able to show early initiation of hair follicle growth in as few as six days.³

2.Longer And Stronger Hair

Aside from their many medicinal properties, curry leaves are also known to be good for hair, especially for keeping it healthy and long.⁴

You can use oils or a hair mask infused with curry leaves to strengthen your tresses from the roots. The extract and essential oil of curry leaves are being widely used in hair products these days; so it’s easy to find one that suits you. To keep things simple, add a few drops of curry leaf essential oil in your regular hair oil and massage away to reap the benefits. South Indian women, who are known for their long and luscious locks, often boil curry leaves in water and use it as a hair rinse.

3.Prevents Premature Graying

One of the many benefits of curry leaves for hair is that they impart a beautiful tone to your mane. For natural hair tone, you can use the blanked residue of boiled curry leaves along with coconut oil. This will moisturize and nourish your hair.⁵

Even Ayurveda experts advocate the use of curry leaves to prevent premature graying of hair.⁶

The new hair that grows as a result of using topical curry leaf formulations is healthier and also has normal melanin pigment levels, which give it a naturally healthy color. The powder of dry curry leaves when mixed in oil can be applied to your hair for a quick massage. The paste from curry leaves could also be applied in the case of gray hair.⁷

4.Controls Hair Loss

We generally shed around 50 to 100 hair strands on a daily basis. Any more than that is regarded as alopecia, which is commonly known as sudden hair loss. According to a study, a blend of extracts from hibiscus flowers and curry leaves can control this problem. The extract is observed to improve blood supply to the hair follicles, converting some of them from the telogen (resting) phase to the anagen (growth) phase. The converted follicles did not shed for a longer time. This resulted in the control of hair loss.⁸

5.Fights Dandruff And Scalp Infections

Thanks to their antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory qualities, curry leaves and hair products with curry leaves have the potential to maintain a healthy scalp. This means you can say goodbye to afflictions like dandruff⁹ and scalp infections caused by fungus and bacteria. Curry leaves and their formulations are safe for those with sensitive scalps as they exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.¹⁰

Try making a paste of curry leaves and yogurt and apply it to your scalp for about half an hour every week. For dandruff, you can also add ground fenugreek seeds into the mix for better results.

6.Repairs Damaged Tresses

Whether it’s a fast-paced life or improper nutrition or just too many pollutants in the environment, our hair is often at the receiving end. Since curry leaves are rich in antioxidants, they fight free radical damage and help hair deal with all the drama. In fact, according to a study, the alcohol-water extract of curry leaves showed high antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging activity. They allow your hair to stay, look, and feel younger for longer.¹¹

With so many benefits curry leaves offer your hair, it would be a good idea to include these leaves in your beauty regimen.