Are Curry Leaves Good for Hair? Benefits, DIY Treatments, and What Science Says

Introduction 


If you have browsed hair care forums or discussed issues related to haircare with people coming from a traditional household then you must be aware of people recommending curry leaves for hair-related issues. This is definitely not an old-age recommendation. There are several properties and nutrients in curry leaves which are actually beneficial for healthy scalps and hair growth. Increasing numbers of dermatologists and hair care specialists are also discussing the benefits of curry leaves along with medical treatment.

This article will help you understand the benefits of using curry leaves for your hair. We will discuss the properties of the curry leaf, their functions, methods of using them at home, and their sources in the United States. You will also come to know about the limitations of using curry leaves. No natural remedy should be considered instead of professional care if there is a serious issue with your hair or scalp.

What Are Curry Leaves

Are Curry Leaves Good for Hair? Benefits, DIY Treatments, and What Science Says


Curry leaves grow on a tree found in South Asia. Curry leaves are an ingredient in Indian, Sri Lankan and Asian cuisine. Curry leaves should not be confused with curry powder. These are two different ingredients. While curry powder is made of spices, curry leaves are leaves.

A quick answer: Curry leaves are the leaves of the Murraya koenigii tree. Curry leaves are used in cooking, herbal medicine and natural remedies for hair and skin care. Curry leaves contain beneficial substances such as antioxidants, beta-carotene, amino acids and B vitamins.

In the US, you can purchase curry leaves fresh or dried in supermarkets. They are also available in ethnic markets and online stores.

Top Benefits of Curry Leaves for Hair


• Prevents Hair Loss and Breakage


Are Curry Leaves Good for Hair? Benefits, DIY Treatments, and What Science Says




Curry leaves contain beneficial substances which promote hair strength starting from roots. Brittle and fragile hair tend to break before becoming long. Curry leaf extract helps to strengthen the structure of hair proteins thus preventing hair breakage.

Here is one effective trick to follow: You can massage yourself with oil that has curry leaves in it twice or thrice per week for six to eight weeks. Hair growth is a slow process so you need to be patient. It is better to use it moderately rather than excessively.

• Delays the Process of Premature Graying

Are Curry Leaves Good for Hair? Benefits, DIY Treatments, and What Science Says



This is one of the advantages of curry leaves on hair care that most people mention. The presence of antioxidants and beta-carotene in curry leaves helps to prevent the hair follicle cells responsible for producing melanin from stress. This is what causes the process of hair graying.

Curry leaves cannot help you in whitening hair that has already turned gray. Regular consumption of curry leaves can slow down the process of the appearance of new gray hairs. This especially works if your hair gets gray due to stress or damage but not due to genetics.

• Keeps the Scalp Healthy and Prevents Dandruff

Dry or irritated scalp is one of the main reasons behind hair loss and weakening. Curry leaves contain substances that can help soothe the scalp when used as an oil or rinse.
This is one of the mistakes many people do: applying curry leaf oil on their hair rather than their scalp. It is important to note that hair comes out of the follicles and therefore the oil needs to be massaged on the scalp.

• Enhances Shiny Appearance and Hair Texture

The curry leaves contain proteins and beta-carotene which both contribute to healthy hair. Curry leaves will make the hair appear shiny and give it a smooth texture. This is applicable in cases where there has been treatment of the hair with chemicals.

• Contributes to Fuller-looking Hair

It is important to note that while the curry leaves contain no ingredients that cause hair growth, the circulation of blood on the scalp along with proper supply of nutrients to the follicles leads to fuller hair appearance.
Benefits of Curry Leaves are mentioned below:

| Benefits | Working Mechanism Realistic Timeline |

| Prevents Hair Fall | Strong hair shaft no breakage 6-8 weeks |

| Delay in graying | Antioxidants protecting melanin cells 3-6 months |

| Scalp Health | Antibacterial effect | 2-4 weeks |

| Shine | Beta Carotene smooth cuticle | 2-3 weeks |

| Fuller Look | Cumulative effect of above listed attributes | 3-6 months |

How to use Curry Leaves in Hair Care

Approach 1: Curry Leaves Infused Oil
Are Curry Leaves Good for Hair? Benefits, DIY Treatments, and What Science Says



Step 1: Heat one cup of coconut oil or sesame oil in a pan.

Step 2: Add some curry leaves to it.

Step 3: Heat on low temperature till the leaves become black and crispy (5-8 minutes).

Step 4: Cool it down, filter and store it in glass container.

Step 5: Apply twice or thrice in a week. Leave it for half an hour (or overnight) and rinse off.
Method 2: Rinse With Curry Leaves

1. Boil some curry leaves in water for ten minutes. Once cooled, filter and apply on your hair after shampoo.

This is another method that can be adopted by those who feel that oil treatment is too greasy.

Method 2: Curry Leaves Hair Mask

1. Mix curry leaves along with yogurt or aloe vera gel.

1. Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp.

1. Let it stay there for twenty to thirty minutes before rinsing.
It brings together the effects of curry leaves with those of moisturization of the hair by using yogurt or aloe.

Method 3: Diet

Curry leaves in one’s diet contribute to the intake of nutrients. These include vitamins A, B, C and iron. All of which indirectly aid hair growth through internal means.

Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

• Heat in the process of extracting oil from the leaves. The burnt leaves no longer work as well. It can also make the oil bitter or ineffective.

• Anticipation of immediate results. Hair growth takes time, not minutes. Regularly done is better than doing it intensively.

• Failure to conduct a patch test. Natural products can also cause allergic reactions to certain people. Testing it first is safer.

• Failure to rinse the hair after applying. Leaving residue of the oil can make the hair more prone to dirt. Thus, causing the hair to become oily.

• Relying solely on curry leaves for treating hair loss issues with underlying conditions such as androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata and thyroid-induced hair loss.
Where to Source Curry Leaves in America

You can buy curry leaves from:


• Markets

• Specialty groceries

• Online Indian specialty food stores

If there are no fresh leaves available where you live, then try using either dried curry leaves or curry leaf oil available from stores.

Comparison Between Curry Leaves and Other Natural Hair Remedies

Are Curry Leaves Good for Hair? Benefits, DIY Treatments, and What Science Says



Remedy Best for | Notes |


| Curry leaves | Hair loss, hair greying, scalp health | Requires consistency and some effort in sourcing |

| Amla (Indian gooseberry) | Vitamin C boost, shining hair | Often used with curry leaves |

| Methi/Fenugreek | Dandruff and scalp nourishment | Has an unpleasant smell that requires soaking |
Are Curry Leaves Good for Hair? Benefits, DIY Treatments, and What Science Says



Onion juice | Stimulates hair growth | Unpleasant smell |
| Castor Oil Consistency, Moisture | Thick consistency, difficult to rinse off

When to Seek Professional Help

Are Curry Leaves Good for Hair? Benefits, DIY Treatments, and What Science Says


Curry leaves are good natural treatments for regular hair care. However, you must see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• hair loss

• falling of hair

• pain, itching or lesions on the scalp

• hair loss with additional symptoms like tiredness or weight gain

This might be a sign of other health problems, such as an imbalance in the thyroid gland or alopecia associated with autoimmune disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gooseberry is one of the most valuable fruits that nature has given to man.:https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/6843474512065885781/4310367899006931866

• Do curry leaves actually promote hair growth?

Curry leaves facilitate hair growth through factors like increased scalp circulation, hair protection from breakage and antioxidants. Curry leaves are not a guaranteed cure for hair loss but results depend on use of curry leaves for several months.

• Will curry leaves help hair turn grey again?

No. Curry leaves might be able to help delay the development of grey hairs due to stress but they will not help produce melanin in grey hairs.

• How many times should I use curry leaves on my hair?

Curry leaves should ideally be used two or three times weekly regardless of the way of application – as oil, as rinse or as hair mask. Curry leaves shouldn’t be applied daily as it won’t speed up the process.

• Are curry leaves oil safe for any type of hair?

Yes, they are safe for humans in general. People with sensitive scalp can choose to use rinse instead of oil hair treatment. You should always perform patch tests prior to using curry leaves if you have sensitive skin.

• Can I combine curry leaves with hair products?
Yes, but make sure you use them along with coconut oil, aloe vera, and amla. You should not be applying treatments simultaneously because that might irritate the scalp.

Conclusion


There is no doubt about the fact that curry leaves are not a magic formula to solve your problems. They are just an inexpensive option for your hair care regimen. They are especially helpful in reducing hair fall, soothing the scalp, and preventing hair greying when applied on a regular basis.

The two most important factors that help you succeed in treatment are expectations and the use of curry leaves.
In case you are prepared to give it a try, begin with something. Infuse the curry leaf oil at your home. Use it twice or thrice in a week. Give at least two months for it to show effects. In case your hair requires any medical treatment, consult a dermatologist. It is really crucial to get diagnosed early.

• I have a tendency to forget testing any area of skin before applying anything on it. Even organic stuff can produce a reaction, did you know?

• It is a routine of mine that I never rinse my hair. Once I leave oil in my hair, it becomes extremely oily and disgusting.