Turmeric has long been popular in skincare products and it is slowly taking over the haircare category too. Wondering why? This is probably because of the bright yellow spice’s medicinal properties. Off late, turmeric is being praised for treating hair and scalp conditions like dandruff and hair loss and for boosting hair growth. Our hair has four stages; anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding). According to a 2016 study published in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, highly concentrated proteins secreted from turmeric roots have been shown to increase the length of the hair’s growth phase. This is great news for those dealing with hair thinning.
Benefits of turmeric
Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin that has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and antibacterial properties. This helps maintain scalp health by keeping inflammation at bay, fights dandruff, controls oil production and protects the hair follicles from environmental stressors.
How to include turmeric in your haircare routine
As a shampoo
The easiest way to add the goodness of turmeric to your routine? Use a shampoo that contains this ingredient.
As a hair mask
Mix equal parts of olive oil, turmeric powder and honey. Apply to your scalp and let it sit for 20 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual.
As a supplement
Turmeric supplements can help reduce inflammation inside the body. Consult your physician before adding this golden ingredient to your routine as it is a natural blood thinner and can slow down blood clotting.
Here are some things to keep in mind before slathering on turmeric mixtures in your hair…
• Keep an eye on how your scalp reacts to this golden ingredient. In some rare cases, it can aggravate scalp conditions.
• Turmeric stains on the skin are temporary. When combined with oil, it washes off easily.
• You can combine turmeric with soothing essential oils and whip up a calming scalp tonic.