In our pursuit of silky, healthy-looking hair, we tend to browse through a variety of hair products, each of which claims to work its magic on our manes. However, the most effective potions lie in some cases within our own kitchens. Two such simple yet extremely effective elements are curd and aloe vera, which when blended together make a hair mask that's nothing short of a miracle worker for your locks.
But why exactly is the curd and aloe vera hair mask superior to every other for getting hair that is truly healthy. Well, we spoke to our expert Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Dermatologist, Sharda Hospital, Noida. Here is what he shared with us.
Benefits of Curd on Hair
Much touted for its digestive properties, curd (or yoghurt) is actually a nutrient powerhouse your hair loves. Here’s why:
- Protein Powerhouse: Hair is actually composed mostly of protein (keratin). Curd contains a lot of protein, which directly causes hair shaft strengthening, breakage reduction, and healthy growth.
- Lactic Acid Love: The lactic acid in curd is a mild exfoliant for your scalp, removing dead skin cells and product residue that can clog pores and prevent growth. This also keeps the scalp pH balanced.
- Moisture Marvel: Curd is a natural humectant, which draws in and locks in moisture. This is what keeps dry, frizzy hair hydrated and leaves it soft, smooth, and easy to manage.
- Fights Frizz and Gives Shine: The moisturizing properties of curd soften frizz and give your hair a natural, healthy shine.
- Anti-Dandruff Defender: Its mild antifungal action can also assist in fighting dandruff and calming an itchy scalp.
Benefits of Aloe Vera on Hair
Referred to as the "plant of immortality," aloe vera is a storehouse of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that do miracles for hair.
- Enzyme Richness for Growth: Aloe vera has proteolytic enzymes that heal dead skin cells on the scalp. It also awakens latent hair follicles, encouraging new hair growth and inhibiting hair fall.
- Deep Conditioning Dynamo: Given its high water content and conditioning compounds, aloe vera is a great natural conditioner that makes hair extremely soft and moisturized.
- Scalp Soother: Its anti-inflammatory effects calm an irritated or itchy scalp, calming redness and discomfort.
- pH Balancer: Aloe vera balances the pH value of the scalp, which is necessary for healthy hair development and avoiding complaints such as oiliness or dryness.
- Vitamin and Mineral Boost: Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, E, B12, and folic acid, and minerals zinc and copper, giving your hair and scalp the much-needed nutrients.
- Natural Shine Enhancer: Similar to curd, aloe vera also lends itself to a healthy, natural shine in your hair.
Benefits of Curd and Aloe Vera Together on Hair
Together, curd and aloe vera form a synergistic mixture that takes their individual benefits to an entirely new level.
- Superior Hair Growth: The curd protein with aloe vera's enzymes and growth-inducing substances provides the best conditions for healthy hair growth.
- Superior Scalp Health: The exfoliating properties of curd and the calming, anti-inflammatory benefits of aloe vera work together to produce a clean, healthy, and balanced scalp – the key to strong hair.
- Unbeatable Hydration and Conditioning: This mask thoroughly hydrates and conditions, turning even the driest, most damaged hair into soft, silky strands.
- Frizz Control and Shine: Together, they control frizz, smoothen the hair cuticle, and give an enviable, natural sheen.
- Natural Solution for Common Hair Issues: From hair loss and dandruff to dryness and dullness, the mask is a natural solution to all.
Bottomline
Trying the sparseness and efficiency of natural materials such as curd and aloe vera can prove to be life-changing for your hair. This dynamic combination provides a holistic solution to the myriad of hair issues, from root to end. So the next time you are thinking of a hair treatment, do not look anywhere else but your kitchen shelf.