Ayurveda Expert Reveals How To Use Tamanu Oil For Winter Hair Growth

When winter is the favourite season for most of us, it also damages hair growth due to dry air and low humidity. Nevertheless, our ancient medicine system, 'Ayurveda', provides numerous solutions to nourish hair, and one of them is Tamanu Oil, known for its beneficial therapeutic and healing properties.

Dr Uma Shankar Sharma, Medical-In-Charge, Kailash Institute of Naturopathy, Ayurveda & Yoga, underlines that Tamanu oil has been part of the winter hair care routine of Indian families for ages. Using this elixir treats dandruff, dry scalp, and many other health problems. Read ahead to know more about the Ayurvedic properties of Tamanu oil and how you can make the best use of it for hair growth in winters.

Ayurvedic Properties Of Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil is processed by cold pressing nuts of the Tamanu tree, which is mainly found in Southeast Asia. Also known as Beauty Leaf Oil, it is Ushna (heat) and Vyavayi (pervading) in nature and supports the formation of the basic healthy structure for hair growth.

Ayurvedic expert, Dr Uma Shankar shared, "Because of its natural richness, Tamanu Oil strengthens the follicles, promotes thicker strands of hair, and prevents breakage. It is also full of fatty acids and antioxidants. Tamanu oil normalises Vata on the scalp and prevents dryness, flakiness, and thinning hair."

A Powerful Solution For Winter Scalp Issues

Tamanu oil is significantly effective and one of the ideal winter remedies with antimicrobial properties to help inhibit bacterial growth. According to Ayurveda, the Ushna and Snigdha (oily/unctuous) properties of the oil soothe the agitated Vata, the basic cause of a flaky and itchy scalp in winters.

Dr Sharma shared, "The inherent antimicrobial action of the oil supports a cleaner scalp environment, hence reducing the build-up of dandruff. And its rich fatty acids deeply nourish the skin by restoring moisture and strengthening the scalp barrier."

Winter also comes with a rise in air pollution, and using Tamanu oil helps to reduce irritation, prevent excessive flaking, and protect hair roots from air particles that tend to damage hair.

Also Read: Feeling Congested? Learn How to Use Steam Therapy for Instant Winter Comfort

Ways To Use Tamanu Oil For Winter Hair Growth

Dr Sharma suggests that one should apply it two to three times a week in winter for better results. "In winter, hair needs regular nourishment and continuous use of tamanu oil to keep the scalp moist, strengthen the follicles, and encourage healthy hair growth."

Those with severe dryness or dandruff may apply it every alternate day in the first two weeks to restore the imbalance in a shorter duration. For better results, you can incorporate Tamanu oil into your daily routine in several ways:

Scalp Massage

Massage from a small amount of warm Tamanu oil in a circular motion for 5 to 10 minutes on the scalp. This enhances the circulation at the scalp, nourishes hair roots, and helps to balance dryness related to Vata.

Overnight Treatment

Apply the oil across the scalp and through the hair length for deeper repair, then let it sit overnight. This really allows the Keshya properties of the oil to penetrate and aid in regrowth.

Hair Mask

Mix Tamanu oil with aloe vera gel, curd, or Bhringraj powder to make a mask. Leave it on the hair for 20 to 30 minutes, and rinse it off to soothe the scalp, reduce inflammation, and add shine and texture.

Use In Serum

Add a few drops of Tamanu oil into your hair serum and use it twice or thrice a week. This will add moisture to damp ends and prevent split ends.

Also Read: Why Jojoba Oil Is Perfect For Acne-Prone Skin

Use In Conditioner or Shampoo

Add a few drops of Tamanu oil to your conditioner or shampoo and wash it off as your normal hair wash routine. This will not only improve the result of the hair wash but also add the goodness of Ayurveda to your routine.

Herbs To Mix With Tamanu Oil To Maximise Its Benefits

Tamanu oil, when combined with various selected ayurvedic herbs, can incredibly boost hair growth. As shared by Dr Sharma, here are a few herbs you can mix with Tamanu oil for optimum results:

• Blending Tamanu oil with bhringraj helps to strengthen follicles and reduce hair fall.
• Adding Brahmi with this oil helps cool scalp inflammation and supports thicker and healthier growth.
• You can also add a few drops of Amla juice for a rich dose of Vitamin C and antioxidants that help improve scalp circulation and delay premature greying.
• For winter scalps, which are more prone to dryness, the addition of a little Neem will keep the scalp clean and support dandruff control.
• Those who want deeper nourishment can combine Tamanu oil with Methi (fenugreek) seeds soaked overnight, which helps improve shine and reduce breakage.
  
  
  

The Benefit of Warm Application

As described in Ayurveda, it is always best to use Tamanu oil slightly warm, especially in winter. Dr Sharma explained, "Warming up the oil energises the Ushna and Vyavayi qualities of this oil, which then enables it to reach the deeper layers of the scalp and help in improving the underlying circulation. This, in turn, helps nourish the roots of hair more effectively and promotes healthy growth."

Warm oil spreads out easily, reduces the stiffness of the scalp, and relieves dryness and dandruff much better. However, the oil should not be heated directly or made too hot, but only mildly warm. You can also use it at room temperature, especially if you have sensitive scalps, but a warm application generally delivers stronger therapeutic benefits.

Bottomline

Ayurveda has given us several remedies for treating overall well-being, from gut health to hair growth, and Tamanu oil effectively possesses these Ayurvedic properties. However, experts recommend not using the oil on an infected or broken scalp without checking with your doctor. And if you feel anything suspicious, such as itching, bumps on the head, or anything else, immediately consult with your doctor to address the issue.