Garlic is known to have a ton of health benefits, and it turns out that it has a number of benefits for your hair and scalp as well. Let's take a look at some of the things that make this pungent herb so beneficial.
Sulfur: helps strengthen hair at the root - it is a component of many proteins including keratin. It is also great for stimulating blood flow which helps in growth and the removal of toxins in hair follicles.
Calcium: also provides a structural component for hair
B & C Vitamins: Vitamin B helps in scalp circulation and lack of it is known to be a cause of hair loss. Vitamin C protects hair from breaking and boosts collagen for elasticity.
Selenium: helps keep cell membranes in tact
Copper: prevents defective hair growthAlong with these benefits, it tightens the pores to prevent hair loss, and has antiseptic properties. I found a couple studies on the positive effects garlic has on hair loss from issues such as Alopecia, but none specifically on shedding. As with most things in haircare, some people may experience no changes in shedding after using this, but for others (like me!) this might be a godsend.
There are so many different ways you can do this. The first time I made some, I used the microwave. This time, I thought infusing the oil on the stove might deliver better results. Here's what I did:
- I took 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced them up
- Mixed grapeseed, olive, and coconut oils in an old Doo Gro bottle.
- Poured the oil into a post and added the garlic
- Allowed to simmer for 30 mins
- Poured back into the bottle, leaving the cloves in the pot.
That is it! So easy. I am sensitive to garlic (the smell gives me a headache) so I didn't want to use very much. I hoped that the small amount would be strong enough to decrease my shedding and it was. Smell didn't even bother me. You can always try adding more garlic to achieve a stronger treatment. You can also add this oil to your conditioner. I like to use it as a pre-poo and pair it with a scalp massage. I have no issues with having my hair smell like garlic after it's been washed either.
I need to try that. My hair has been shedding lately.
ReplyDeleteHope it works well for you, Nerline!
DeleteI did this to combat my postpartum shedding. I'm not sure if it helped but the smell was crazy strong and of course I used minced garlic then didn't strain it! This method seems MUCH easier than what I did!
ReplyDeleteKLP | SavingOurStrands
Lol the first time I used minced garlic, too, but with a coffee filter. The smell was sooo intense. I tried to come up with a better way this time. Thanks girlie!
DeleteI've tried this before and I used garlic powder. It worked great, but you're right about the smell. I didn't like it at all.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it worked for you, too! A number of ladies are having a hard time believing it does. I can imagine the smell with garlic powder being pretty bad. I was so happy it wasn't anywhere near as strong with this method.
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