Winter hair care: My grandma’s secret mix of 5 oils can work wonders

Winter is here and we are loving that crisp nip in the air. Christmas decor and ‘almost’ New Year vibes are making us plan our party outfits already! But, these festivities and chilled weather comes with a killjoy – our limp, lifeless hair! If this drop in temperature is making your hair yell for help and shiny hair seems like a dream that’s about to break, you’re not alone! But hold on, and we’ll tell you about a wonder oil.

Remember, It is not just your skin or lips that demand extra TLC during winter, but your hair can go dry, scalp can get flaky and itchy during the cold days. To tend to that dry pile of haystack like hair and turn them into a lustrous mane, my grandmother’s 5 oil mix came to the rescue. The recipe is simple- 5 oils mixed together in equal parts of goodness!

I tried it, loved it and now I am sharing it with anybody dealing with hair woes during this brutal winter season.

To start with it, you need to get your hands on these oils when you go grocery shopping

Ingredients:

½ cup of pure mustard oil
½ cup of coconut oil, cold pressed preferably
½ cup of olive oil, virgin not pomace
½ cup of castor oil. You can buy black castor oil if available
½ cup of sweet almond oil

Once you have these oils in their measured quantities, mix them together in a big bowl or flask, like they do in a laboratory! Whisk them together and pour the contents into an oil dispenser bottle for a quick go at it for days when you’re running late!

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Before you get to now my ‘hair-changing’ experience with this oil, let’s delve into the nutritional values of the oils you’re about to use:

Mustard oil

Mustard oil or sarson ka tel really needs no introduction in an Indian household. Whether you want to whip up delicious delicacies or massage your body, it is the go-to oil for everything. Mustard oil contains a potent mixture of omega 3-and omega-6 fatty acids, and at the same time, is also enriched with vitamin E. It is also packed with zinc, beta-carotene, and selenium that makes it even more potent. It can deep condition your hair, fight dandruff and control premature greying. What more should we ask!

Coconut oil

Cold pressed coconut oil in this oil mix is the OG moisturiser for lifeless hair. Coconut oil is extremely rich in fatty acids and is easily absorbed by your hair fibre, as well as the scalp. Hence, it deeply moisturises the hair and provides it with the nourishment it needs.

Olive oil

Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, olive oil has a unique chemical composition obtained naturally by pressing olives. Known to strengthen your hair follicles, olive oil has a soothing impact on the scaly and dry scalp. This oil can even stimulate hair growth. A total winner, ain’t it?

Castor oil

This widely available oil is an absolute blessing when it comes to hair loss. Unlike other oils, castor contains several nutrients that consist of a powerful mix of proteins, vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants. Hence, it provides the scalp with the nourishment it requires. This doesn’t just prevent hair loss but also ensures healthy hair growth. Due to its thick consistency, castor oil when mixed in other 4 oils makes it easy to apply.

Almond oil

Rich in proteins, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, there’s no doubt that almond oil can do wonders for your hair health. The proteins and vitamin E in this beauty elixir can provide the scalp and hair with all the nourishment that’s needed. While the omega-3 fatty acids ensure the hair stays soft and lustrous, Vitamin E nourishes the roots for improved hair growth. That’s not all about it! Do not mistakenly pick up a scented bottle of almond oil for this mix. It may be a little pricier, but, choose a non-scented sweet almond oil for better results.

Here’s how to use this 5 oil mix for shiny hair:

1. Pour the mixture in a bowl and warm it up.
2. Apply this warm oil starting from the ends along the entire length of your hair.
3. Now, with the help of your fingers, apply this oil on your scalp.
4. Massage your scalp using light pressure until the oil absorbs.
5. Keep it on for 30 minutes and wash with a mild shampoo.
6. If you have time, you can leave it overnight. Remember to cover your pillow cases with a protective towel to avoid staining.

It’s true that it is one of the best hair potions, but you can’t go overboard with its application! It’s important to exercise moderation. Always do a patch test on your elbow by applying a small amount to check if the oil suits you.

If you have the time, keep this oil on overnight. In case you need to wash your hair the same day, ensure you’ve let the hair oil do its job for at least two hours, before you rinse it out with a gentle shampoo.

Neglect combined with external stresses such as pollution can settle this damage into your hair. But, this damage can be reversed by giving some love to your tresses from time to time.

The takeaway

This oil gave my parched locks the hydration and nourishment they were longing for. I have long wavy hair, and this mix helped make them more manageable right after a wash. It turned my hair from brittle and boring to bouncy and beautiful! What’s more, regular champi with this mix can also enhance blood circulation, preventing hair loss. Final rating? This potion can solve any hair trouble!