Graying is an unavoidable part of the process of aging. But, if your hair begins to gray before you reach your thirties, you should be concerned. Hair pigmentation can be affected by a variety of factors, ranging from underlying health conditions to extreme UV exposure. You can use DIY oils to enhance your hair texture and health (unless you have an underlying health condition). In this article, we have listed the 11 best natural oils you may make at home to help you manage gray hair. To learn more about them, keep reading!
11 Homemade Hair Oils To Manage Gray Hair
Note: Be cautious while heating the oils to prevent accidental burns. Heat the blends on a low flame (not beyond 350°F) to maintain their efficacy.
1. Coconut Oil And Curry Leaves
Preparation Time 15 minutes You Will Need
A handful of curry leaves 3 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil
Method Precaution: The leaves may splutter. Hence, stand away from the oil while heating the mixture. Benefits The mixture of curry leaves and coconut oil improves the hair tone and promotes hair growth (1).
2. Amla Powder And Coconut Oil
Preparation Time 15 minutes You Will Need
2 teaspoons of amla powder 3 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil
Method Benefits Amla or Indian gooseberry can darken premature gray hair and reduce dandruff and itching, while coconut oil prevents protein (keratin) loss from hair and strengthens the strands (2), (3).
3. Almond Oil And Lemon Juice
Preparation Time 5 minutes You Will Need
2 teaspoons of lemon juice 2 tablespoons of almond oil
Method Benefits Anecdotal evidence suggests that the blend of lemon juice and almond oil may prevent premature graying, add shine to the hair, and make it appear glossy.
4. Coconut Oil And Hibiscus
Preparation Time 5 minutes You Will Need
4-5 leaves of hibiscus plant 4 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil
Method Benefits Hibiscus leaves are natural colorants and used in traditional formulations to prevent gray hair (4). This mixture can also strengthen your hair and reduce breakage.
5. Coconut Oil And Ribbed Gourd
Preparation Time 15 minutes You Will Need
2 teaspoons of dried ribbed gourd powder 3 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil
Method Benefits Ribbed gourd (also called ridge gourd or Chinese okra) powder prevents premature graying (5). This oil mixture can strengthen the hair, nourish the follicles, and prevent breakage.
6. Coconut Oil And Bhringraj Powder
Preparation Time 15 minutes You Will Need
3 teaspoons of bhringraj powder 4 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil
Method Benefits Bhringraj powder is used in Ayurvedic formulations to nourish the hair and prevent premature graying. It can darken the hair and reduce dandruff and itching (2).
7. Black Seed Oil And Olive Oil
Preparation Time 5 minutes You Will Need
1 tablespoon of olive oil 1 tablespoon of black seed oil
Method Precaution: Black seed oil may cause mild irritation. Do a patch test before using it. BenefitsAnecdotal evidence suggests that black seed oil (extracted from nigella seeds) can prevent premature graying. This oil blend is said to reduce hair fall and strengthen the strands.
8. Mustard Oil
You Will Need
2 teaspoons of mustard oil
Method Benefits Anecdotal evidence suggests that mustard oil can significantly slow down premature graying and strengthen the hair.
9. Castor Oil And Olive Oil
Preparation Time 5 minutes You Will Need
1 tablespoon of castor oil 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or any other vegetable oil)
Method Precaution: Castor oil may cause mild irritation. Do a patch test before using it. Benefits Castor oil is widely used in home remedies to promote hair growth and retain hair color. While there is no scientific proof for the claims, this blend may work if used regularly.
10. Coconut Oil And Lemon
Preparation Time 5 minutes You Will Need
2 teaspoons of lemon juice 2 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil
Method Benefits Anecdotal evidence suggests that lemon juice mixed with coconut oil can significantly slow down premature graying and strengthen the hair.
11. Henna And Coconut Oil
Preparation Time 5 minutes You Will Need
4 tablespoons of henna powder 5 tablespoons of cold-pressed coconut oil
Method Benefits Henna is a natural colorant and can cover up premature gray hair (4). Other than these traditional recipes, you can also use certain oils to keep your hair healthy. However, there is no empirical data to back the claims. All of these are based on anecdotal evidence. Check them out in the next section.
Other Effective Oils For Managing Gray Hair
1. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary essential oil can reduce hair loss and promote hair growth (6). Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may darken gray hair if used over an extended period. Dilute it with a carrier oil before using it.
2. Argan Oil
Moroccan argan oil is a rich source of antioxidants and polyphenols. It keeps the hair moisturized (7). It is also said to promote hair growth and slow down hair graying. You can use it as a deep conditioner and leave it on for an hour before washing it off.
3. Sage Oil
Anecdotal evidence suggests that this essential oil can prevent premature graying. You can use sage essential oil in combination with thyme, rosemary, and carrier oils. Use 2-3 drops of the essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil. If you are using multiple essential oils, adjust the quantity as per this ratio.
4. Fish Oil
Fish oil is highly beneficial if it is included in the diet regularly (8). Anecdotal evidence suggests that taking fish oil supplements may even help with premature graying. However, there is no proof to support the claims.
5. Grapeseed Oil
Anecdotal evidence suggests that using grapeseed oil regularly may prevent premature graying. You can mix the oil with any carrier oil, preferably coconut oil, or add it to DIY hair recipes and use it regularly. Is apple cider vinegar good for gray hair? ACV can be used to make gray hair smooth, frizz-free, and shiny. Which oil is best for turning gray hair black? Graying cannot be reversed. However, using a blend of carrier (coconut, jojoba, olive, almond) and essential (lavender, sage, rosemary) oils may help reduce premature graying. If you have gray hair due to aging, it will improve your hair health, but cannot color your hair black.
