SPICE UP YOUR TRESSES

Your oh-so-common cabinet of spices is having a moment. With more and more spices sharing shelf space with beauty products, these serious beauty multi-taskers are most likely to be the next big thing!

This isn’t some “gotcha” moment to lure you into a risky spice challenge. After spending the past few weeks uncovering amazing new ways to use common household goods like tomatoes, lemons and honey, we’ve decided to revisit some common spices and their beauty benefits. Here’s why – Besides  adding a kick to your Sunday lunch or providing your salad with a brave new flavour profile, there is a lot to be gained from adding some zing to  your natural beauty routine as well.

Without much ado, let’s talk of five spices and their benefits on your hair.  Read on!

Coriander

To promote hair growth, the use of coriander has been known to be very effective. The best way to have healing benefits of spices from coriander would be to add its powder (1 tsp) to hot mustard oil (1 tbsp), and apply it on the hair from root to tip for the night. Wash it off with warm water the next morning. Hair follicles would be nourished, and the combo would promote hair growth.

Oregano

We love plenty of oregano on our garlic breads and pizzas, don’t we? But now let’s use oregano as a beauty gladiator. Oregano is known for its anti-bacterial properties. It is rich in vitamins and plenty of antioxidants as well. A pinch of oregano in your hair oil can help promote hair growth and prevent hair infection or scalp issues effectively.

Garlic

While garlic may be killer for your breath, it’s a lifesaver for thin hair. Your hair follicle needs nutrients to produce thick, healthy hair. When you aren’t eating the right ones, your hair pays the price. Foods that are high in cysteine, an amino acid found in garlic, can help reinvigorate your follicles which gives your hair its strength.

Cinnamon

Hair loss can be a horrific experience no matter the cause. One way to stimulate hair growth while giving your scalp some TLC is by using a weekly cinnamon mask. This fragrant spice contains calcium, fiber, iron and manganese, and within its bark are healing essential oils. Just mix a pinch of cinnamon powder, 2 tsp of honey into a half cup of warm olive oil. Add one egg to thicken the mask. Comb the solution through wet hair and set for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash out with a shampoo.

Turmeric

Various scalp conditions like hair thinning, inflammation and itching can be easily treated with the use of turmeric. This is because turmeric has amazing anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. All you need to do is gently massage some turmeric paste on to the scalp. Leave it for some time and then rinse.

With these above ingredients, discover nature’s time-tested secret to maintain a healthy beautiful you.

Expert consulted: Dr Shehla Agarwal.