7 ways to use ginger oil for strong and smooth tresses

Not only is ginger an essential cooking ingredient, it is an important haircare item as well. Using ginger oil for hair will help you achieve gorgeous, healthy tresses quickly. This fiery root, which contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, has emerged as quite the haircare hero. Ginger oil, derived from the spicy rhizome, provides a unique set of perks that can rejuvenate the appearance of your locks. Using this oil for your hair can increase their growth, treat hair loss, nourish the scalp, and add shine. Check out some easy ways to include this in your beauty regime.

What is ginger oil?

Ginger oil is a concentrated, essential oil derived from the ginger root (Zingiber officinale), a rhizomatous flowering plant in the Zingiberaceae family. It can be obtained by a technique known as steam distillation, which involves exposing the ginger root to steam and gathering and compressing the resulting steam vapours to produce the essential oil, as found in a study published in the journal Essential Oil. There are many benefits of ginger oil for hair and skin. It is also commonly utilised in aromatherapy and other therapeutic applications due to its possible health advantages.

Benefits of using ginger oil for hair

Here are some notable benefits you should know about using ginger oil for hair.

1. Improves blood circulation

Did you know using ginger oil for hair helps to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp? When applied topically, it may increase blood flow to the hair follicles, as found in a study published in the journal Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology. This enhanced blood supply delivers a greater influx of essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. These vital elements are crucial for nourishing the hair follicles and promoting their growth. Additionally, improved blood circulation may strengthen existing hair shafts, making them less prone to breakage and damage.

2. Rich in anti-inflammatory properties

Using ginger oil for hair can help as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It contains substances such as gingerol and shogaol, as found in a study published in the journal PharmaNutrition. These substances can effectively calm an inflamed scalp and minimise inflammation. It can also help with conditions such as dandruff. Plus, it promotes the health of hair follicles by reducing inflammation. This less inflammatory environment allows the hair follicles to work properly, which promotes hair growth and general scalp health.

3. High in antioxidants

Ginger oil is a rich source of antioxidants, such as gingerol and shogaol. These antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the scalp and hair from oxidative damage, as found in a study published in the journal Antioxidants. Free radicals, unstable molecules, can cause significant damage to hair follicles and contribute to hair thinning and premature greying. The antioxidants present in ginger oil effectively neutralise these harmful free radicals, minimising their damaging effects. Protecting the hair and scalp from oxidative stress contributes to healthier, stronger hair and may even help prevent premature greying.

4. Nourishes hair

It is a valuable source of essential fatty acids and minerals that are vital for hair health. These nutrients provide nourishment to both the hair and scalp. “Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, help to strengthen the hair shaft and improve its elasticity,” says Ayurveda expert Dr Chanchal Sharma. Minerals like zinc and magnesium play crucial roles in hair growth and follicle health. By providing these essential nutrients, ginger oil can nourish the hair and scalp, leading to softer, smoother, and more manageable hair.

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How to use ginger oil for hair?

Here are some easy ways of incorporating ginger oil for hair:

1. Ginger oil scalp massage

• Gently massage a few drops of ginger oil directly onto your scalp for 5-10 minutes.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before shampooing.

This can help stimulate blood circulation and nourish hair follicles.

2. Ginger oil and coconut oil hair mask

• Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of ginger oil.
• Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, focusing on the ends.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing off.

This mask provides deep conditioning and promotes hair growth.

3. Ginger oil and olive oil hair treatment

• Combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of ginger oil.
• Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, focusing on the ends.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing off.

This treatment helps to soften and nourish hair.

4. Ginger oil and castor oil hair growth blend

• Mix equal parts of castor oil and ginger oil.
• Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage gently.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing off.

This blend is believed to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss.

5. Ginger oil and rosemary oil hair stimulant

• Combine 1 tablespoon of ginger oil with 1 tablespoon of rosemary oil.
• Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage gently.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing off.

This blend can stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.

6. Ginger oil and lavender oil hair relaxant

• Mix 1 tablespoon of ginger oil with 1 tablespoon of lavender oil.
• Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, focusing on the ends.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing off.

This blend can help to relax and soothe the scalp.

7. Ginger oil and tea tree oil dandruff remedy

• Combine 1 tablespoon of ginger oil with 1 tablespoon of tea tree oil.
• Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage gently.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing off.

This blend can help to reduce dandruff and soothe an itchy scalp.

Important note: Always do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying any of these DIYs to your hair to check for any allergic reactions. Also, consult your doctor before using ginger oil for hair.