12 Effective Homemade Hair Oils For Gray Hair
Say hello to healthy, dark hair with these amazing products for beautiful tresses.
Homemade hair oils for gray hair are the best way to deal with this prominent sign of aging, owing all to their anti-aging properties.
Graying is an unavoidable part of the process of aging. It can significantly impact physical appearance and may have a damaging effect on the self-esteem for many people. 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). Krysta Biancone, a hair stylist, says, “Moisturizing gray hair with homemade oils is a great way to keep it looking soft and healthy. Some great oils to use are coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil. Massage the oils into the scalp and strands of your hair to help lock in moisture.”
This highlights the importance of effective, natural solutions to maintain a youthful look while embracing one’s natural beauty. In this article, we have listed the 12 best natural oils you may make at home to help you manage gray hair. To learn more about them, keep reading!
In This Article
12 Homemade Hair Oils To Manage Gray Hair
If you want to know how to cover gray hair, we are here with some perfect recipes. 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
- Heat the curry leaves and coconut oil in a small saucepan until the mixture turns black.
- Let the oil cool and massage your hair and scalp with it.
- Leave it on for at least an hour.
- Wash it off with shampoo and condition your hair.
- Repeat this 2-3 times a week.
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). This is also how you can get rid of white hair!
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
- Heat the mixture on a low flame until the powder starts to char.
- Let the oil cool down a bit.
- Massage your scalp and hair with the warm mixture.
- Leave it on for at least an hour or overnight.
- Wash off with shampoo and condition your hair.
- Repeat this 2-3 times a week.
Benefits
Coconut oil is best for gray hair. Adding it with amla or Indian gooseberry can darken premature gray hair and reduce dandruff and itching. Coconut oil also 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
- Heat the almond oil for about a minute until it is warm.
- Add the lemon juice to it and massage your scalp and hair with the blend.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Follow up with shampoo and conditioner.
- Repeat this twice a week.
Benefits
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the blend of lemon juice and almond oil may prevent premature graying, add shine to the hair, make it appear glossy, and support overall hair revitalization.
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
- Heat the coconut oil for 30 seconds and add the leaves to it.
- Let the oil cool down completely.
- Do a proper hair and scalp massage with the oil.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Follow up with a shampoo and conditioner.
- Repeat this twice a week.
Benefits
Hibiscus leaves are natural colorants and used in traditional formulations to prevent gray hair (4). This mixture can also strengthen your hair, reduce breakage, and increase hair elasticity, hair shine, and hair volume.
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
- Mix the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat until the powder starts to char.
- Let the oil cool down a bit.
- Massage your scalp and hair with the oil mixture.
- Leave it on for at least an hour or overnight.
- Wash off with shampoo and then condition your hair.
- Repeat this 2-3 times a week.
Benefits
Ribbed gourd (also called ridge gourd or Chinese okra) powder prevents premature graying (5). This oil mixture can strengthen the hair, nourish the hair follicles, support hair repair, and prevent breakage, thus providing overall hair protection.
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
- Mix these plant-based ingredients in a small saucepan and heat on low flame for a minute.
- Let the oil cool until it is warm enough to touch.
- Massage your scalp and hair with the blend.
- Leave it on for at least an hour.
- Wash off with shampoo, and condition your hair.
- Repeat this 2-3 times a week.
Benefits
Bhringraj powder is used in Ayurvedic formulations due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties that 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
- Mix the two herbal oils and massage your scalp and hair with the blend.
- Leave it on for an hour, and wash it off with a mild shampoo.
- Repeat this every day.
Precaution:
Black seed oil may cause mild irritation. Do a patch test before using it.
Benefits
Anecdotal 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.
Joe Moody, a blogger, shared his personal experience with organic olive oil on his blog. While talking about how using olive oil after a shower rather than other chemical products, he exclaims, “After some years (of) using it, I also noticed I had less gray hair than my brother who is two years younger than me (i).” He goes on to say, “This is an ingredient I can pronounce, an ingredient I can trust, an ingredient I can digest”, pointing out that it is a simple ingredient with various benefits and minimal side effects, which is often underappreciated.
8. Mustard Oil
You Will Need
- 2 teaspoons of mustard oil
Method
- Heat the mustard oil for 30 seconds.
- Massage your scalp and hair with it and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash off with a shampoo and condition your hair.
- Repeat this twice a week.
BenefitsAnecdotal 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
- Mix the two oils and massage your scalp and hair with the blend.
- Leave it on for an hour
- Wash off with warm water.
- Repeat this every day.
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
- Heat the coconut oil for about a minute until it is warm.
- Add the lemon juice and mix. Apply it to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Follow up with a shampoo and conditioner.
- Repeat this twice a week.
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
- Heat the coconut oil for about a minute and mix with henna powder.
- Cool it down completely and strain the mixture.
- Massage your scalp and hair with it.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Shampoo and condition your hair.
- Repeat this twice a week.
Benefits
Henna is a natural colorant and can cover up premature gray hair (4).
12. Carrot Seed And Sesame Oil
Preparation Time
5 minutes
You Will Need
- ½ tablespoon of carrot seed oil
- 4 tablespoons of sesame oil
Method
- Mix the carrot seed and sesame oils.
- Massage the mixture into the scalp and hair roots for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Follow it up with a mild shampoo for best results.
Benefits
Sesame oil penetrates deeply and reaches the hair follicles to improve blood circulation to the scalp. This may boost hair growth and reduce gray hair (6). This oil, when combined with carrot seed oil, may improve hair shine and texture. It also nourishes the scalp, repairs split ends, and helps reduce dryness (7).
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
(8). Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may darken gray hair if used over an extended period. Dilute it with a carrier oil before using it. Biancone says, “Regular scalp massages with essential oils, such as rosemary, can help to stimulate hair growth and encourage healthier hair follicles.”
2. Argan Oil
Moroccan argan oil is a rich source of antioxidants and polyphenols. It keeps the hair moisturized (9). 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 help in gray hair prevention. 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 (10). 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 care recipes and use it regularly.
Incorporating these homemade oils into your hair care routine can combat graying, enhance shine, and improve overall hair health. Further, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can support the vibrancy of your hair as you age.
Infographic: Effective Homemade Hair Oils For Gray Hair
Gray hair is inevitable as you get older. Also, other factors like health conditions and prolonged UV exposure can contribute to hair graying. However, some effective DIY oils help improve your hair texture and health. Check out the infographic below to learn more about homemade hair oils that help reduce and manage gray hair.
Premature graying of hair can be caused by multiple factors. The best way to treat gray hair is to consult a doctor for a medical diagnosis and get to the root cause. In most cases, the graying ceases once you address the underlying condition. The hair oils mentioned above can help improve your hair quality and health and enhance your hair color to prevent premature graying. But, remember to apply these hair oils for gray hair more than once a week for best results. Massaging your scalp with these oils can also help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vitamin am I lacking if my hair is turning gray?
Krysta Biancone says, “When it comes to nutrition, there are certain vitamins and minerals that are essential for good hair health. Vitamin B12 helps to protect hair from premature graying, so make sure to include foods like eggs, fortified cereals, and fish in your diet. Vitamin D is also important for hair growth, so make sure you get plenty of sun exposure. Finally, vitamin E encourages growth, so make sure to include nuts, avocados, and olive oil in your meals.”
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?
While gray hair reversal is not possible, 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.
Can I mix different oils for better results?
Yes, mixing different oils can boost their benefits. For example, combining coconut oil with rosemary or sage can be more effective for managing gray hair. This way, you can also customize your hair oil recipe to suit your specific hair care needs.
Key Takeaways
- Factors like prolonged sun exposure and underlying health conditions may affect your hair color.
- Massage the heated mixture of curry leaves and coconut oil to improve hair tone and promote hair growth.
- Amla powder and coconut oil help darken premature gray hair and prevent protein loss.
- Essential oils like rosemary oil can reduce hair fall and darken gray hair.
Illustration: Effective Homemade Hair Oils For Gray Hair
Watch this video to learn how to prevent grey hair naturally with this DIY hair oil! Get ready for a youthful look!
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Throw Away Your Hair Productshttps://medium.com/the-mood/throw-away-your-hair-products-c38965fd54e4
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7070712/ - Herbal cosmetics in ancient India
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/ - Study of colouring effect of herbal hair formulations on graying hair
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Read full bio of Dr. Mamtha Tandle
- Krysta Biancone is a hair stylist with over 13 years of experience in blonde highlights, hair extensions, and blonde coloring. She aims to make every client feel their absolute best.Krysta Biancone is a hair stylist with over 13 years of experience in blonde highlights, hair extensions, and blonde coloring. She aims to make every client feel their absolute best.
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