Let us know about the Neem benefits for hair. Ayurveda regards neem as “Sarva Roga Nivarini”, which means the salve for all ailments , diseases and disorders, neem has a variety of biological properties, which help in the treatment of many diseases.
Neem contains vitamin E , carotenoids and vitamin C. Apart from this, oil can also be obtained from the neem tree. It contains various fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid and palmylic acid. All these vitamins and fatty acids help in improving the quality of the skin and also reduce the signs of ageing.
The constituents in neem help in treating various conditions of the skin as well as hair such as dermatitis and scalp psoriasis (a common skin disorder characterized by red, scaly rashes). One of the major constituents of neem is azadirachtin, which is helpful in killing insects.
Neem can be used in the form of paste, powder and oil. All these can be used for skin, hair, face health. Apart from this, it can also be consumed orally. Following are the benefits of neem to keep hair healthy and shiny
Neem is helpful in preventing hair fall.
Neem oil has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antioxidant properties, which help prevent the problem of baldness . It has proved to be effective in treating psoriasis in the scalp. Psoriasis, also known as ringworm, is a condition characterized by red, scaly rashes with inflammation on the scalp.
Neem oil has regenerative properties, which help in faster cell division, promoting the growth and function of hair follicles. This helps in hair growth.
Neem gets rid of dandruff
Dandruff is caused by a fungus called Malassezia . This fungus thrives on the surface of the scalp and increases the production of sebum (a natural oil present in the body that protects the skin by keeping it moist). Chemical compounds like gedinine and nimbidol found in neem extract have anti-fungal properties, which help in reducing the problem of dandruff . Apart from this, neem oil helps in reducing the inflammation , itching and burning caused by dandruff.
Its oil also has the ability to maintain the natural acidity of the scalp, also known as the pH balance of the scalp. The naturally acidic environment of the scalp also helps prevent fungal infections.
Neem kills head lice
Research has shown that neem oil has the ability to kill head lice. A research was done to determine the effect of neem oil in eliminating lice. It has been found that using a shampoo made of neem oil can kill all the lice within 20 minutes. Neem contains an insecticidal compound called azadirachtin, which helps inhibit the growth and reproduction of lice as well as kills them. Apart from this, the lice start suffocating due to the smell of neem oil. Thus neem can also be used as a preventive measure against head lice.
Makes hair smooth and manageable
Neem extract contains various fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid and stearic acid, which thicken hair and add shine to frizzy and dry hair. If a person wishes, he can mix neem oil in his regular shampoo and use it.
Neem prevents premature graying of hair
Neem oil is rich in antioxidants, which helps prevent premature graying of hair. Although there can be many reasons behind premature graying of hair, but if the cause of hair graying is hormonal imbalance , excessive sunlight or excessive stress , then applying neem oil can be beneficial.
