Arnica, also known as Arnica Montana, is a perennial flowering herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to cold and rocky regions like Siberia and Eastern Europe. It is also called ‘the mountain daisy’ due to its yellow-orange appearance, resembling common daisies.
Arnica has long been a staple homoeopathic treatment for skin, scalp, and hair conditions. The usage of Arnica oil for hair is based on scientific merit, which you will notice in the suggestions as you read ahead.
What is Arnica Oil?
Arnica or mountain daisy is a herb from which “Arnica oil” is extracted. Arnica oil for hair benefits is well known, but it works for a number of skin problems too.
Other names:
- Mountain Tobacco
- Leopards’ Bane
- Wolf’s Bane
The homoeopathic Arnica oil is made from a herb that grows in some mountainous regions in North America. It is a medicinal plant and helps manage a number of ailments. It is extracted from the herb using homoeopathic methods, so all the potent nutrients from the plant are retained in the oil. Besides using Arnica hair oil for hair regrowth, it promotes anti-inflammatory action for skin ailments as well.
Pure arnica oil extracted from the best quality plants should be used to obtain the maximum benefits. Using poor quality oil may not give results as expected for healthy hair.
Does Arnica Oil Work For Hair?
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action, arnica oil clears up built-up oil residue on the scalp and helps with many hair and scalp related conditions. However, one must first dilute it before application.
One thing to keep in mind, the benefits mentioned are anecdotal and more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
Arnica Oil for Hair Benefits
The herb's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, fungicidal, pain-relieving, soothing, healing, and rejuvenating properties make it potent and worthy of finding application as a herbal oil.
Does arnica oil work for hair? Read on to find out more about this magic herb.
1. Arnica Oil for Hair Loss
The hair strands you notice on your head are more of a collection of dead cells. They find an escape route from you while you comb your hair. Finding extensive hair on your brush is a sign of hair loss.
Arnica oil for hair aids in extending the hair life by stimulating hair follicles and strengthening the protein content in your hair strands. It helps clear excessive sebum oil, dirt, and debris on the scalp and removes blockages on your hair follicles. In addition, the antibacterial and fungicidal tendencies can help reduce itching and irritation that leads to hair loss.
Arnica hair oil in homoeopathy is used to manage Alopecia Areata, a dreaded condition that leads to heavy hair loss.
2. Arnica Hair Oil for Hair Regrowth
Hair regrowth happens as a result of clearing excessive sebum on the scalp. With the clearing of the oil and the stubborn dirt on the scalp, the blockage of the hair follicles reduces, thereby paving the way for new hair growth.
Arnica has anti-inflammatory properties and helps clear the excess sebum and promote hair regrowth on the scalp.
3. Treatment for Dandruff
Dandruff is a consequence of scalp irritation, fungal infection, and dry skin. Arnica oil retains the natural oil by boosting sebum secretion and reducing inflammation. Its application provides relief from itching and enhances hair texture.
4. Manages Split Ends
Split ends are corrected by cutting off hair from the ends, which may not be preferred by women who love long hair. Arnica oil helps infuse your hair strands with healthy proteins to keep split ends away. Massage your scalp with Arnica hair oil regularly to get rid of split ends.
5. Prevents Hair from Greying
Hair greying is caused mainly due to genetics and stress factors. Although these factors are not in your control, you can preserve your hair strength and health to extend the lifespan of your hair strands. Arnica oil for hair helps increase the longevity of your hair and possibly fends off early greying of hair by boosting blood circulation and strengthening the hair follicles.
6. Maintains Hair Lustre
The high nutrient extracting capability of Arnica hair oil in homoeopathy helps retain the gloss and shine of the hair for extended periods. In addition, the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, fungicidal, and rejuvenating properties of Arnica oil boost hair health.
You can mix Arnica oil for hair with other oils to benefit your hair health. For example, arnica and tea tree oil for hair help your hair health by promoting hair regrowth and combating dandruff, dry scalp, and hair fall.
7. Arnica and Tea Tree Oil for Hair Benefits
The use of arnica oil and tea tree oil have major hair benefits as they can help unplug hair follicles, thereby promoting healthy hair growth. These essential oils have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil is proven to have anti-dandruff properties as it has anti-fungal action on the scalp. Thus, it can be a great alternative to conventional medicated shampoos for getting rid of dandruff.
How to Use Arnica Oil for Hair?
Arnica oil can be directly applied to the area of concern, for instance, inflamed, itchy scalp, but one should never apply it directly to a wound. It can work for hair-related problems due to its manifold advantageous properties.
How to apply?
- You can warm some oil in a small bowl and apply it all over the scalp with a small cotton swab or directly with fingers. Warming the oil will ensure that it penetrates the scalp well and acts at a deeper level of the tissues.
- You can mix it with your shampoos or conditioners and use it as a part of your routine hair care regimen.
- You can mix arnica oil with a carrier oil (almond or coconut oil) and apply it like a hair mask.
Arnica Oil Alternatives
There are many other essential oils that you can add to your hair-care regimen! Essential oils such as cedarwood oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, peppermint and tea tree oil can be used. Each essential oil has different benefits.
Argan oil is another well-known oil. The benefits of argan oil are as follows:
- Good moisturizing and conditioning agent
- It is good for scalp health
- Effective for hair loss
- Protects hair from sun damage
- Prevents damage that occurs due to colouring and styling hair
Where to Buy Arnica Oil for Hair
You may buy Arnica oil at a grocery store or order it online. There are many brands available. You can also check them out at different beauty stores.
Arnica Hair Oil Price
The price of an Allen Arnica Gold Anti Hair Fall Oil of 110ml bottle is Rs 100/-.
Arnica Hair Oil Side Effects
Here are some possible side effects of arnica oil,
- One must not use it if they are allergic to ragweed as it can lead to dangerous symptoms such as hives, breathing difficulty, etc.
- Ingestion can accelerate heart rate and increase blood pressure.
If you experience any unusual symptoms like redness or swelling, discontinue usage. As it is not FDA approved, pregnant women must refrain from using it.
Summing Up Arnica Hair Oil for Hair Regrowth
Arnica oil is something to consider to add to your hair care routine. It is a must-have product that is good for treating a wide variety of hair conditions, as discussed above. It can ensure good hair health by making your hair strong, shiny and free of dandruff. However, if one faces anything unusual, one must consult a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Put Arnica Oil on My Hair?
Yes, most certainly, you can put arnica oil in your hair. Arnica is a homoeopathic oil used extensively for protection against hair fall, deferring greying, promoting hair regrowth, protecting against dandruff and split ends, and retaining the gloss and shine of the hair. Use Arnica oil for hair if you are not allergic to any of its ingredients.
Is Arnica Good for Hair Loss?
Yes, Arnica is effective in managing hair loss owing to its antibacterial and fungicidal properties. This helps clear hidden dirt in the scalp and promotes the natural sebum secretion in the hair. Arnica oil also helps in improving the protein content in the hair follicles, thereby strengthening your hair.
Is Arnica Safe for Daily Use?
There is not much research on its frequent usage. Arnica oil is a safe ingredient for most people. But you must do a patch test by applying a small amount before using it fully.
How Fast Does Arnica Oil Work?
The information on how long it takes for arnica oil to work is unknown. But you may see some results in 2-3 months.
References
- Iannitti, Tommaso, Effectiveness and Safety of Arnica montana in Post-Surgical Setting, Pain and Inflammation - https://journals.lww.com/americantherapeutics/Abstract/2016/01000/Effectiveness_and_Safety_of_Arnica_montana_in.21.aspx
- Arnica - https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/arnica
