Honey is a natural sweetener extracted from honeybees. It is used as a homemade natural remedy for many health issues related to the face and hair. However, while using honey in DIY hair packs, many people have a question in their mind: does honey make hair white?
Does Honey Make Hair White?
Will honey make hair white? No, that is a myth. Honey contains a glucose oxidase enzyme, which creates hydrogen peroxide. This hydrogen peroxide is a unique substance that lightens hair colour temporarily but doesn’t turn them white. The amount of hair lightening varies from person to person without turning them grey.
Honey has been used for centuries in hair care by women. In the past, honey was used as a mask to promote nourishment to the hair when women didn't have access to shampoo and conditioners.
Therefore, the question "will honey make hair white?" is just like asking, "do vegetables induce indigestion?" Vegetables are a tremendous source of nutrients and, when appropriately cooked, can be the best medication for a variety of ailments. Similarly, honey is high in niacin, riboflavin, zinc, iron, and other nutrients and, when utilised correctly, can help with a variety of hair issues.
But, due to its sticky nature, if not washed properly, it might absorb dust and dirt from the environment, leading to scalp infection, and hair fall.
Benefits of Applying Honey on Hair
Aside from the question “does applying honey on hair make it white?” one must consider the numerous benefits of honey on hair. Honey may be the best ingredient to make your hair look flawless. Listed below are the benefits of applying honey on hair:
1. For Softening and Conditioning Hair
Honey is a product that one may use in the next wash if the hair is dry and weak. Honey is a natural softener and thickener that keeps hair moisturised and prevents it from drying out. It is an emulsifier, which means it locks the moisture in the hair by softening and conditioning them.
Method to use–
- Prepare a mixture of honey and extra virgin olive oil.
- Heat the mixture until it reaches a warm temperature.
- Apply the same on wet hair and leave it for 30 minutes by covering hair with a shower cap.
- After 30 minutes, wash it off thoroughly and enjoy the softness of your hair.
2. For Promoting Hair Growth
Honey is a natural antioxidant, and using it directly on the scalp may promote hair growth by helping in stimulating the dormant hair follicle.
Method to use-
- Take 2 tablespoons of honey, mix it with 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil, and one egg yolk.
- Mix thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency, then apply to the hair.
- Apply properly, covering all the roots and strands completely.
- Cover up your hair with a shower cap and leave it for 30 mins.
- After an hour, wash it properly with cold water.
3. For Providing Shininess to Hair
Honey can be used to give life and shine to the dead strands by locking the moisture, clarifying, and conditioning the hair.
Method to use-
- Take 5 tablespoons of honey and mix it with 2 cups of water.
- Apply the mixture to clean hair.
- Wear the shower cap and let the mix stay for an hour.
- Rinse it off thoroughly.
4. For Naturally Cleansing the Hair
Honey contains antibacterial qualities that aid in the killing of infection-causing germs as well as the prevention of scalp infection. It also helps to maintain scalp health by soothing and cleansing it.
Method to use-
- Dissolve honey in boiling water and apply the mixture evenly on the scalp hair.
- Allow the mix to rest for 2-3 hours in the hair and wash it off thoroughly.
References
- N S Al-Waili, July 2001; Therapeutic and prophylactic effects of crude honey on chronic seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11485891
- Abdullah Youssef, October 2020; Survey of use of herbal and home remedies for hair and scalp among women in North West Saudi Arabia - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33408832/
