Life in a metro, though rewarding, doesn't come without consequences. Dirt, smoke, and pollution are constants in urban areas. One of the most common upshots of this lifestyle is bad hair. Every other person is going through one hair issue or the other.
The most annoying yet sad ones are hair fall, dandruff, thin hair, and the worst of all, balding. But like Fleabag says, "Hair is everything!", so let's put an end to this daily suffering. How? Well, oats can do just that.
Avena sativa, better known as oats, is a popular breakfast cereal consumed all over the world. However, its amazingness is not just limited to it being a superfood. Not only are oats rich in macro and micronutrients, but this power-packed wholegrain is also great for your hair! Sounds bizarre? Read more to find out what this ordinary-looking cereal is actually capable of.
Oats for Hair Growth
Oats are enriched with saponin, beta-glucan, and protein. All three make an invincible combination that supports hair growth. Saponin acts like a cleansing agent for the scalp, and beta-glucan aids in moisture retention. The importance of protein for healthy and lustrous hair is well-documented.
Oats for Hair Thickness and Texture
This supreme grain- oats has a good amount of essential omega-6 fatty acids that help repair hair damage, prevent scalp-flaking, and split-ends. This positively affects the strengthening of hair follicles and, therefore, the thickness of your hair. It enhances the elasticity of hair strands and makes them less brittle. An oatmeal wash leaves a natural shine on your hair and improves its texture manifold.
Oats for Hair Volume
These essential nutrients have great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory value and give your hair a bountiful look. Oatmeal is an oil-dirt control agent that also provides immense nourishment to your scalp.
Oats for Dandruff
Oatmeal is a highly effective ingredient in controlling the ever-exhausting problem of dandruff. The saponin in oatmeal gently cleanses the sebum extracted by the hair follicles and absorbs dirt. It also acts as a physical barrier on the scalp skin to reduce TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and ultimately keeps your hair fresh from various pollutants.
Oats for Itchy and Spotty scalp
Apart from all these micronutrients, manganese has a significant effect on reducing scalp inflammation and micro-injuries. Oatmeal exfoliates a grainy scalp well and effectively moisturizes its surface.
Benefits of Eating Oats and Oatmeal for hair
Oats, in any form, can fulfill most of your daily nutrition requirements.
- This humble grain carries just the right amount of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals your hair actually needs to give you a lively look. It's basically like a 'balanced diet' for your hair.
- Your body absorbs 'natural actives' like amino acids, linoleic acid, avenanthramides, and polyunsaturated fats through the hearty oatmeal. The health of your hair depends upon the intake of these essential nutrients.
- The beta-glucan in oats is extremely important in controlling your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Just half a cup of oats carries the RDI (recommended daily intake) of this winning combination: 19% manganese, 34% magnesium, 24% copper, 41% phosphorous, 20% zinc and iron, 11% folate, 39% vitamin B, and 10% vitamin B5.
In short, eating oats directly or indirectly promotes healthy hair growth.
Benefits of applying Oats and Oatmeal on hair
The multifaceted oats can also be used topically on your hair, face, arms, or legs. Oats and oatmeal have significant therapeutic and cosmetic value. The inherent vitamin E enters the deep layers of your skin and naturally moisturizes and rejuvenates it. The release of saponins also has an important cleansing role for the scalp. Oatmeal shampoo has a soothing effect on hair and treats cold sores or allergies on the head. An oatmeal pack could produce beautiful, soft hair. You can make a hair and face mask easily at home. It's going to be 100% organic and easy-to-use. Here are some of the remedies you can try-
Oats Hair mask
Take a bowl of oats flour. You can just blend some impurity-free oats and make a fine powder for this. Gradually, add hot water to make a thick yet smooth paste and cover it before letting it cool. Apply this paste on freshly cleaned, damp hair. Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Rinse off all the gloop and relish a bright change after your usual hair care routine.
Oats Hair milk
Soak a bowlful of rolled oats in 3 cups of water for about 10 minutes. Strain it with a muslin cloth. What you're left with is a cup full of oats milk. Gently apply it on your oily, unwashed scalp with a cotton swab, and give yourself a light massage. Wash it off with a mild shampoo, and enjoy a good hair day.
Honey for hair regrowth
Honey goes really well with oats, not only for taste but also for skin and hair care. Try this honey-oats face mask that is great for dry and irritated skin.
Is honey good for hair fall?
Honey is anti-bacterial in nature and packed with antioxidants. It also maintains an optimum skin pH level. Since these properties are already present in oats, imagine the goodness that comes out of this combination. Honey enhances the qualities present in oats/oatmeal, repairs damaged hair, and prevents hair loss.
