Almost every woman faces at least one of the many problems regarding their hair - hair fall, dull hair, less volume, dandruff, and so on. It becomes difficult to take proper care of our hair in today’s fast-moving world. We resort to products filled with chemicals for faster results, but we end up harming our hair even more. But, there is a natural solution - walnuts (akhrot)!
So, what makes walnuts good for hair?
As per studies, walnuts are considered to be the most hair-friendly nuts. There are several walnut oil benefits for hair. They are highly rich in omega-3 fatty acids as well as zinc, iron, vitamin B1, B6, and B9 and have abundant amounts of protein.
Walnut Benefits for Hair
Here are a few walnut benefits for hair:
1. Strengthens our scalp
Walnuts are known to have antifungal properties. They hydrate the scalp and prevent dirt and excess oil from setting on the roots. We can either use walnut oil to massage our scalp or use crushed walnuts as a hair scrub. Both help in stimulating oil production, reducing flakiness, and stimulating dormant hair follicles to improve hair growth.
2. Prevents dandruff
As per studies, walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that helps condition our hair. Walnuts, with their lightweight texture, help in getting rid of dandruff (caused due to dry and flaky scalp) by hydrating and moisturising the scalp. The anti-inflammatory properties of walnuts also help in soothing and calming an inflamed scalp to reduce itchiness, dandruff, and general discomfort.
3. Repairs damaged hair
Walnuts being rich in vitamin E, omega-3, and potassium, reduce hair breakage and make hair stronger and healthier. They can also protect our hair from exposure to the harsh rays of the sun, pollution, and other environmental damage. Walnuts are also full of antioxidants and fatty acids, which help in stimulating dormant hair follicles, preventing and restoring damage to deliver healthier, stronger, and fuller hair growth.
4. Reduces hair fall
Walnuts contain biotin, vitamins B1, B6, B9, and E, plenty of protein and potassium, all of which are known to strengthen hair cuticles and prevent thinning. As per studies, deficiency of potassium can disable the cells from repairing and regenerating, which might cause hair loss and even balding. A regular massage with walnut oil can easily prevent hair fall.
5. Improves hair texture
Walnuts are rich in biotin and copper, which not only help in nourishing our hair but also intensify the lustre to make them appear healthier and fuller. As per studies, copper is required for the synthesis of the melanin pigment, deficiency of which can cause stained and lacklustre hair.
Contents that make walnuts so beneficial:
- Omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts play a crucial role in reducing hair loss, improving hair density and making hair strong.
- Vitamin E present in walnuts is a powerful antioxidant that is responsible for neutralising free radicals and fighting oxidative stress that causes hair to fall.
- Selenium (a mineral responsible for preventing cell damage) in walnuts has the properties of antioxidants and promotes hair thickness.
- Biotin (vitamin B7) is vastly present in walnuts and is important for strong hair that grows fast.
- Antioxidants in walnuts are highly responsible for preventing hair loss.
So, we know that walnuts, more commonly known as akhrot, are good for hair. They can be consumed or applied to the hair in many ways.
- Eat walnuts as it is.
- Add walnuts to your salad.
- Add walnuts into your baked goods like cakes, muffins, pancakes, etc.
- Massage your head with walnut oil and leave it on for an hour before shampooing off with a mild and gentle hair cleanser.
- Walnut infused shampoo and conditioner with no sulphate.
- DIY hair scrub by crushing the walnuts, massaging the head for 10 minutes before washing it off.
- DIY hair dye by crushing walnut shells. Add them to a pan of boiling water, let it cool down, and then separate the crushed shells from the liquid. Take a dye brush and dip it into the liquid, massaging it into your hair.
- DIY hair mask by adding a few drops of walnut oil to curd or honey. Apply the mixture on your hair for 20 minutes before washing it off.
References
- G M Mir, Owais Nisar, August 2016; Scientific Processing of Walnuts Necessary for Amazing Health Benefits - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319182987_Scientific_Processing_of_Walnuts_Necessary_for_Amazing_Health_Benefits
- Abha Chauhan and Ved Chauhan, February 2020; Beneficial Effects of Walnuts on Cognition and Brain Health - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7071526/#:~:text=Substantial%20evidence%20from%20animal%20and,for%20the%20development%20of%20dementia.
