Benefits of Mustard Oil for Hair

Q: How long to leave mustard oil in hair?

Leave it on for 30 minutes to 2 hours or overnight if your scalp tolerates it well.

Mustard oil is also known for its strong aroma and rich nutrient profile. It has long been a staple in Indian households, not just for cooking but also for hair care. It contains many essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. This natural oil can do wonders for your hair health.

Let’s explore the benefits of mustard oil for hair, how to use it correctly and how it compares to other natural oils like coconut oil.

Why Mustard Oil is a Natural Hair Healer

Mustard oil is extracted from mustard seeds and is rich in:

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Vitamin E
Antioxidants
Minerals like zinc, selenium, and beta-carotene

These nutrients work together to strengthen your hair, keep your scalp healthy and protect against infections. Mustard oil also has natural properties that fight bacteria and fungi, making it an excellent choice for common hair problems.

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How to Use Mustard Oil for Hair?

Using mustard oil for your hair is easy! Here’s how to do it:

Warm it up: Heat the oil a little before you use it. This helps your hair absorb it better.
Massage Your Scalp: Use your fingers to gently rub the oil into your scalp. This feels nice and helps stimulate your hair roots.
Keep the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes, but you can leave it on for 2 hours or even overnight if you want.
Wash it Out: When you are ready, wash your hair with a normal shampoo. You might need to shampoo twice to remove the oil.

Can You Use Mustard Oil Daily?

Mustard oil has many benefits and daily use is not usually recommended. This is because:

Its strong smell may linger even after washing.
Daily application may lead to greasy buildup on the scalp.
Overuse can sometimes irritate sensitive scalps.

You can use it twice a week unless advised otherwise by a dermatologist.

Top Benefits of Mustard Oil for Hair

Here are the top benefits of mustard oil for your hair:

1. Promotes Hair Growth

Mustard oil helps to boost hair growth by improving blood circulation in your scalp and stimulating hair roots. It contains vitamins A, D, E and K that make your hair stronger and healthier.

2. Reduces Dandruff and Scalp Irritation

Mustard oil can help you if you are dealing with dandruff or an itchy scalp. Its natural properties soothe the scalp and reduce flakiness when massaged in regularly.

3. Strengthens Hair Strands

This oil is rich in essential nutrients that help strengthen your hair, making it less prone to breakage and split ends. It promotes resilient hair that can withstand damage.

4. Prevents Premature Greying

Mustard oil is rich in antioxidants that can help delay the greying of hair, keeping your locks looking youthful for longer.

5. Fights Scalp Infections

Mustard oil has natural properties that can help keep your scalp free from bacteria and fungi. This helps prevent infections like folliculitis and reduces unwanted buildup on your scalp.

6. Seals in Moisture

Mustard oil can create a protective layer over your scalp and hair and can help to trap moisture inside. This is great for keeping your hair hydrated to stop dryness.

7. Improves Blood Circulation

When you massage your scalp with warm mustard oil, it improves better blood flow. This nourishing effect can benefit your hair roots and promote healthier and stronger hair.

8. Reduces Hair Fall

Regular use of mustard oil can help minimise hair loss by strengthening the roots and improving the overall health of your scalp.

9. Adds Shine and Softness

Mustard oil effectively conditions and smooths coarse, dehydrated hair and resulting in soft and shiny hair. The hair becomes more manageable after washing due to reduced friction and increased moisture retention.

Side Effects of Mustard Oil on Hair

Although mustard oil is usually safe to use, some people might have a few issues when applying it to their hair. These can include:

Allergic reactions, which can cause itching, redness or a rash.
Irritation on the scalp may occur if used too much.
Clogging of pores, especially for those with oily scalps.
A strong smell that might linger even after washing.

Difference Between the Benefits of Mustard Oil vs Coconut Oil for Hair

Feature	Mustard Oil	Coconut Oil
Texture	Thick and heavy	Light and smooth
Odor	Strong, pungent	Mild, pleasant
Main Benefits	Stimulates growth, antifungal and scalp circulation	Deeply moisturising, protein-retaining
Best For	Dandruff, slow growth and flaky scalp	Dry, damaged hair and frizz control
Drawback	May irritate sensitive scalps	May harden in cold temperatures

Tip: You can even mix both oils for a balanced hair treatment.

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Conclusion

Mustard oil is a powerful natural remedy for healthier and stronger hair. It helps fight dandruff, reduce hair fall, increase hair growth and add shine, all while nourishing the scalp. Although it might not be suitable for everyone to use every day, using it once or twice a week can be beneficial and sufficient. Just make sure to do a patch test first and wash it out properly to enjoy its benefits without any problems!