Ancient Indian Herbal Recipe for Hair Growth

Indian women have gorgeous hair--so gorgeous, in fact, that India is the number one source of hair for hair extensions. Take advantage of India's exotic plants and berries and whip up a unique, ultra-nourishing hair mask to stimulate the scalp and encourage hair growth. You may have to do a little searching to find these all-natural ingredients, so don't panic if you can't find them all. Customize your hair mask, and use as many or as few as you like. Does this Spark an idea?

Base

The most exotic base you can use for your hair mask is coconut oil. Heat a small amount of this oil in the microwave, or run hot water over the jar, until it melts from a white solid into a clear liquid. Coconut oil is wonderful for your hair on its own; it penetrates easily and moisturizes the shaft from root to tip.

Other great ingredients to use as a base are olive oil, honey, and egg. Combine these ingredients using whatever ratio you like. Honey and olive oil are both moisturizing, while egg is a protein that strengthens the shaft and helps prevent breakage (very important for healthy hair growth). If you're using egg in your base, leave the mask on for 30 to 60 minutes. If not, you can leave it on overnight.

Oil Infusions

The night before you're planning to use your hair mask, prepare an oil infusion with exotic Indian herbs or berries. Make more than you need so that you won't have to repeat the process every time you do the treatment.

Amla, or Indian gooseberry, has long been used for promoting hair growth. Buy it in its powdered form online or at your health food store. Fenugreek, or Menthi in India, is another potent hair-growth herb. Look for fenugreek seeds in the herb section of most health food stores.

Use about two teaspoons of each plant for every cup of oil. Boil the mixture over low heat until it turns brown, and remove immediately from heat. Strain the mixture and allow it to cool. You can also let the plants infuse the oil naturally by soaking them in oil for a few weeks, if you're willing to take the time. Massage the mixture into your hair and scalp every night before bed.

Color Enhancers

Increase the potency of your hair mask with two more Indian ingredients that enhance color while stimulating new growth. You can add these to the oil infusion above, or mix them into a whole new mask.

Curry leaves help prevent premature graying. When boiled in oil, they stimulate new hair growth and nourish the roots. Try adding an egg to this mixture for extra strengthening.

Hibiscus flowers are also great for fighting gray hair. Throw a few flowers into your boiling oil along with amla, fenugreek, or curry. You can also add the powder directly to your base (try adding aloe vera gel for additional moisture).