Neem oil is a yellowish vegetable oil that is derived from the fruit and flowers of the neem. Known botanically as Azadirachta Indica, the neem tree is native to India and other parts of Asia, and is widely known for its many medicinal properties. All parts of the tree can be used medicinally as they contain azadirachtin, a powerful compound that gives the neem its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties. Neem oil contains azadirachtin in concentrated amounts, and there are many health benefits to using neem oil for hair care.
Using hair oil on a regular basis can be helpful for maintaining healthy hair, and there are different types of hair oil for different hair types and hair conditions. According to many beauty experts, it is vital to consider the overall hair care goal when choosing hair oil. Neem oil, for instance, can be used for multiple purposes such as conditioning the hair, treating the scalp, soothing infections, and getting rid of lice and nits.
A bi-weekly application of neem oil can result in a healthier scalp, and the health of the scalp, of course, affects the overall health of the hair. The oil should be massaged well into the scalp and left overnight or for about an hour before washing. When using neem oil for hair, it is advisable to dilute it in a carrier oil like coconut, olive or almond oil.
By itself, neem hair oil has a very strong and bitter odor that many people may find difficult to tolerate. It is possible to mitigate the odor to some extent by combining the neem oil with aromatic essential oils like lavender or tea tree. Apart from the issue of odor, the concentrated nature of neem oil may also cause reactions in people with sensitive skin. This can be prevented by diluting the neem oil in a carrier oil.
Neem oil for hair can help treat excessive dryness of the scalp, and both prevent dandruff and get rid of any existing dandruff. Regular application of the oil may also resolve thinning hair issues as the oil is known to promote hair growth and to strengthen the hair quality. Neem oil for hair can also be used as a conditioner with shampoo. A few oil drops can be added to the shampoo before application and then a nice lather can be worked up and left for a minute or two before washing away. The hair will retain a nice shine once it has dried.